elementary school; primary school; school for children over eight years old in ancient China; traditional Chinese philology
role; assignment; position (of responsibility); post; part (in a play, film, etc.); role
on the contrary; far from it; if anything; in fact; instead
baggage; luggage; burden; albatross around one's neck; excess baggage
rubbish; trash; garbage; refuse; litter
to be rested; to feel at ease; to repose; to be relieved
one's youth; early life; one's early days; one's early years
to aspire to; to aim for; (arch.) to give a gift (as a token of gratitude, goodwill, etc.); (arch.) to perform a memorial service
rather than; more ... than ...
to begin to write; to begin writing; to begin to draw; to begin drawing; to begin painting
stealthily; secretly; in secret
third-year student; third-year pupil
by the way; incidentally; sometimes; occasionally; precisely (at that time); exactly
district; region; the country; countryside; civilian society
fine (piece of) work; excellent work; work that receives an honourable mention
to regain one's footing; to get back on one's feet; to recover; (of the market) to improve
stimulus; stimulation; impetus; impulse; excitement; thrill
it cannot be helped; there's nothing for it; it's no use fighting back; it's hopeless; there is no way out of it
weak; frail; delicate; tender; unskilled; weak (wine)
reason for living; something one lives for; purpose in life; raison d'être; ikigai
automobile component; automobile part
office job; clerical work
to take (seat, position, course, office, etc.); to assume; to ascend (the throne); to accede; to start (on a journey); to commence
public employee; government employee; public-sector worker; public servant; civil servant
having graduated from high school (as one's highest completed level of education); high school graduate
recruitment; invitation; raising (funds, donations, etc.); collection; flotation (of shares, loans, etc.)
neighbourhood; neighborhood; vicinity
municipality; local government; self-governing body; autonomous body
several years; a few years
to decrease (in size or number); to diminish; to abate
still; even now; to this day
challenge; defiance; dare; attempt; try
application; subscription; entry (competition, raffle, etc.); enlistment
year; age; years; past one's prime; old age
contribution (to a newspaper, magazine, etc.); submission; post (on a blog, social media, etc.)
October; tenth month of the lunar calendar
final selection (e.g. of applicants); final screening; shortlisting
the teens (10-19); teenage; the tenth generation
brilliant achievement; spectacular feat; splendid accomplishment; remarkable deed
to miss (e.g. a chance); to lose; to set free; to let go; to fail to ...
being in charge (of an area of responsibility); being responsible (for a work role, etc.)
editor (in publishing, etc.)
advice; counsel; suggestion; tip; hint
early on; earlier on; from early