B

When the call came for volunteers to visit local schools for Brain Awareness Week, I jumped at the opportunity. I had spent the past 3 years with my head down, focused on my neuroscience Ph. D., and I liked the idea of getting out and sharing what I was learning. I found it deeply satisfying to help the students understand even just a little bit about why their grandparents might not remember things or why the brains of their autistic (患自闭症的) brothers or sisters might work differently. The next day, I went back to my normal lab routine. But the experience planted a seed, eventually leading me to a new career.

I entered grad school with the hope to become a professor. I wasn't required to teach, but I volunteered as a teaching assistant. But mostly I focused on research, which should be the priority for an academic job. I was happy with that for many years, as I loved making discoveries and publishing papers. But after becoming a postdoc I felt lost

in research details and longed to see the big-picture impact.

Amid my struggle, a career symposium (专题研讨会) at my institute drew my

attention. Hearing scientists' transitions to positions at museums or research institutes, I realized that science education could be a career. Afterward, I asked the speakers for advice on following in their footsteps, although I admitted, "I don't know if I'm brave

enough."

The speakers convinced me of pursuing a career out of my interest. But I realized my new path wasn't as straightforward as the academic route. I wondered how to find relevant jobs and feared my former colleagues would view me as a failed postdoc. But I

chose to be courageous and do what was best for me.

I followed a winding path. Initially, I wrote about scientific discoveries for the public and worked at a science center. Eventually I found a job teaching biology. The first year was difficult because I had to learn classroom management and teaching practices. But I soon navigated my new profession and became confident in my choice.

I sometimes miss my research career. But when seeing my impact on young people, I know my new path suits my skills and passions. Scientists can serve society in different ways. It took me a long time to realize that, but I am at peace with it now.

1. When accepting the volunteer opportunity, the author wanted to ___.
   1. help cure children with autism
   2. communicate science to students
   3. finish her Ph. D. program on time
   4. seek a teaching job in local schools
2. What drove the author to consider science education as a career? A. The desire to gain respect from colleagues.
   1. The expectation to achieve academic success.
   2. The longing to escape from research pressure.
   3. The inspiration from other scientists' career shifts.
3. How does the author think of her current career?

A. Respectable.		B. Fulfilling.
C. Flexible.		D. Creative.

1. What can we learn from the passage?
   1. Stay true to yourself and chart your own course.
   2. Opportunities come to those who patiently wait.
   3. It is actions, not intentions, that define a person.
   4. Smooth seas could never make skillful sailors.