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I was born missing my left hand, yet I learned to adapt. One of my earliest memories is my father trying to teach me to tie my shoes. I gently pushed him aside and figured out a way to do it with one hand. My parents tried to make me feel ordinary but the reality was inescapable.

When I was 13, an age when kids are already very self-conscious, I remembered getting on the bus and one of the other kids stared just a little too long at my left arm. I felt a sudden urge to hide my hand. I had decided that if people knew about my missing hand, they would not want to be around me anymore.

Making friends was challenging enough, but finding love was particularly discouraging. As I started dating, I made efforts to hide my difference. Eventually we'd reach a point in the relationship where I knew I had to tell the truth. I'd think over the"big reveal" and build it up in my mind for days. When Ihad gathered the courage, I let out my secret over the phone and hung up in a panic. Even when Ireceived a call, I couldn't face discussing it, relying on the answering machine.

Everyone I shared this with friends, worker or boyfriend—— said kind things like, "You shouldn't hide it." or"It's no bjg/ deal. " But their words didn't matter to me. The only words that really mattered were the ones I was telling myself, that story of how I was unworthy of love.

At 28, tired of hiding, I met someone special. For the first time, I allowed someone to really hold,look at, take pictures of, touch and love my limb—— love me.

That relationship ended after ten years, but I kept the self-love and compassion I learned from it.From that point on, I saw my difference as something unique and beautiful about me, something that should be shown, not hidden.

If you dislike cold weather, don't worry. Here are some recommended destinations.

Mexico

Mexico is a great destination for winter sun. The Yucatan Peninsula is known for its beautiful beaches, ancient 

Mayan ruins, thrilling activities, amazing cuisine, and biodiversity that you have to see with your own eyes.

South Africa

South Africa is another great winter escape, especially= if you' re open to enduring a longer flight away from home. The Western Cape, in particular, is known for its beautiful beaches and mild temperatures.

Portugal

This country has so much to offer travelers in the colder months, from beautiful mountain ranges to sunny days on the beach. Enjoy a walk through one of many picturesque villages like Lisbon, Cintra, orPorto, or explore one of the many national parks for some outdoor adventures. With its long stretches of coast and rough land, Portugal is an ideal destination for those seeking outdoor activities such as hiking and mountain biking.

Chile

Forget the traditional snowy scenes; Chile offers a winter that's as diverse as its landscapes. While everyone else you know is wrapped up in thick clothes, you could be enjoying a sweet Chilean summer.December to March is summer in the Southern Hemisphere(半球), and Chile is bathing in sunshine!

Calvin's day camp instructor, Autumn, distributed a sheet of paper adorned with images and descriptions of various avian species, along with a diminutive pair of binoculars, to each camper in attendance. With a flourish, she proclaimed, "We are embarking on a one-week endeavor known as 'Big Week,' during which you will endeavor to identify birds and duly mark them on the provided paper. The individual who successfully identifies the greatest number of birds shall emerge victorious."

Another contest loomed on the horizon. Ever since the inception of the camp, Gladys had consistently outdone Calvin in every challenge presented. If Calvin were to triumph in this particular competition, perhaps he could finally demonstrate to Gladys that she was not invincible. "How can you ascertain whether I have genuinely observed..." Calvin perused the list. "...a glossy ibis?" he inquired. "I cannot," Autumn responded matter-of-factly. "A Big Week operates on the premise of integrity and honesty."

The following day, at the nature preserve, as the campers concealed themselves behind a thicket of bushes, Gladys caught sight of a magnificent great egret. "That was my magnanimous gesture to you," Gladys whispered loudly, her tone imbued with a palpable sense of competitive fervor. "As if I would have overlooked such a colossal bird," Calvin retorted indignantly. Suddenly, a flurry of birds erupted above Calvin's head. Thunk! He tumbled backward, landing on his posterior. Gladys hurried over to him, assisting him in rising and offering a piece of advice, "Here is a valuable tip: endeavor to be QUIET."

