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Wanda Smith always wanted to be a school teacher but sometimes meeting life’s demanding realities could mean a dream delayed. A mother of three, Smith also cared for her mom. While squarely shouldering her family responsibilities, she took jobs as bus monitor and custodian (门卫) for Brenham Independent School District in Texas. The hours were tiring, but rather than let her dream die, at age 37, with the support and encouragement of her husband, she added night classes to her schedule. Nine years on, she finally graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University. She was a certified teacher at last.
Smith’s story came full circle when she was hired as a first-grade teacher back at Brenham Elementary School. "When I stand in front of my classroom-my classroom-I am living my dream," Smith said during a TODAY show. During the pandemic (流行病), as some of her students struggled to meet the demands of distance learning, Smith stepped up to the challenge. Noting that many of the kids she teaches came from single-parent families, she began delivering packets of schoolwork to them at home. It’s no wonder Smith’s kids adored her. In a special surprise ceremony, they shouted their praise and held up big colorful signs declaring their devotion.
The sentiment was echoed by Brenham’s mayor, Milton Tate Jr., who officially declared May 4, 2021 as “Be the Best You Can Be” Wanda Smith Day. The phrase was also carved on a commemorative schoolyard bench, and in addition, a scholarship for up-and-coming teachers at Sam Houston State has been established in her name.
Smith’s life is an example as well as an inspiration. By always striving to be the best she could be, with hard work and perseverance, she graduated from cleaning classrooms to leading classrooms.
21. What prevented Smith from achieving her dream at a younger age?
A. Her heavy family burden. B. Her strong love for mother.
C. The lack of family support. D. The demanding academic requirements.
22. What’s the students’ attitude towards Smith?
A. Concerned. B. Respectful. C. Critical. D. Sympathetic.
23. Which of the following facts shows Smith’s influence beyond her school?
A. A day was celebrated nationwide in her name. B. Her name was carved on a schoolyard bench.
C. Colorful signs were held by her students. D. A scholarship was created in her honor.
24. What is the main purpose of the passage?
A. To stress the importance of setting up a dream.
B. To advocate lifelong learning by introducing Smith’s story.
C. To show how Smith achieved her best with heart and devotion.
D. To illustrate how Smith’s experience inspired the people around.
