2014年底，女兒在申請(qǐng)美國(guó)某大學(xué)時(shí)碰到這樣一個(gè)題目：如果你可以想象與世界上的任何一個(gè)人同學(xué)，并且和他組成一個(gè)學(xué)習(xí)小組，你希望這個(gè)人是誰(shuí)？為什么？
（請(qǐng)將您的回復(fù)限制在300個(gè)字。）
以下是我根據(jù)當(dāng)時(shí)安娜寫的回答翻譯的中文版。我自己一邊翻譯，一邊再次感動(dòng)。今天早上送兒子去學(xué)校時(shí)，也讓他讀了一遍。他看完足足沉思了30秒，心里一定涌起一股異樣的溫暖和對(duì)姐姐的思念。
有這兩個(gè)孩子是我這生最大的幸福！
英文版在中文版之后。
我的動(dòng)態(tài)二重奏
- 安娜?格羅（英文），2014年12月
我會(huì)選擇這個(gè)令人討厭的十一歲的天才，我那帶著淡淡的澤西口音的小弟艾倫。雖然他可能看起來(lái)很小也不引人注目，但是一旦他打開腦洞和嘴巴，就會(huì)顯露他那超出年歲的智慧。盡管他說起話來(lái)總顯雜亂無(wú)章，但他對(duì)任何話題都有洞察力。他可以同樣輕而易舉地與物理學(xué)家、出租車司機(jī)、投資家或足球運(yùn)動(dòng)員進(jìn)行交談。他可以對(duì)任何事情高談闊論幾小時(shí)，從他對(duì)羅馬數(shù)字的喜好到他對(duì)理發(fā)的討厭。他很誠(chéng)實(shí) - 有點(diǎn)太誠(chéng)實(shí)，而且永遠(yuǎn)都是知無(wú)不言，言無(wú)不盡。
對(duì)我而言，艾倫無(wú)處不在，我們像好朋友一樣，一起嘲笑母親的言談舉止，爭(zhēng)論一首歌曲的正確歌詞，或者一起討論有關(guān)我們的未來(lái)公司 - A＆A公司 - 的事宜 - 是的，那是一個(gè)非常原始的名字，我們知道 - 艾倫和我將分別擔(dān)任首席執(zhí)行官和首席財(cái)務(wù)官。他是支撐我的巨石，沒有他我無(wú)法想象如何挺住母親的第二次離婚。他富有同情心，又充滿關(guān)愛。他使我擁有更強(qiáng)的自我意識(shí)。
他堅(jiān)定，固執(zhí)，有原則 - 我們都是 - 而且也不肯輕易改變主意，除非通過絕對(duì)無(wú)可挑剔的推理來(lái)說服。有時(shí)他根本就不動(dòng)搖。艾倫沉思的樣子總帶著一個(gè)特征。當(dāng)他顯示他那雙眉緊皺的商標(biāo)似的神態(tài)，我知道他準(zhǔn)在深思熟慮，并臨近某個(gè)偉大的想法或聲明。
我知道他的弱點(diǎn)和優(yōu)勢(shì)，他也知道我的。最重要的是，艾倫不是一個(gè)放棄者，他也不會(huì)讓我成為一個(gè)那樣的人。許多人將我們稱為動(dòng)態(tài)二重奏。他是我最好的好朋友。我們遙相照看，在關(guān)鍵時(shí)刻，我們不讓彼此搖晃。
翻譯：湘?zhèn)ィ?017.4.19.
College essay question:
Imagine yourself a student at xxx, of anyone in the world, whom would you choose to be the other student in the class, and why?
(Please limit your response to 300 words.)
My Dynamic Duo
- Anna Gloor, 12. 2014
I would choose this irksome eleven-year-old genius with a slight Jersey accent, my little brother Alan. Though he may look small and unassuming, once he opens his mind and mouth, he reveals wisdom beyond his years. He brings insight to any conversation albeit prone to rambling. He can hold a conversation with a physicist, taxi driver, investor, or soccer player with equal ease. He could talk about anything for hours ranging from his affinity for Roman numerals to his animosity toward haircuts. He is honest – a little too honest at times – and never stops short of giving his full opinion.
Alan is always there for me, whether I need a friend to giggle with at our mom's mannerisms, argue with about what the correct lyrics of a song are, or discuss with our future company called A&A – yes, very original name, we know – in which Alan and I will be the CEO and CFO, respectively. He is my rock without which I never would have gotten through our mom's second divorce. He is compassionate and caring. He makes me more self-aware.
He is determined, stubborn, and principled – we both are – and does not change his mind unless persuaded through absolutely impeccable reasoning. Sometimes, he simply does not waver. Alan has a signature look of contemplation. When he displays his trademark furrowed brow, I know he is deep in thought on the verge of some great idea or statement.
I know his weaknesses and strengths and he knows mine. Most importantly, Alan is not a quitter, and he will not let me be one either. Many refer to us as the dynamic duo. He is my best of best friends. We keep each other in check, and in the crucial moments, we do not let each other falter.
December, 2014