That evening, as twilight descended, a sizable bird alighted on a tree in Calvin's neighbor's yard. Calvin trained his binoculars on the creature. The bird possessed a strikingly bright red eye, a thick and straight bill, a white throat and breast, and—oh, marvel of marvels—elongated, slender, white feathers adorning the back of its head. "A black-crowned night heron!" he whispered with unbridled excitement, wholly engrossed in his avian observation.

As the week progressed, the rivalry between the campers intensified. Calvin was determined to secure victory in this contest. However, the prospect of triumph seemed increasingly tenuous. Then, a thought occurred to him—he had previously discovered a feather that Autumn had surmised belonged to a Cooper's hawk. Close enough, he rationalized. He marked it on his sheet, along with a few additional birds. What difference would it make? He had seen them in the past, or he was certain to encounter them in the future. With a gulp, he steeled himself. No one would ever discover the truth.

On the final day of Big Week, Autumn brandished Gladys's checklist triumphantly in the air. "Twenty-six is the number to surmount. Does anyone else have a higher tally?" she queried, her eyes scanning the assembled campers with anticipation.

注意： （1）续写词数应为150左右； （2）请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。 

Reviewing the 29 birds marked on his list，Calvin felt his face heated up.

……

Autumn awarded Gladys a Big Week T-shirt.

……

注意： （1）写作词数应为80个左右； （2）请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。 

Dear Rudy， 

……

Yours，

Li Hua

A Davyon Johnson，an 11-year-old boy，was honored by his community after saving two lives in one day.On Dec.9，a choking student tripped into the classroom  Davyon was.Davyon did the Heimlich immediately and saved him.Hours later，on his way home，Davyon spotted a house on fire.Everybody  （run）out except for an elderly lady.As the woman struggled  （move） using her walker，Davyon raced up the steps and helped her escape the burning building. 

B Cats are second only to dogs as the most common pets in the world.  （compare） with dogs，cats might seem cold，but they can form strong emotional bonds with their owners.Studies have shown that cat-owning seniors often exhibit lower levels of  （lonely），anxiety，and depression. （own） a cat invites several costs，for food，litter，medications，toys and care.However，cats do not need regular bathing  they have health problems that make it necessary. 

C Soil  （find） nearly everywhere.And it seems unlikely that we would ever lose all the soil on Earth.However，  we may lose is the deep and rich agricultural soil because of over-farming，a lack of plant cover off-season and a collection of salt from watering and fertilization（施肥）. proper measures，some experts warn.there could be serious agricultural soil problems before the end of this century.

Dr Rebecca Bradford's journey from leaving school at 15 to becoming a successful doctor is attracting many people's attention.Her determination to 1 herself has led to great achievements. 

After Bradford dropped out of school because of a family tragedy （不幸），she began working in different jobs，which provided her with valuable life experience but not the 2 fulfillment she sought.Despite these early challenges，Bradford remained 3 to her personal development.She decided to pursue further 4 through alternative routes，driven by her deep-seated desire for self-growth and the contribution to society. 

Bradford's 5 came after she registered adult education courses，eventually earning her GCSEs and passing her A levels，which helped her enter a 6 ，where she pursued a degree in medicine and then became a qualified doctor. "This is what I'm meant to 7 my life，" Dr Bradford said. 

Bradford's success shattered （粉碎） many 8 .She said， "When I was young，I was 9 told I would amount to nothing.I got 10 of people telling me I couldn't do things.I wanted to prove that people like me do 11 good things and that they can get jobs that are fulfilling and well-paid." 

Bradford's experiences 12 many who may feel disheartened by early academic failures.It reminds people that it is never too late to pursue one's dreams.Her 13 from a school dropout to a respected doctor is a remarkable example of perseverance and self-belief.With determination and willingness to seize educational opportunities，individuals can 14 difficulties and achieve their dreams，regardless of their 15 .

Many people feel anxious in situations that are stressful to them.For example，they may feel anxious about taking tests，meeting new people，or speaking in class.  But it's best to learn how to cope.Here are several tips that can help you through anxious moments： 

Start with a"growth"mindset.Some people have a fixed mindset.They might think，"This is how I am."  They think they are the way they are.But brain science has shown that with a growth mindset，people can get better at just about everything—with effort and practice.That includes reducing anxiety. 

