My first job was at a local restaurant, where I worked for seven years and learned so many lessons, especially from a fellow 36 . Helen was in her 30s and had extraordinary self-confidence, something I was really 37 . I looked up to Helen 38 she was doing what she loved— 39 people better. She always made everyone—customers and co-workers— 40 and feel good.
Being a waitress changed my life. One of my 41 customers was Fred Hasbrook. He always ate an omelet(煎蛋卷), and when I saw him 42 , I tried to have it on his table as soon as he sat down.
Thanks to the new found confidence I 43 from Helen, I dreamed of having my own __44 . But when I called my parents to ask for a loan, they said, “We just don’t have the money.” The next day, Fred saw me and asked, “What’s 45 ? You’re not smiling today.” I 46__ my dream with him and said, “Fred, I know I can do more if somebody 47 just have faith in me.”
Before long he handed me checks 48 $50,000—along with a note that I have to this day. It reads, “The only collateral（抵押品）on this loan is my trust in your 49 as a person. Good people with a dream should have the 50 to make that dream come true.” I took the checks to Merrill Lynch, where the money was provided for me. I 51 working at the restaurant, making 52 for the restaurant I would open. My plans soured（破灭）, and I lost the 53 .
Later I decided to apply for a job at Merill Lynch. Even though I had no experience, I was
54 and ended up becoming a pretty good agent. 55 , I paid back Fred the $50,000, plus 14-percent annual interest. Five years later, I was able to open my own firm.
36. A. friend B. customer C. citizen D. waitress
37. A. lacking B. earning C. sharing D. losing
38. A. while B. because C. though D. unless
39. A. serving B. respecting C. helping D. praising
40. A. work B. eat C. smile D. speak
41. A. favorite B. regular C. respected D. fresh
42. A. eating B. greeting C. coming D. smiling
43. A. found out B. got back C. picked up D. took away
44. A. money B. work C. house D. restaurant
45. A. up B. that C. there D. ahead
46. A. exchanged B. discussed C. explained D. shared
47. A. should B. would C. might D. must
48. A. counting B. adding C. totaling D. valuing
49. A. honesty B. ability C. responsibility D. identity
50. A. patience B. confidence C. choice D. chance
51. A. continued B. practiced C. loved D. enjoyed
52 A. tables B. suggestions C. decisions D. preparations
53. A. faith B. honesty C. money D. friend
54A. rejected B. hired C. encouraged D. determined
55A. fortunately B. eventually C. personally D. excitedly