1) Life is a journey and the ultimate goal is happiness, which is achieved through being around loved ones who support you and developing traits like toughness and modesty. 2) The author's friends helped her prepare and succeed in a competition by inspiring her, building her confidence, and improving her skills through practice and support. Friendship is an important part of life's journey. 3) High school is an important transition where people mature and study habits must adapt to changing conditions in order to succeed. The author is learning to adjust her study methods at her new high school.