 When you're anxious，you might tell yourself things like， "I can't do this!"or"What if I mess this up？"Instead，plan to tell yourself something that could help you face the moment with a bit of courage like，"I can do this!"or"It's OK to feel anxious.I can do this anyway." 

Notice how anxiety affects your body.When you're anxious，do you feel"butterflies"in your stomach？Sweaty palms？Shaky hands？A faster heartbeat？These physical feelings can be uncomfortable but they aren't harmful.You can cope.You don't have to push the feelings away.  

Face the situation—don't wait for anxiety to go away.You might think that you'll put off speaking in class or talking to that new person until you no longer feel anxious about it.But it doesn't work that way.  

Learning to cope with anxiety takes time，patience，and practice.Most of all it takes being willing to face anxiety.Start with one small step.The more you practice，the better you'll get at lowering anxiety. 

A.Talk yourself through it. 

B.Tell a parent or another adult you trust. 

C.It's facing the anxiety that helps you lower it. 

D.Try to pay attention to anxious thoughts and feelings. 

E.Try to notice them without getting upset that they're there. 

F.With a fixed mindset，people don't think things can change. 

G.If you feel anxious in situations like these，you're not alone.

A modest assemblage of intrepid and inquisitive youthful Irish musicians have assumed the mantle of safeguarding a legacy of melodies. Their initiative endeavors to position the senior members of a generation teetering on the brink of obsolescence before a microphone, thereby preserving their songs and narratives for the edification and study of future musicians in perpetuity.

Numerous experts frequently sound the alarm regarding the extent to which the oral traditions of humanity are relinquished to the encroachment of modernity on an annual basis. In Ireland, a nation renowned for its vocalists, the Song Collectors Collective (SCC) commemorates this heritage by paying homage to the individuals who have sustained its foundational essence. The majority of these custodians hail from the reclusive traveler communities. Instead of merely amassing lyrics, each song is accessible solely through an exploration of the life and narrative of the individual who rendered it for the SCC, or the so-called "Tradition Bearer."

Consider, for instance, Freda Black, a great-grandmother in her mid-eighties. She harbored such a plethora of songs that she confessed to being incapable of enumerating them all. She subsequently gained prominence in a recently launched album by a contemporary folk artist and SCC member, Sam Lee. "I relish the moments spent at the knees of these elders," Lee remarked. "I am exceedingly fortunate. I am capturing the remnants of an era."

"It is a prevalent plea for the songs and tales to be documented and disseminated, as the old customs are no longer being conveyed, and this vast repository of knowledge pertaining to an archaic mode of existence is on the verge of being consigned to oblivion. In this contemporary epoch of readily accessible recording technology, there is no justification for failing to chronicle and share this opulent yet fragile tradition," the SCC asserted. Having amassed hundreds of recordings from a multitude of singers, the SCC is commencing to organize educational events, sharing the stories and vocal renditions with those who are keen to listen, as well as imparting knowledge on how individuals can become collectors in their own right.

Google's recently unveiled Willow quantum chip constitutes a momentous advancement within the realm of quantum computation. Boasting 105 physical quantum bits, it is capable of executing an intricate benchmark computation in a span of under five minutes, a feat that would demand an astronomical 1025 years from the swiftest conventional computer for the identical operation. This chip signifies a substantial technological leap forward, as it addresses the enduring conundrum of quantum error rectification.

The operational modality of Willow is predicated upon its sophisticated error correction procedures. It utilizes quantum correction codes, wherein a multitude of physical quantum bits are interlinked to forge a solitary logical quantum bit, thereby facilitating the detection of discrepancies without perturbing the pristine quantum state. Additionally, the chip integrates a system of vigilant oversight that ceaselessly tracks qubit behavior, discerns irregularities in real-time, and promptly implements corrective measures to rectify errors.

The amalgamation of real-time error correction and incessant surveillance, coupled with an optimized architecture for qubit manipulation, empowers Willow to diminish errors exponentially as the quantum bit count escalates. This represents a monumental accomplishment, resolving an issue that has beleaguered the field for nearly three decades and heralding the advent of more potent and pragmatic quantum computing systems in the years to come.

