A
US author Helen Keller once wrote, “ The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves.” These words most certainly ring true for the millions of volunteers all over the world. The UN has designated December 5 as “International Volunteers Day” to give recognition to these people.
Nineteen-year old Andrew Makhoul was a communications major at the University of Pennsylvania. It was coming up to spring break, but unlike his classmates, Makhoul wasn’t planning on spending the break relaxing and blowing off steam. He decided to spend his time off doing something for people less fortunate than himself. He traveled to Guatemala, to an orphanage(孤儿院) in one of the most violent and poor parts of Guatemala city. It depends upon volunteers to stay open. He didn’t speak much Spanish, but he found communication wasn’t a problem: “You communicated with love.” And what he gave out, he got back: “You could see love when you looked in their eyes.” Makhoul’s first time as a volunteer only lasted a week, but by the end of that week, he knew he’d be back in the future.
Sometimes, volunteers themselves live with huge challenges. The UN highlighted the case of Palestinian women who are survivors of breast cancer. As part of the UN’s Aid and Hope Programme for Patient Care, the women have been volunteering their names to create low-cost breast prosthetics(假肢) to be distributed to women for free.
Shalhd El-Swerki worked with the women as part of the program. By the end of her time there, she admired these women who “are not only survivors, but…also volunteers.”
About 2,400 years ago, Greek philosopher Aristotle said, “The essence of life” was “to serve others and do good.” Volunteers all around the world are making these words come true, each and every day.
21. Makhoul would be back to volunteer for the orphanage most probably because .
A. he was a good communications major
B. he wanted to distinguish himself from his classmates
C. the orphanage would close down without his work
D. volunteering made his own life better as well
22. The writer gets his points across mainly by .
A. offering analysis B. providing explanations
C. giving examples D. making comparison
23. What is the writer’s main purpose for writing this article?
A. To advocate volunteering for others.
B. To show concern over the global situation.
C. To share two moving volunteering stories.
D. To tell how to become a successful volunteer.
