全新版大学英语综合教程2 TextA Unit2(2)

全新版大学英语综合教程2 TextA Unit2

Unit 2 Values Unit 2 ValuesBefore Reading Global Reading Detailed Reading After Reading Supplementary Reading

When I was younger, there was an exceptionally interesting person I dated. What was most important to her, she told me, was “what’s on the inside.” I thought I had found someone special to share my life with. Then I took her to see my apartment. At the time, I lived in a basement efficiency with a few pieces of dated furniture. The only new, comfortable chair was the one at my desk. Shortly after her visit, our relationship went straight south.

全新版大学英语综合教程2 TextA Unit2

Unit 2 Values Unit 2 ValuesBefore Reading Global Reading Detailed Reading After Reading Supplementary Reading

The seemingly abrupt change in her priorities was jolting. It remains a most memorable turning point in my personal journey. In contrast to relationships, stuff just doesn’t mean that much to me. I think most people feel the same way — except when there are social consequences to not having particular items. There is a commercial on the radio that begins, “Everybody wants a high-end TV …” The pressure to purchase is real. It may be true that everybody wants a high-end TV. After all, nobody wants to be a nobody. But I’m happy to live without one. In fact, not being focused on material goods feels quite natural to me. There are many people throughout the world who would consider my lifestyle to be affluent.

全新版大学英语综合教程2 TextA Unit2

Unit 2 Values Unit 2 ValuesBefore Reading Global Reading Detailed Reading After Reading Supplementary Reading

Near the end of the year, when I put on the Salvation Army’s red apron, something changes inside me. Instead

of feeling out of place economically, I begin to feel a genuine sense of belonging. As I ring my bell, people stop to share their personal stories of how much it meant to be helped when they were going through a rough time. People helping people is something I feel deeply connected to. While I’m ringing the bell, complete strangers have brought me hot chocolate, leaving me with a lingering smile. Countless individuals have helped to keep me warm with the sentiments of the season: “Thank you for ringing on such a cold day.”