The prospective applications of Willow are extensive, encompassing the acceleration of pharmaceutical discovery, the enhancement of electric vehicle battery design, and the progression of fusion energy and novel energy alternatives. In summation, Google's Willow quantum chip harbors immense potential for the trajectory of computing and a plethora of industries.

However, it is imperative to acknowledge that Willow remains in the nascent laboratory phase and necessitates additional testing and refinement prior to practical deployment. With its current complement of 105 qubits, it is insufficiently expansive to tackle genuinely beneficial and complex real-world challenges. Experts posit that a quantum chip with millions of qubits may be requisite to address significant industrial conundrums. Furthermore, the chip's operational parameters demand exceedingly low temperatures and highly controlled laboratory settings, which impede its immediate practical utility. Consequently, while Willow augurs well for the future of quantum computing, it is not yet primed for practical applications in the present context.

Possessing a considerable amount of familiarity with Toastmasters, an association dedicated to assisting individuals in surmounting the trepidation associated with public oratory, I became a member several years in the past, harboring aspirations of enhancing my own capabilities in addressing an audience. Subsequent to the delivery of one of my discourses, the remarks I garnered were rather severe. Irrespective of whether they were intended to be beneficial or not, the criticism was challenging to accept, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of emotional distress.

During my tenure with Toastmasters, I gleaned a multitude of insights, one of which pertained to the significance of efficacious feedback. For adults, embracing the critiques of others is a formidable task, even when such critiques are proffered with the best of intentions. Consequently, it is only logical to anticipate that children will encounter similar difficulties in this regard. However, the feedback that our progeny receive from educators and parental figures is instrumental in their overall growth and maturation. Thus, as parents, it is incumbent upon us to master the art of delivering feedback in a manner that is both effective and constructive, and we must also endeavor to educate our children on how to receive such feedback with an open mind and sagacious discernment.

The manner in which parents convey their feedback is of equal import to the precise terminology employed. It is entirely feasible to have the most altruistic of intentions, yet if the feedback is communicated ineptly, it can prove to be detrimental rather than advantageous.

Establishing a domestic environment that is both welcoming and secure for the reception and assimilation of feedback is of paramount importance. Particularly within the dynamic between a child and their parent, the feedback exchanged should be salutary, edifying, and consistent.

The choice of words utilized is equally significant. In an article published in The New York Times, authored by Dr. Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist affiliated with the Wharton School, he posits that employing nouns as opposed to verbs when encouraging children is "22 to 29 percent more effective." However, when dispensing negative feedback, it is generally more advantageous to utilize verbs.

The feedback provided by a parent serves as the foundational framework that shapes how a child will subsequently manage their internal dialogue. To illustrate, consider a conversation you might engage in with your child regarding their aspirations. Your feedback has the potential not only to prompt them to concentrate on their current position but also to reflect upon the progress they have made thus far. This type of feedback can act as a catalyst, propelling them forward to achieve their ultimate objectives.

Seeking to embark on a vacation with your quadrupedal companion？Presented herein are the most accommodating establishments for pets across the United Kingdom.

Sentry Mead, situated on the Isle of Wight, is a resplendently adorned retreat featuring quaint chambers. Patrons revel in an array of delightful amenities such as copious volumes of literature, delectable homemade confections, and even a diverse selection of pillows from which to choose. Canines are greeted with a receptacle for sustenance positioned at the entrance and are permitted access to nearly every locale within the premises, with the exception of the dining chamber. Additional comforts are provided specifically for these four-legged guests, including supplementary blankets, leisurely strolls from the abode's threshold to the picturesque Alum Bay, and upon their return, an assortment of treats and towels to ensure their contentment.

No. Twenty9, nestled in Norfolk, presents a vibrant and fashionable ambiance, replete with endearingly eccentric characteristics. The accommodations are capacious and luminous, each designated with the moniker of a renowned figure from the realms of music or cinema. Our canine guests are presented with their own "fur baby welcome present," which comprises a delectable morsel, feeding vessels, and a bathrobe for added coziness. A spa shower situated in the garden serves to cleanse the sand from one's companion after an extensive day frolicking on the beach, prior to retiring to the bar in unison.

