Do you still remember what happened when you went to school on the first day? I still remember my interesting first day of school. On that day, I hurried to my science class in the morning and found a seat in the back. I waited there for 15 minutes before the bell rang. The science teacher told us about some class rules. No one talked to me nor did I talk to anyone else. I was one of those very shy girls. After the science class, I had an English class. I thought it would be boring but it turned out to be very funny. When the classes of the morning ended I went to lunch. I sat outside the dining room with no one to talk to and no food because I was too nervous to join the lunch line. I kept looking around hoping to see someone I knew but I never saw anyone.

Lunch ended and I went to have my art class. I was the first one there and even my teacher was not there yet. So I sat at my desk and started drawing some pictures. I didn't notice the rest of the class walking in or the girl that was standing behind me till I was surprised by the voice, "So what are you drawing?" It was a girl who had really long hair. She ended up being my best friend and one of the kindest and liveliest girls I know.

In the next class meeting, the teacher asked us to talk about the past holiday. I was glad to make some new friends in the class. The first day of high school was hard for me but I got through it.

I began learning playing the violin when I was nine, and the next year I began studying under Natalie Ghent, who was my teacher until I left high school.

Once, Mrs. Ghent held a concert for her students. I played near the end of it. After I played a while, I forgot the music. No matter how I tried, I couldn't think of it. So I had to stop and looked at the pianist's music. When the whole concert was over, I cried hiding in my overcoat.

Mrs. Ghent came to comfort me. Then she told us about a coming concert, and she hoped I would go there with her. I remember that the concert was on my birthday in March. It was great, as Mischa Elman was going to perform at Carnegie Hall. My teacher decided to buy the best tickets as my birthday present.

Carnegie Hall is quite beautiful with all the lights on. I had never been in such a concert hall before, and was impressed by the size as well. I don't remember what Elman played. I only remember that his playing was beautiful. I have seen films of him in recent years, and have been struck by his performance, but I don't remember the music he played that night. What I remember most is that Mrs. Ghent whispered to me from time to time that he had forgotten something or played a wrong note, or had made some other kinds of mistakes.

When I teach students to play the violin now, I tell my students who are in dread of making mistakes that if they aren't going to make a mistake, they will never play beautiful music.

Getting to School

Here is information about the different ways of getting your children to school safely.

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Walking is a great way to get to school—it's healthy, free and doesn't create pollution. It also reduces traffic congestion(交通堵塞) during the school run.

. Once they know their routes and can cross roads safely, they can walk by themselves or with friends.

But younger children need to be accompanied(陪伴) by an adult, especially if there are busy roads. If you can't walk your children to school they might be able to join a "walking bus". . Even if you can walk your children to school, a walking bus enables you to share the responsibility with other parents and frees up a bit of extra time.

If you would like to see a walking bus in your area, talk to other parents and staff at your children's school to see if you could set one up together.

※Cycling to school

Cycling is another great way to get to school. However, young people aged between 11 and 15 are more likely to be killed or injured on the roads than any other groups. .

If your children cycle to school, make sure their bikes are in good working order, and that they wear helmets(头盔) and reflective jackets. Work out the best route with the least traffic.

Find out about cycle training, which should be provided free by your local authority. .

A. Walking to school

B. Ask your children's school for details

C. So they need to be aware of the dangers

D. Your children may be fit for free school transport

E. Walking to school also gives older children independence

F. This is a group of children walking to school with at least two adults

G. If walking or cycling isn't possible, there are several ways of getting to school on roads