Never too old to live your dream
实现梦想,永远不会太迟
On the first day of school, after our professor introduced himself to our chemistry class he challenged us to get to know someone new. I stood up to look around when a gentle hand touched my shoulder. I turned around to find a wrinkled, little old lady smiling at me. She said, “Hi, Handsome, my name is Rose. I’m 87 years old. Can I give you a hug?” I laughed and enthusiastically responded, “Of course you may!” Then she gave me a big hug. “Why are you in college at such a young, innocent age?” I asked. She jokingly replied, “I’m here to meet a rich husband, get married, have a couple of children, and then retire and travel.” “No, seriously?” I asked. I was curious what may have motivated her to be taking on this challenge at her age. “I always dreamed of having a college education and now I’m getting one!” she told me. After class we walked to the students’ union building and shared a chocolate milkshake. We became instant friends. Every day for the next three months, we would leave class together and talk about everything under the sun. I was always fascinated while listening to her as she shared her wisdom and experience with me; it was like being in a time machine.
开学的第一天,教授向化学班的全体同学作了自我介绍,之后他鼓励我们结识一位新同学。我站起来向四周望去,这时,有人轻拍了我的肩膀。我转过身来,看到一位满脸皱纹、个子矮小的老太太正冲着我微笑。她说:“你好,英俊的小伙子。我是罗斯,今年87岁。我能拥抱你一下吗?”我笑了,热情地回答道:“当然可以。”于是她给了我一个大大的拥抱。“你为什么在这么年轻、这么纯真的年纪上大学?”我问她。她开玩笑地回答:“我到这里来,就是想找一个有钱的文夫,结婚生子,然后退休去旅行。”“你不是在开玩笑吧?”我问道。我非常好奇,是什么促使她在这样的年纪去迎接这样的挑战。“我一直以来的梦想就是接受大学教育,如今,我终于如愿以偿了。”她告诉我。下课之后,我们走进学生会大楼,一起喝了杯巧克力奶昔。我们很快便成了朋友。在接下来的三个月里,我们每天都会一起下课,谈天说地。她和我分享她的智慧和经验时,我经常听得入迷,就像自己是在“时间机器”里一样。