Mayfair Townhouse, located in the bustling metropolis of London, spans a series of interconnected townhouses along the charming Half Moon Street. Within its walls, it exudes a wealth of character and a hint of peculiarity, with subtle references to the illustrious author Oscar Wilde. Juvenile canines are afforded complimentary lodging and are bestowed with a blanket, a feeding bowl, and an exuberantly named "screaming" ball to accompany them during their sojourn. Adjacent to the establishment lies the verdant Green Park, offering an ideal locale for a leisurely promenade, and your pet is more than welcome to join you in the sophisticated bar for a refreshing "Pawsecco."

Halfway Bridge, found in the heart of the South Downs national park in West Sussex, is a genial village tavern with lodging facilities, renowned for its sumptuous culinary offerings. Select chambers are designated as pet-friendly, providing access to a garden for our canine visitors. In addition to a comfortable bed, a feeding bowl, and a savory sausage breakfast, the bar offers an assortment of treats tailored for four-legged patrons, and a water receptacle is readily available to quench their thirst.

The old workshop door creaked open. Clara walked in quietly. Her shoes stepped on wood shavings (刨花) that sparkled in the sunlight. Through the dusty windows, the morning light shone on Grandfather's rough hands. He was gluing a maple chair leg.

The wall calendar still showed January. Its yellowed pages were curling, just like dry leaves. An open order book lay on the desk. February's page was empty. There had been no new orders since mid-January. Clara held her breath and recorded Grandfather with her phone. She focused on his quick hands as he measured angles with a metal ruler. "This might help him," she thought, eager to show how skilled he was.

However, when she posted the video online, negative comments flooded in. "Old ways for a dying business!" "No wonder the business is failing!" Saddened, Clara deleted the video quickly. A spider crawled over the empty order book. Its blank pages showed not many people wanted handmade things these days.

"Want to see my treasure?" Grandpa' s voice broke the silence. He opened a leather album filled with pencil sketches (草图) like library chairs from 1958 and park benches from 1962. A faded photo slipped out: a smiling boy missing two teeth was grinning at the camera, holding a curved (弯曲的) spoon proudly.

"Timmy, my former student," Grandfather smiled, touching the curve of the spoon in the photo. "Now he designs furniture for tall buildings. Last month's newspaper had an article about his curved stairs. It was inspired by this very spoon." He tapped the photo, adding, "Machines make things fast, but hands remember stories."

Clara looked at the photo — the curved spoon, Timmy's smile, and Grandpa's young handwriting on the back: Timmy's first repair, age 7. Beside her, fresh wood shavings were shining. "Stories must be told," Clara murmured, taking out her phone again. This time, she aimed to share not just the work, but the story behind it.

注意：

(1)续写词数应为150左右;

(2)请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。

Paragraph 1: The next morning, Clara uploaded a new video.

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Paragraph 2: A week later, Timmy, now a famous furniture designer, walked in the workshop.

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（1）活动内容；

（2）你的体会。

注意：

（1）写作词数应为80左右；

（2）请按如下格式在答题纸的相应位置作答。

Bridging the Digital Divide for the Elderly

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Blue-and-white porcelain (青花瓷), a product of (share) creativity, tells a story of how East and West craftsmanship harmonized. In the Yuan Dynasty, Persian merchants brought special pigments (颜料) to Jingdezhen, where porcelain traditions (perfect). Local craftsmen mixed these pigments with white clay, creating the iconic blue patterns. By painting traditional Chinese designs using foreign materials, they achieved a perfect (combine) of traditions.

Over the centuries, this technique steadily advanced. During the Ming Dynasty, porcelain became a major export. European (noble) loved its unique charm, calling it "white gold". To meet their needs, Chinese artists added European elements like rose patterns to traditional landscapes, making the porcelain more appealing westerners.

