Задача по теме: "Понимание в прочитанном тексте запрашиваемой информации"

From: Angela Pitt 

To: Monica Devlin 

Subject: Gap year 

Dear Monica, 

It was nice to get your email and to learn that you are all right and enjoying university life. 

As for me I decided to put off my education plans for a while. I want to travel, to try different jobs so as to understand what could be the right occupation for me. At first my parents were against that idea — they wanted me to go to college straight from school. Fortunately, my brother Jim supported me. Together, we managed to convince mum and dad that one needs to gain some life and work experience in order to make a career choice. My parents have always listened to Jim and valued his opinion more than mine. It’s ok, I don’t feel hurt because it’s fair. Jim was top of his class at school and even participated in the national Maths and Science competitions, while I was sort of an average student.

Anyway, guess where I am now. In Australia! I’m working here as a volunteer for the Bright Childhood Project. It was Jim again who found the information about the project and even called the project manager to ask about all the details. At first I didn’t want to apply as a volunteer. I have no younger brothers or sisters, not even cousins, and my experience in communicating with small children is next to zero. I thought it would be boring but it’s not. It’s fun! The kids are nice and awfully curious. They ask so many questions!

Our job is to arrange entertaining and educational activities for children from three to ten years old. We do everything with them — from making and flying kites to touring eco-farms and birdwatching. In the photo enclosed you can see us in Taronga Zoo, the famous zoo in Sydney. After visiting it, all my little friends declared that they wanted to be either animal carers or vets. It looked like I was the only one who was not dreaming of working there.

Though it’s not really tiring playing with kids, it’s great that all the volunteers have enough time off work too. We have wonderful opportunities to explore the country, do sports, have fun with our new friends, and learn languages.

Sadly, I won’t be able to go home for Christmas. The flight is too expensive and I’m also busy with holiday shows for the Australian kids. So, it’ll be the first time I spend Christmas away from my family.

I need to be off now, but I promise to update my Australian adventure journal regularly. Send me your news too!

Best wishes, 

Angela