My Most Unforgettable Character

我 最 难 忘 的 人 （4）

She challenged us to succeed--and then showed us the way.

她激励我们要有所建树：并一直为我们指点迷津。

[16] You can do that," Mama said. You can do anything you put your mind to."

[17] Tour Guide. To Mama, education was a key part of her blueprint for success. Four of us went to a nearby, one-room schoolhouse. My mother made up for its shortcomings by getting us educational toys, talking to us about history, politics and current events, and helping with home-work . The best part of getting a good report card was her unstinting praise.

[18] When I was in third grade, she urged our teacher to organize a field trip to Chicago museums. My mother helped the teacher rent a bus and plan the trip. She even served as tour guide, pointing out landmarks and recounting local history.

[19] When it came time to think about college, there was never a question that we'd all go. Inspired by our parents' sacrifice, we studied hard to earn scholarships, and applied for grants and financial aid. We also took jobs to earn money for school. Working in a grocery store, I learned the value of a dollar. "Work is a blessing," Mama always reminded us.

[20] She never asked for anything for herself. "You don't have tobuy me a birthday present," she said one time. "Instead write me a letter about yourself. Tell me about your life. Is anything worrying you? Are you happy?"

[16]"你行的!"妈妈说。"只要你用心去做，你什么都能干好!"

[17]人生向导 在妈妈看来，她描绘的成功蓝图的一个关键因素是教育。我们兄妹四个在附近一所学校上学，学校只有一间教室。母亲就给我们找一些有教育意义的玩具，跟我们谈历史、政治和时事，并给我们布置家庭作业，以弥补学校的不足。我们取得了优异成绩她便大加赞扬。

[18]我上三年级时，母亲力劝我们的老师组织一次到芝加哥各个博物馆的实地调查旅行。她帮老师租车和安排行程。她甚至当起了向导，指出一些重要的标志物，并介绍一些当地的历史。

[19]到了该考虑是否继续上大学时，毫无疑问我们都要上。在父母自我牺牲精神的激励下，我们更加发奋学习以获取奖学金，并申请助学金和财政援助。我们还靠打工挣钱来上学。我曾经在一家杂货店打过工，体会到了一块钱都来之不易。"工作就是幸福。"妈妈总是让我们记着这话。

[20]母亲从不求回报。"你们不要为我买什么生日礼物，"她有一次说。"只要给我写封信讲讲你们自己就行了。告诉我你们过得怎么样。有没有烦心的事?是否快乐?"