Modern artists still use these old techniques in creative ways. At London show in 2025, a young maker used 3D printers (shape) vases but hand-painted them with dragons and Greek myths side by side. Visitors said it felt like ancient China meeting modern Europe through hybrid art.

Today, this global dialogue continues in museums worldwide. A Ming-era dish that once belonged to a French King (sit) in the Louvre. Its journey from Jingdezhen to the Palace of Versailles, marked by countless hands across continents, reflects how beauty goes beyond borders. Craig Clunas noted, "The blue that fascinates the world is never (mere) a color — it is a language."

Everything3 when her history teacher, Mr. Dupont,4 a project "Food & Culture Week". Each student was to5 a traditional dish and present its cultural significance. Li Mei6 — would anyone care about Chinese food here? Eventually, she decided on jianbing, a flavor from hometown.

On presentation day, she7 the materials with trembling hands. To her surprise, Pierre volunteered to help cook. As they spread the batter (面糊), he8. "I made fun of your food at first, but now I see it's part of your9." When the crispy jianbing was served, classmates crowded around, asking questions about Chinese New Year traditions.

The event made everyone10. Students who once11 her now greeted her warmly. A girl named Sophie even proposed12 a French-Chinese cookbook together for the school fair and suggested including family dishes passed down through generations.

On the final day,13 filled a book titled Bites Beyond Borders. Holding it, Li Mei realized that cultural gaps weren't about walls but doors — waiting to be unlocked. A simple14 had taught her more about belonging than any textbook.

"Food is the15 foreign policy," Mr. Dupont said, biting into a red bean croissant.

Regular Exercise

Teens should get 60+ minutes of daily physical activity. All that matters is that each week you get the right balance of activity, including dancing, brisk walking, or stair-climbing. Breaking works into 15-minute "exercise snacks" (e. g., morning yoga, lunchtime walks) throughout the day makes goals more achievable. This strategy avoids burnout while keeping energy steady.

Good Eating Habits

Actually, crash diets cause weight rebounds. A 2022 study found 80% of teens regained weight post-diet. Therefore, teens should eat a variety of foods, and there's nothing wrong with the occasional treat. A candy bar somehow beats snapping daily.

To build lasting habits, reshape your mindset. When stressed, try brief walks rather than reaching for snacks. Track weekly progress with a checklist—small achievements boost motivation strongly.

In conclusion, creatively design routines blending exercise and nutrition in your own way. While others choose gym workouts, you might prefer playing Frisbee with your dog. Knowing what's right for you will make it a lot easier to do!

A. You're all different after all.

B. Independence matters in habit-building.

C. View food as fuel, not emotional comfort.

D. Low-calorie diets ensure steady weight loss.

E. Eating well doesn't mean dieting over and over.

F. It doesn't mean doing tough exercises or hitting the gym.

G. Here's how to make these other healthy habits just as easy.

At the heart of this connection is the vagus nerve (神经) — the body's longest nerve. It winds its way from the brain throughout the head and trunk, issuing commands to our organs and receiving feelings from them. Much of the confusing range of functions it regulates are automatic and operate without conscious control. These complex responses engage a group of neural networks that link brain and body. The vagus nerve is, in one way of thinking, the conduit of the mind.

The primary function of the vagus nerve is to dampen the body's responses. After a fear episode, for example, the body's powerful, life-saving threat response must be ended to restore resting heartbeat, breathing, blood flow and the rest. So powerful is its influence that the vagus nerve can literally stop the beating heart. Conversely, it can also stimulate bodily responses by releasing the brakes to accelerate.

The vagus nerve is the biological basis for many new therapies (疗法) worldwide. However, some people have taken the vagus nerve's wide-ranging bodily influence as an invitation to engage in false science. In some corners of the Internet, so-called polyvagal therapy—physical or breathing exercises that some claim reset the vagus nerve — is proposed to address just about any disorder of the mind or body. There's little evidence that these popular therapies are anything but comfort.

The vagus nerve doesn't need to be a cure for everything — its worth appreciating all on its own. Neuroscientists compare the vagus to an orchestra conductor, harmonizing bodily systems to compose our conscious experience. Professor Linda Rinaman once said, "We're not just brains in jars. Our thoughts and feelings are rooted in flesh and blood."

