Discover the Wonders of Singapore Botanic Gardens!

(1) _______ is the Singapore Botanic Gardens that captures the essence of Singapore's “city in a garden” vision. (2) _______ in 1859, this 150-year-old garden reflects the nation's vision of a “city in a garden” with its beautiful English-style pathways, terraces, and lush greenery. A haven for nature and history lovers, it offers something special for everyone.

The gardens (3) _______ into three zones, each with unique highlights. The Tanglin Zone, the oldest, is home to Swan Lake, the Bandstand, and (4) _______ historical landmarks surrounded by 750,000 plant species. The Central Zone includes the stunning Ginger Garden, home to 250 flower species, and a serene rainforest. Orchid (5) _______ will love the National Orchid Garden, which spans 3 acres and boasts over 2,000 hybrids and 1,000 species, including Singapore's national flower.

Families will love the Bukit Timah Zone, (6) _______ Asia's first children's garden with treehouses, water play, and eco-learning activities. Visit today for an unforgettable experience!

✽ Explore Your Future with the Fulbright Program!

The U.S. Mission in Vietnam invites applications for the 2026 Fulbright Vietnamese Student Program. This is your chance to (1) _______ a fully-funded Master's degree in the United States!

Why Apply?

✔ Open to candidates from all fields (special encouragement for Science and Technology).

✔ Fully covers tuition, travel, and living (2) _______.

✔ Advance your career (3) _______ pursuing your dreams.

Eligibility

✔ Must be a Vietnamese citizen living in Vietnam (no dual citizenship).

✔ Hold at least one undergraduate degree.

✔ Have two years of work experience after graduation.

✔ English proficiency (4) _______: TOEFL iBT 79, IELTS 6.5, Duolingo 110, or TOEFL Essentials 8.5.

Selection Criteria

✔ Strong academic and professional background.

✔ (5) _______ and future plans.

✔ Leadership potential through community and professional involvement.

✔ Dedication (6) _______ Vietnam and cultural exchange.

Apply Now!

Visit https://vn.usembassy.gov/fulbright-vietnamese-student-program/ to learn more and begin your application.

The Developing Adolescent Brain

During adolescence, the brain experiences significant changes. This time is very important for cognitive development. The prefrontal cortex, (1) _______, starts to mature during this stage of life.

Adolescents often take more risks or act on impulse compared to (2) _______ . Such behavior is common for teenagers as they are still developing the ability to make decisions and consider the consequences of their actions. (3) _______ .

Hormones also affect how adolescents think and behave. (4) _______ . Adolescents may react more strongly than adults because of these shifts. For example, teenagers may feel more stressed during exams. To deal with this stress, it is important to practice managing emotions and making thoughtful decisions. (5) _______ helps them improve decision-making skills and emotional awareness as they grow older.

Risk-Taking: An Important Part of Adolescence

1. Taking risks and trying new experiences are normal and essential parts of adolescence. These behaviors allow teenagers to explore their identity, develop new skills, and prepare for independence. This natural curiosity helps them step out of their comfort zones, enabling personal growth and learning.

2. During adolescence, the brain undergoes significant changes. It forms new connections, removes unused pathways, and strengthens important ones based on experiences. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, plays a key role in these changes. Dopamine is not only responsible for the brain's reward system but also supports learning and motivation by focusing attention on important events or outcomes.

3. When adolescents experience uncertain or surprising rewards, their brains release extra dopamine. This signals to the brain that the experience is important and needs attention. This process helps shape neural connections and supports learning, making risk-taking an effective way for adolescents to adapt and grow.

4. Adolescents release more dopamine than children or adults, making them more sensitive to rewards and new experiences. While not all teenagers enjoy taking risks, many are naturally drawn to activities with uncertain outcomes. Dopamine also helps with attention and decision-making, enabling adolescents to manage complex tasks as effectively as adults by their mid-teens.

5. Social situations also impact risk-taking. Teenagers are more likely to take risks when peers are present, as the rewards feel greater. Peer influence can also inspire positive risks, such as supporting others or standing up for meaningful causes. With proper guidance, adolescent risk-taking can lead to growth and success.

1. Moving directly from school to work or higher education can be difficult and stressful. The transition from one demanding environment to another often leaves little time to pause and reflect. [I] A gap year provides an excellent opportunity to take a break, think about your goals, and plan for the future. [II] It allows you to step out of your comfort zone and experience personal growth through real-world learning. [III] For example, you could travel to new places, volunteer for meaningful causes, or immerse yourself in different cultures. [IV]

2. Academic life often feels like a constant race, with little time to pause due to classes, homework, and extracurricular activities. This intense schedule often leads to academic burnout, leaving students feeling unmotivated. A gap year provides the opportunity to recharge and rebuild enthusiasm for academic pursuits. By taking this break, students can return to their studies feeling refreshed and ready to achieve their goals.

3. For many students, a gap year is a chance to discover their interests and purposes. While some know their career path early, most are unsure about their future. During a gap year, you can explore what you enjoy and develop a clearer vision for your life. This time of self-discovery ensures you return to school ready to succeed in a major you are passionate about.

4. Additionally, a gap year helps build essential interpersonal skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are highly valued by employers and universities. Whether volunteering abroad, leading community projects, or networking in your field of interest, these experiences can set you apart from others. A gap year not only prepares you for future challenges but also helps you grow into a confident, capable individual.

5. In conclusion, a gap year is a powerful tool for gaining experience, reducing stress, and finding direction.