Fu Lijuan, nurse (By XU BEI)

"I'm a nurse and know clearly the importance of health, so I wish all my families and friends good health," said 23-year-old Fu.

Fu got married last October and now pays more attention to food prices.

"The price rose too rapidly last year," she said. "I really hope that my husband's and mine salaries will be higher and the prices will rise slower."

Fu works at the Beijing Hospital, which has been selected as one of the special medicare hospitals that will serve the Olympic Games. As a result, a series of training courses in spoken English, medicare knowledge, etc., have been introduced to Fu and her colleagues.

"I'm eager to greet the Olympic Games, because we've already paid a lot to meet the requirements," she said. "Medicare service will play an important role during the Games. I'm sure that all my colleagues and I will try our best to serve guests home and abroad."

Wu Zihao, marketing assistant (By LV LING)

"I was lucky in 2007, because I got a job at Comic Weekly and found new goals in life," said 25-year-old Wu.

According to Wu, the comics industry in China has flourished in recent years: policies of comics industry were introduced by local governments; theme parks, big or small, opened nationwide; comic exhibitions and development centers mushroomed.

"I'm optimistic about the future of the industry, so I won't change my job," he said. "Another reason to stay is that my boss is very nice and talented.

"The most influential thing last year was inflation. I'm interested in investment, so I'll try my luck in the stock market, despite its unstable performance last year. I hope that new tax-free allowances will be introduced soon; that the rise of foodstuff prices will be slower; that I'll make breakthroughs in my career; and my family and friends will be healthy and happy all the time."

Ding Dan, office lady (By CHEN RAN)

"I didn't expect to spend almost three months finding a job," said 25-year-old Ding, who returned to Beijing last August with her master's degree from Australia.

She attributed this to her over-optimism. "To be honest, I took it for granted that I would find a job easily," she said. "I thought I was superior to other candidates in terms of English-speaking and education level, that I had a broader view of things because I had studied overseas."

Ding realized the problem after she failed her first interview.

"I had to admit that my resume was not well-designed, plus I didn't have too much social experience," Ding said frankly. "But judging from another angle, I was grateful that I waited for the job."

She continues, "Some friends asked me whether it was worth spending time and money for further education abroad. The answer is definitely yes. What I've experienced was precious spiritual treasure that cannot be judged by money."

She ploughed on, thanks to support from her family and friends.

"I was encouraged to change my attitude," she said. "I polished my resume carefully and took every interview seriously. Finally, I received a job offer, soon after getting my driver's license.

"In the new year, I wish all my families and friends health; I hope to realize my value in my first job; and more importantly, that I can earn money to look after my parents."

Han Wenquan, peasant (By JIN DUOYOU)

Han lives in Hantai Village in Changping District in suburban Beijing. He is a member of the village administration committee, and is in charge of the village's water supply system.

"We are as eager to embrace the Olympic Games as people in urban Beijing," said Han. "We can't watch the Games at the venues because we live in the mountain area, but we will support Team China in front of the television," said Han.

Han and his family enjoy a comfortable life there. In his county, every family owns a television and every resident is covered by medicare insurance.

"Transportation and water supply are two things that remain unsatisfying," said Han. "The bus stop is located 20 miles away, although the paths have been paved with asphalt throughout the county. I hope there will be a direct bus in the new year.

"In addition, we have difficulties in using drinking water. Currently, more than 300 residents have to share one well. I really hope that this issue can be addressed by the government."

Mr. Shan, retailer (By ZENG WENHUI)

"I want to earn more money and go traveling with my wife," said Shan, who declined to tell the reporter his first name.

Afflicted with polio at two years of age, Shan fought on. Some fourteen years ago, he opened a mini store in Renmin University.

"I lead a comfortable life despite some inconveniences," he said. "Officials from the Disabled Person's Federation take care of us. I'll go to watch the Paralympic Games, thanks to the Federation. But I'm not sure which event I'll watch."

Shan and his wife plan to close the mini store and move to a new residential complex this October.

"I'm sure that we'll miss the students here," he added. "I chat with them every day; we get along very well. My wife is now retired so we can spend more time on keeping fit and traveling around."

Mr. Wan, pensioner (By MIAO XIAOYANG)

"Watching the Olympic Games in Beijing is my biggest dream," said Wan, a resident of Nanjing in east China's Jiangsu Province.

Wan has a full schedule after retiring: he does morning exercises and attends choir practice. Sometimes he flies kites, and plays the drums with his gray-haired friends.

He is satisfied with life in Nanjing, a medium-sized city with beautiful scenery and a comfortable environment.

"An optimistic mind and a healthy body are at the root of a happy life," said Wan. "My wife was born in Beijing, so we often visit her relatives there. The Olympic Games is approaching, and we will watch it for sure. I hope I maintain a healthy body and get a higher pension in the new year."