Each 25-acre unit houses 50,000 residents on interconnected platforms, with potential expansion for 200,000and buildings are capped at 90 meters tall for stability. "Structures must be flexible like bamboo in wind to resist waves," explains architect Curci. To achieve this, seawater resistant materials are given priority to, while hollow sections in platforms help them float. Meanwhile, movable bridges are constructed to link these "water neighborhoods" to mainland transport systems.

The project team also envisions a mix of renewable energy sources extracting power from wind, water, and the sun to power the city. During extreme weather, platforms automatically separate and regroup using intelligence algorithms inspired by how fish schools avoid hunters.

Compared to building artificial islands, this method preserves 68% more marine (海洋) life and uses surfaces that absorb rainwater to reduce flooding risks. However, challenges persist. Seawater slowly harms materials, requiring repair every four months, and emergency plans for extreme weather are still under way. "This isn't about abandoning coasts but evolving with them," notes designer Tim Fu.

While some question long-term possibility, the design redefines urban resilience. Unlike rigid sea walls, these dynamic structures harmonize with oceanic rhythms, offering a blueprint for climate solutions. "Cities must learn to dance with the waves," Curci says. This philosophy could transform humanity's relationship with rising seas, turning threats into sustainable opportunities.

Then came the school career fair that changed everything. Dr. Eleanor Whitman from Harvard asked us to list our "hidden skills". My hand shook as I wrote "observing details"—something I'd learned from painting flower petals. "That's medical research's most needed skill!" she exclaimed, sharing how a student turned microbiology notes into textbook illustrations. My lab partner whispered, "Remember our photosynthesis (光合作用) comic?" For the first time, my two worlds didn't feel so separate.

The real surprise came during hospital volunteering. Watching surgeries, I noticed something—the steady hands of doctors reminded me of my brushwork. When a boy struggled to describe his pain, I drew a fire-breathing dragon on his cast. "You made medicine speak," the nurse said. Slowly, my drawing pads filled with cells that looked like colored-glass art and X-rays arranged like abstract paintings.

Mr. Dawson, our career counselor, helped connect these dots. On his whiteboard, my medical knowledge and art skills overlapped in a bright yellow circle labeled "Medical Illustration". He showed me job listings I never knew existed—graphic designers for science apps, 3D modelers for anatomy (解剖) classes. "Your ‘impractical' skill makes you stand out," he said, pointing to my dragon drawing now used in pain management workshops.

Today, my microscope and paintbrushes share the same desk. The same hands that once hesitated between them now create 3D models of viruses for vaccine education. Sometimes I teach young patients to draw their feelings instead of describing them. My story isn't about heart and reality canceling each other out—they just multiply possibilities.

What Is LEAD?

Taught by the same world-renowned Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) staff who teach in our MBA program, LEAD is a year-long experiential learning journey that enables you to unlock your leadership potential. This highly flexible, adjustable, and actionable program helps you build the leadership and innovation skills needed to drive change, solve real-world challenges, and achieve your personal and professional goals.

Through Stanford GSB's innovative and academically-thorough online curriculum, you'll tackle your own real-world obstacles by integrating course concepts with daily business challenges. The program provides a unique opportunity to expand your perspectives by exchanging ideas with an incredibly diverse global group of peers, while receiving personalized, practical feedback from Stanford GSB professors, course advisors, and classmates throughout your learning journey.

Who Should Attend?

●Mid-or senior-level professionals committed to adopting creative strategies to advance organizations' leadership.

●Engaged leaders passionate for development skills to better team performance.

●Emerging leaders focusing on up-leveling their career path and master the foundations of impactful leadership.

Application Process for Stanford LEAD

The application process requires you to complete three components: the online application, a short essay, and an online video interview.

Fees& Payment

Your program fee includes tuition and course materials. Fees are subject to change, as are programs, dates, and professors.

Upon admission, payment details including an online payment link will be sent by email. Full payment confirms your admission. Payment is accepted by bank wire transfer or credit card.