For his eleventh birthday, Tom was given a gift that would shape his life. On that day his father took him to the Children's Activity Centre and said he could choose any course that interested him. There was just one requirement (要求): Tom would have to promise to study it for at least one year.
Tom had many hobbies, but none kept his interest for more than a week or two. His mum once gave him a bag of stamps to encourage stamp collecting. That hobby lasted a week. Then his father got him some paints hoping that Tom's artistic side would shine through. Those paints were now under his bed, still unopened. This time Tom's parents would let him decide.
Tom's eyes moved down the noticeboard that listed (列出) all the courses on offer. He stopped at "Photography". He liked the idea of taking beautiful pictures but the notice said that each student needed their own camera. Although Tom's family weren't poor, they weren't rich either, and a camera cost a lot of money. He continued looking.
The next course to catch his eye was "Language Art". He didn't even know what that meant. His father explained that it taught people how to make public speeches. Tom, a shy boy, could think of nothing worse. Then he saw "cooking", which sounded like something he'd like to do. It was inexpensive and convenient. It could be done alone and it was also creative.
Based on Tom's hobby history, his dad had doubts (怀疑), but he agreed. Much to his parents' surprise, and practiced at home, making delicious meals for his family. Everyone looked forward to birthdays, when they could eat his cakes. Tom got great satisfaction from the pleasure his food brought to others.
The months turned to years but his hobby never changed again. Now Tom is an adult and runs a successful restaurant. When customers say they enjoy his meal, he still gets the same pleasure he did as a child, and remembers the special gift he received all those years ago.
