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When I was about 12, my Aunt Fern gave me a tip on life that I will never forget. "Smile," she said, putting her arms around me." If you want friends, smile. People will want to be around you if you do." I have always been admiring Aunt Fern, who at the age of 89 still spreads happiness around even she herself is in difficulty.
I stood in front of the mirror in my bedroom and smiled as she suggested. I tried all kinds of smiles until I settled on my ordinary, simple, happiest looking teeth—showing smile. I practiced it. It felt good. Give it a try, and it'll make you happy, too.
This idea was further boosted when in the 10th grade I was advised by a friend in our school who was a senior to try out for the cheerleader. She was the head cheerleader and would be graduating and moving on. Without hesitation, I told her," No. I won't try out. "
I had tried out the year before and lost. In those days, the cheerleaders were chosen by all the students. Despite my busy study, I had practiced hard and thought I did okay, but found out that I not only lost, but came in last. No way would I humiliate (羞辱) myself! Not ever!
She persisted (坚持说)," If I teach you how to win, will you try out? I'm leaving and when I'm gone, there won't be a cheerleader. "
"Can you promise I would win?"
"No, but almost. I think if you do what I say, you could win. "
She then worked with me, teaching me cheers, but more importantly she taught me how to communicate with students. She said," Forget the result! Start caring about everyone in this school, really caring. Learn their names and be interested in them. Smile and be friendly. Smile at everyone. "
Back to the mirror, I smiled my head off again. I learned the kids' names, learned about them and actually cared about them.
So, the end of the story: I won. I won for the next two years until I graduated.