Back to School
I had always longed to get a degree, but raising a family had come first. Now with my last _41_ in middle school, I thought, why not try to _42_ something while I still had the opportunity. When I told my husband Bob my idea, a broad smile lit up his face. “If that’s what you _43_, we’ll make it work.”
When we asked the kids for advice, they had mixed _44_. Our daughter, already in college, thought it a great idea while John, in high school, was _45_ that we might be in college at the same time. James, our youngest, wanted to know who would take him to football practice. I _46_ that things would be a little different, _47_ if everyone contributed, it wouldn’t be difficult.
The next day we drove to the community college and after a careful research, I chose to _48_ in occupational therapy (康复理疗) .
Days passed in excitement, enrolling in classes, shopping for _49_ and attending instructions. I felt like a kid again, but as the first day of classes drew near, I became _50_. I was simply too old. People would laugh at me. Finally, with encouragement from my family and friends, I stuck with my _51_. As I entered my classroom that first morning, I chose a seat in the back, hoping to _52_ attention. For the rest of that day, I did what I saw the other students do, and gradually, my self-consciousness（embarrassment deriving from the feeling that others are critically aware of you） faded. I found the classes and assignments 53_, and I left that day feeling I might survive. By the end of the first week, I had made a few friends.
Studying and keeping up with my duties at home was _54_. No sooner would I begin to study than it was time to drive the kids to their activities. Math and science were _55_ my strong subjects, so I devoted more time to those. When the first semester _56_, I had a 4.0 GPA and was placed on the Honor Roll.
By the second year, Bob and the kids were all doing their _57_, and I had learned how to well _58_ my school and home life. My hard work paid off. I was awarded a scholarship and got the bachelor’s degree.
As I drove away on the last day of school, I thought about what a difference returning to _59_ had made in my life. I looked much younger and I had more _60_and enthusiasm for life. I even became a therapist. It’s never too late to try again.
41. A. classmate B. child C. student D. friend
42. A. remember B. create C. achieve D. improve
43. A. accept B. take C. offer D. want
44. A. reactions B. impressions C. requests D. choices
45. A. happy B. horrified C. grateful D. relieved
46. A. complained B. noticed C. explained D. declared
47. A. but B. so C. or D. for
48. A. fill B. join C. lead D. major
49. A. supplies B. clothes C. instruments D. souvenirs
50. A. determined B. confident C. anxious D. confused
51. A. opinion B. decision C. project D. promise
52. A. avoid B. draw C. receive D. pay
53. A. annoying B. depressing C. demanding D. interesting
54. A. different B. challenging C. rewarding D. simple
55. A. always B. still C. ever D. never
56. A. changed B. started C. ended D. returned
57. A. dishes B. deeds C. homework D. share
58. A. balance B. save C. continue D. value
59. A. family B. society C. school D. hospital
60. A. time B. energy C. strength D. chance