11.Many seniors feel pressured to go straight from high school to college-but Camden Olson,who graduated from Latin School of Chicago in the US last year,didn't give in.She decided to spend a gap year raising a guide dog for Guiding Eyes for the Blind in Maine.
The nonprofit provides trained guide dogs to blind and visually impaired people."I can say I'm living the dream,"Olson said."This is something I've always wanted to do."
Taking a year off before college,commonly known as a gap year,is becoming more and more popular among American teenagers.According to a survey by the American Gap Association,enrollment (注冊)in these programs grew 27 percent between 2012 and 2013.Some students use the year off to figure out what they want to do,travel the world,or save money for college.
Olson is using her time to pursue a passion she's had since 7th grade.For years,she kept an eye on guide dog services until she came across the opportunity at Guiding Eyes.With support from her friends,family and teachers,Olson went for it.
Olson's volunteer work centers around Derby,a one-year-old black dog."My job is to raise him to be well-mannered and socialized,"she said."Guide dogs have to ignore any distractions.They go everywhere with their visually impaired handler.They give a blind person a lot of independence and emotional support,too."
Of course,there's an end in sight for Derby and Olson's close bond.When Derby celebrates his own graduation,Olson will have to say goodbye to him."No doubt there will be tears,but,assuming he passes,I will be so happy for him to become a working dog,"she said.
While some look at gap years in negative light,Olson said she's seen major success.In fact,she'll be attending Princeton University this fall and is thinking about majoring in ecology and biology."I think I'm already so much more mature than I was and aware of what really matters,"she said."So many kids do come back from gap years a lot more focused and prepared."
56.What is the meaning of the underlined phrase"gap year"in Paragraph 1?(No more than 6 words)A year off before college.
57.Why did Camden Olson decide to spend her gap year working for Guiding Eyes?(No more than 10 words)Because it had been her dream for a long time.
58.How will Olson feel when she has to say goodbye to her dog?(No more than 10 words)She will feel sad but happy.
59.What did Olson think of her gap year?(No more than 20 words)She thought she was more mature than she had been and aware of what really mattered.
60.Do you want to spend a gap year?Give your reasons.(No more than 20 words)Yes,I think it can make me more mature and prepared for the coming college life..