I was at the bus stop, on my way to the lab where I was a postdoctoral fellow. It was 1 like any other morning. But something began to 2 inside me as I watched the people around me – headphones hanging from their ears, eyes 3 , unsmiling faces. They looked 4. And l realized I was one of them. Suddenly, I could no longer 5 my work life and booked a one-way ticket to fly home.
Over the years, I had grown more 6. Those who could have been collaborators(合作者) became competitors I 7. But the effect of this competition was exactly the 8 of what I had hoped for. So I began to feel alone and9. I became less and less productive in my scientific work. I10 my breaking point that day at the bus stop. The11 had to end. I emailed my professors, explaining that I had put the 12 first and myself second for too long.
Back home, I 13 my family and friends about my problems. I also started to receive some emails from my 14 - I guessed they expected me to join them again soon. After a few 15 asking how I was, in the emails many expressed their stress of academic life. Vulnerable (脆弱的) researchers were 16 their heads out of their shells(壳). I understand that we all 17 sometimes, and that vulnerability and collaboration can be more 18 than competition. In fact, it can be a 19 , instead of one where one side gains while the other side loses. Working with others and 20 help doesn't make my Contributions unimportant; it means we can all succeed.
