Making an Effort to Help a "Lonely" Child

Sandy began a job as an elementary school counselor¹ and she was eager to help. One day during recess² she noticed a girl standing³ by herself on one side of a playing field while the rest of the kids enjoyed a game of soccer at the other.

Sandy approached and asked if she was all right.

The girl said she was.

A little while later, however, Sandy noticed the girl was in the same spot, still by herself.

Approaching again, Sandy offered, "Would you like me to be your friend?"

The girl hesitated, then said, "Okay," looking at the woman suspiciously.

Feeling she was making progress, Sandy then asked, "Why are you standing here all alone?"

"Because," the little girl said with great exasperation⁴, "I'm the goalie!"

counselor: n.（协助学生解决问题的）指导老师

recess: n.休息； 隐蔽处；

exasperation: n.恼怒，激怒； 惹人恼怒的事；

goalie: n.守门员