Mary Rodas' parents came to New York from EI Salvador. They lived in an apartment building. A man named Donald Spector lived1the eighth floor of the same building, too. He2a toy company. When Mary was four years old, Donald gave her a new toy. She played with the toy3. She said, "Oh, this is fun!" A few weeks later Donald gave her another toy. She played with it and said, "It looks beautiful4I don't like this toy. It doesn't work." She was a(an)5girl, Donald believed in her and soon they became friends. Four years Donald gave Mary many toys, and she gave him very good6about toys.
When Mary was thirteen, Donald7the little girl a new ball. The ball had a balloon inside it. Mary wanted to8the balloon with water. She wanted to painted the ball crazy9. She wanted to put rice or beans in it also to make it10. The company made these changes and11thousands of the balls.
That Christmas Donald gave Mary an incredible (难以置信的)12. He made her a vice president of the toy company. Her13was to see if the new toys were fun. She worked with new products and looked through many kinds of magazines and books. She had a big salary and14$200,000 a year. In high school she took a red car15her school to her office in New York City. She had to work for 3016a week. She also spent time with her family. Her17taught her that working hard and doing18best is very important.
Today Mary works in a19. She helps students make decisions about their careers. Today the little executive with bright ideas helps students20their future. So Mary felt busy but very happy.
