Is there anything you want to change about your school?

Yes, and on the top of my list is changing the schedule. I wish we didn’t have to start school so early. I’m not an early riser, so getting to the classroom always feels like a slog for me. And the other is of course homework. I surely wish we had less of that!

Hmm, thirdly would be having the ability to take some electives that are not part of my major or set curriculum, so like for instance, I would be interested in taking a psychology course, but it’s totally unconnected, so it’s next to impossible to get in, at least in my school.

• an early riser 起得早的人
• feels like 就像
• a slog 一段时间的艰苦工作（或努力）
• electives 选修课
• set curriculum 固定的课表
• psychology 心理学

What are the differences between your school and other schools?

I think there are two main differences, one is equipment and the other, the teaching quality.

In terms of the facilities, my school could have more decent dormitories, and in my opinion, lacks laboratory equipment, especially the latest tech. And when it comes to the ‘soft’ side, I mean staff-wise, a big difference is the lack of highly experienced instructors. So, comparing my current school with others, I’d say those are some of the main differences.

• equipment 设备
• facilities 设施
• decent 像样的；不错的
• laboratory 实验室
• -wise ……方面
• the lack of 缺乏
• instructors 讲师

Do you like your current learning atmosphere?

Yes, I do. Despite the deficiencies, I still think it’s pretty good.

Currently, I learn by myself, as I’m sort of taking a sabbatical from school, and so I can set my own learning goals, schedule, and learn at my own pace.

Along with my textbooks, I do research online and I actually enjoy reading and checking out information online when necessary and once in a while, I’ll stretch my legs or gaze at the trees outside.

Anyway, I’m pretty fortunate at the moment, but in saying that, and despite what I just said, even at my school I enjoy it, the learning environment, because most of my classmates are pretty good and luckily, my teachers are also not too bad, overall.

• deficiencies 缺陷
• taking a sabbatical 休假
• learn at my own pace 按自己的进度学习
• textbooks 教材
• do research online 在网上进行研究
• checking out 找到
• stretch my legs 伸伸腿
• gaze at 凝望；注视

Do you go to a good school?

Not bad, I guess. I live in a tier 2 city, and my school is one of the best ones in the city, so even though it may also be a tier 2 type of school, overall, I can’t grumble. Is it perfect? Not by a long shot, but I enjoy my time there.

• a tier 2 city 一个二线城市
• I can't grumble. 不能发牢骚
• by a long shot 在很大程度上