Shota was a first-year high school student. In July, he and one of his friends, Kento, saw a
poster at school about summer volunteer programs for high school students. There was a list
of the programs on the poster. Shota found some programs that he was interested in, such as
working at an art museum or at a library. Kento was also interested in the volunteer programs.
He said, “Volunteer work at an art museum. I don’t know much about art, but I’ll try that.
The work sounds interesting.” Shota also wanted to do that. But he always got nervous
when he tried something new. He thought that he couldn’t do the volunteer work and felt sad.
One day in the summer vacation, Shota visited the art museum which was on the list of
volunteer programs. He wanted to see famous pictures. Some high school students were
doing volunteer work there. Some students were standing near the entrance and telling
people where to go first. Shota saw Kento in the museum shop. Kento was putting some
cups and books on shelves. Those goods had famous pictures on them. He saw Shota and
said, “I’m happy to see you here, Shota. Have a good time!” Then one woman asked Kento
questions about an artist. He answered her with a smile. Shota was surprised and said to
him, “You explained that well.” Kento said, “Thank you. I learned about famous artists from
the staff. I really like this job.” Kento looked very happy.
After Shota got home, he talked with his older sister, Emi. Shota said, “I went to an art
museum to see famous pictures. Kento is doing volunteer work there and having a good
experience. I wish I could try new things like him.” She said, “I know. You should stop
worrying too much when you are thinking about trying something new. Are you interested
in doing volunteer work?” Shota said, “Well, I like this city, and I’d like to work for local
people.” Emi hoped that he could do it.
One day in September, Emi showed Shota a poster about the local sports day. She knew the
local ＊committee members were looking for some high school students to work on the day as
volunteer staff. Emi said, “You said you wanted to work for local people. I hope this will be a good
chance for you to do that.” Shota was very interested, but he was also nervous. Emi continued,
“I did this work last year. I worked on relays as a staff member. I was happy to help runners.
I cannot do that work this year, but I think you should try it.” Shota finally decided to do the work.
On the local sports day, many people came and enjoyed sports. Shota was nervous, but
he did the job he was told to do. It was to guide people to gates. During a break time, he
saw some staff members who were trying to carry many water bottles. At first, he didn’t say
anything to them, but he wanted to help them. Then he asked one of the staff members, “Can
I help you carry these?” The staff member said, “Yes, please.” After they finished carrying
them, the staff member said, “Thank you for helping us, Shota.” He was so happy about it
that he tried to help other staff members, too. Kento was also there. He was with his family
to enjoy the day. He saw Shota. Kento went to him and said, “We are having fun. How is
your job?” Shota said, “Great!” Shota was very busy, but he enjoyed the day.
Later, Shota talked with Emi at home. He said, “Thank you so much for encouraging me
to try to do the work.” Emi said, “I gave you information about the sports day. You decided
to do the work and helped staff members and other people. That was great.” Shota smiled
and said, “I learned one thing today. It is important for me to take action without worrying.”
Shota got ＊confidence through the experience. He was proud of himself.
〔注〕 committee 委員会 confidence 自信
One morning, Tom's parents had to go to work very early.
Before they left, his mother said to him,
"your breakfast is ready on the table.
You don't have to wash the dishes.
Lock the door when you leave.
Don't be late for school."
Tom finished his breakfast at 7:20. He thought,
"School starts at 8:00, so I have some time to wash the dishes.
Mom and Dad will be happy if I do so."
Tom washed them and left for school.
On his way, he remembered that he didn't lock the door,