My outlook on life took a sharp turn last year when I learned about the 1994 genocide (种族大屠杀) in Rwanda.I first heard of the genocide when a survivor came to my school and talked about her experience.Hearing about the frightening murders made me ashamed that I had never heard of the Rwandan Genocide and it bothered me deeply to realize that events go on in the world that deserve to be recognized，but for whatever reason，are not.

　　Listening to that speaker changed me，and afterward I learned as much about the genocide as I could.I read books，went on the Internet，and watched movies.In my research I came across a man who became my biggest hero：Paul Rusesabagina，a Rwandan who managed to save over 1,000 people through bravery and selflessness.

　　I was excited when I heard he was going to speak at Rutgers University about his experience in Rwanda.I never dreamed that I would be in the same room with Paul Rusesabagina，let alone shake hands with him，but I was lucky to meet this man whom I admired and respected so much.His story attracted me because he is，in the purest sense，an ordinary man.The sacrifices (牺牲) he made for so many，however，are something that most people could not do.

　　When I met Rusesabagina I didn't know what to say.Even though it was only a brief moment，I was able to tell him how much his courage meant to me.His story makes me want to be a better person.

　　It's a shame there aren't more people like Paul Rusesabagina and the woman who spoke at my school.So many seem focused on themselves and their own lives，myself included sometimes.I believe the ultimate (终极的) sacrifice is being able to help someone in need with all your heart；ignoring what may happen to you.Paul Rusesabagina displayed just that：he risked his life and family to save others when they needed help the most.I aspire (渴望) to have these qualities，which is why Rusesabagina is my true hero.

　　语篇解读　本文是记叙文。有关卢旺达种族大屠杀的故事使得作者的人生观开始发生巨大的转变。

　　1．How did the author get to know about the Rwandan Genocide?

　　A．By surfing the Internet.

　　B．By watching documentaries.

　　C．By listening to a survivor's talk.

　　D．By interviewing Paul Rusesabagina.

解析：　细节理解题。由第一段中的I first heard of the genocide when a survivor came to my school and talked about her experience可知，当一位幸存者来学校讲述她自己的经历时，作者才第一次听说卢旺达种族大屠杀。