As a teenager，I felt I was always letting people down ．I was rebellious outside，but I wanted to be liked inside．
Once I left home to hitch-hike to California with my friend Penelope．The trip wasn't easy，and there were many times I didn't feel safe．One situation in particular kept me grateful to still be alive．When I returned home，I was different，not so outwardly sure of myself．
I was happy to be home．But then I noticed that Penelope，who was staying with us，was wearing my clothes．And my family seemed to like her better than me．I wondered if I would be missed if I weren't there．I told my mom，and she explained that though Penelope was a lovely girl，no one could replace me．I pointed out，“She is more patient and is neater than I have ever been．”My mom said these were wonderful qualities，but I was the only person who could fill my role．She made me realize that even with my faults—and there were many—I was a loved member of the family who couldn't be replaced．
I became a searcher，wanting to find out who I was and what made me unique．My view of myself was changing．I wanted a solid base to start from．I started to resist pressure to act in ways that I didn't like any more，and I was delighted by who I really was．I came to feel much more sure that no one can ever take my place．
Each of us holds a unique place in the world．You are special，no matter what others say or what you may think．So forget about being replaced．You can't be．
Words and Expressions
let sb．down使失望
- rebellious adj．反叛的，难控制的
- hitch-hike n．免费搭乘他人的车
in particular尤其，特别
- outwardly adv．外表上；表面上
Read and recite the following sentences：
Each of us holds a unique place in the world．You are special，no matter what others say or what you may think．So forget about being replaced．You can't be．
Now try and write the sentences out here：
唯独你不可取代
当我还是个十几岁的少年的时候，觉得自己总是让人失望。从外表上看，我似乎很叛逆，但是在内心深处，我是如此的渴望被人疼爱。
有一次我离开了家和我的朋友佩内洛普搭便车去了加利福尼亚。这次旅行并不轻松，而且有很多次我感觉不安全。一次的突发状况让我一直庆幸自己还活着。回到家，我发觉自己变了，看上去不那么自信了。
我很高兴能回到家，但不久我注意到和我们一起的佩内洛普穿着我的衣服，而且我父母看上去更喜欢她，我想知道如果我不在家的话他们是否会想念我。后来，我把我的想法告诉了母亲，她说尽管佩内洛普是个可爱的女孩，但她始终不能取代我。我说：“她比我有耐心，而且无论何时看上去她都比我要整洁大方。”母亲说这些都是非常好的优点，但我却是唯一能扮演好自己角色的人。母亲让我感到尽管我有缺点——似乎还很多——但是，我被家中每一个人爱着，谁也无法取代。
我成了一个探寻者，想要知道自己到底是谁，又是什么让我变得独一无二。我的人生观开始改变。我需要一个坚固的基础来发展，我忍受住压力，不再做自己不喜欢做的事，而且我为真实的我感到高兴。渐渐地我越发肯定自己无可替代。
每个人在这个世界上都占有一个独一无二的位置。无论别人说什么，你自己怎么想，你都是特别的。所以，不要担心自己会被取代，因为你永远是唯一的。