IT'S been a year since the Wenchuan earthquake, which left many dead and many more upset and scared. As the quake areas are now being rebuilt, do students feel better, and what are their lives like? Teens has talked to two students to find out. 

     Wu Xinnan, 16， 

     Dujiangyan Foreign Language Experimental School

     Wu likes leaning through the window of her makeshift dorm (宿舍) and looking outside. There, some buildings are under construction – Her school's new classrooms. Teachers say that they will move in next semester and Wu can't wait for that day to come. Three months after the earthquake, Wu entered her new school without a formal entrance exam (入学考试). She couldn't concentrate (集中精神) in class at first. Some of her classmates, especially those who had lost family members, didn't talk and always stayed alone. One year later, things are much better.

      Everyone seems to work extremely hard, with busy classes between 6:30 am and 10:00 pm every day. Wu won't allow herself to fall behind, either. She only goes back to stay with her parents on Saturdays. They are still staying in a temporary room after losing their house. She never asks for pocket money since her dad lost his job at a restaurant – another victim (受害者) of the earthquake. "I rarely buy anything," she said.

     Luo Qin, 16,

     Mianyang Shuidian School

     Luo has a motto: "Take time to enjoy life". That's why she was seen everywhere during her school's recent speech contest and sports meeting remembering the one-year anniversary (周年纪念) of the earthquake. During the May Day holiday, Luo and her friends volunteered to help pick tea for Beichuan farmers in mountainous areas. This year has seen a rise in the tea grown, but not enough people to work on the farms. Many families are busy building their new homes. 

     Luo said she used to be rebellious (叛逆的), but the earthquake matured (使成熟) her and taught her to care for others. Once a month she goes back home with a little gift for her grandma. "She was scared during the earthquake. I always tell her that she must enjoy a long life after the disaster."

    Teens 点金 

     makeshift 

    adj. 临时凑合的；代用的

     construction

    n. 修建；建造 (v. construct)