Jenifer Mauer has needed more willpower than the typical college student to pursue her goal of earning a nursing degree. That willpower bore fruit when Jennifer graduated from University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and became the first in her large family to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Mauer, of Edgar, Wisconsin, grew up on a farm in a family of 10 children. Her dad worked at a job away from the farm, and her mother ran the farm with the kids. After high school, Jennifer attended a local technical college, working to pay her tuition(学费), because there was no extra money set aside for a college education. After graduation, she worked to help her sisters and brothers pay for their schooling.

Jennifer now is married and has three children of her own. She decided to go back to college to advance her career and to be able to better support her family while doing something she loves: nursing. She chose the UW-Eau Claire program at Ministry Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield because she was able to pursue her four-year degree close to home. She could drive to class and be home in the evening to help with her kids. Jenifer received great support from her family as she worked to earn her degree: Her husband worked two jobs to cover the bills, and her 68-year-old mother helped take care of the children at times.

Through it all, she remained in good academic standing and graduated with honors. Jennifer sacrificed(牺牲) to achieve her goal, giving up many nights with her kids and missing important events to study. “Some nights my heart was breaking to have to pick between my kids and studying for exams or papers,” she says. However, her children have learned an important lesson witnessing their mother earn her degree. Jennifer is a first-generation graduate and an inspiration to her family—and that’s pretty powerful. 

1.What did Jennifer do after high school?

A She helped her dad with his work.

B She ran the family farm on her own.

C She supported herself through college.

D She taught her sisters and brothers at home.

解析：选C。C 细节理解题。 根据第二段第三句 After high school, Jennifer attended a local technical college, working to pay her tuition (学费), because there was no extra money set aside for a college education. 可知答案。She supported herself through college. 意为“她自食其力读完大学”。 故选C。

2.Why did Jennifer choose the program at Ministry Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield?

A To take care of her kids easily.

B To learn from the best nurses.

C To save money for her parents.

D To find a well-paid job there.

解析：选A。A 细节理解题。 根据第三段第三句和第四句 She chose the UW-Eau Claire program at Ministry Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield because she was able to pursue her four-year degree close to home. She could drive to class and be home in the evening to help with her kids. 可知 Jeniffer 这么选择的原因是为了离家近，可以更好地照顾孩子。 故选A。

3.What did Jennifer sacrifice to achieve her goal?

A Her health.

B Her time with family.

C Her reputation.

D Her chance of promotion.

解析：选B。B 细节理解题。 根据第四段第二句和第三句 Jennifer sacrificed to achieve her goal, giving up many nights with her kids and missing important events to study. “Some nights my heart was breaking to have to pick between my kids and studying for exams or papers,”she says. 可知，为了实现目标， Jeniffer 牺牲了和家人在一起的时间。 故选B。

4.What can we learn from Jenifer’s story?

A Time is money.

B Love breaks down barriers.

C Hard work pays off.

D Education is the key to success.

解析：选C。C 推理判断题。 本文主要讲述了 Jennifer Mauer 通过自己的不懈努力，最终实现了自己的目标，因此选 C. Hard work pays off. “功夫不负有心人。” (也可翻译为“天道酬勤”，“付出总有回报”)。故选C。