Our next question: What risky behaviours do you think teens in Hong Kong are most tempted by today? This question has been sponsored by the Hong Kong Police Force. To take part, drop us a line via this form by 12pm on Wednesday, April 29.
Tsoi Tsz-ching, 17, Fung Kai Liu Man Shek Tong Secondary School: One night before my final exams, I was buried in my studies at a cafe, feeling so stressed that I almost cried. When I went to pay my bill, the clerk said, “A regular customer already paid for you. He left a note: ‘Keep going, you’re not alone.’” I still don’t know who it was, but that kindness helped me persevere and finish my studies.
Keira Lo Yu-kei, 14, Lung Kong WFSL Lau Wong Fat Secondary School: In Grade Eight, between studying for tough exams and hanging out with friends, life moves fast. One day, a classmate noticed that I was feeling totally overwhelmed by a massive science project. Even though I’m not very familiar with her, she shared her notes and offered to help me study. That small gesture turned my stressful week into a much better one.
Hannie Kwok, 10, SKH Tin Wan Chi Nam Primary School: Three years ago, during the summer holiday, my family went to a resort. As I played, I suddenly realised that I was lost. I was very scared. Then, a stranger came and asked me why I was crying. I told her that I was lost. She gave me a phone to call my dad, and I thanked her. My dad came quickly. Her kindness made my day.
Ava Li Yan-qi, 11, Holy Angels Canossian School: One day, I was in a bad mood because I had forgotten that I had to do something at school, so I did not even eat my breakfast before leaving my home to dash to the bus station. Unfortunately, I forgot to bring my wallet with me since I was in a hurry. Just as I was feeling annoyed and frustrated about going back home to get my wallet, my neighbour kindly lent me his money and told me to return it to him the next day. I was very happy and grateful for his help, and this moment helped me feel like my day was starting to turn around.
Megan Lam Tsang-wing, 17, Pui Kiu College: After a rough day, I walked into a small grocery store. I was feeling tired, distracted and pretty down. I had grabbed a few basic items, but at the checkout, my card wouldn’t work, and my hands started shaking. Before I could even explain, the woman behind me smiled and said, “Don’t worry. I’ve got you.” She paid for my groceries and did not make a big deal of it – she just waved and told me to have a good evening. I felt my shoulders drop immediately, like the stress had left my body all at once. Besides her act of kindness, I was also touched by how normal she made it feel – like I wasn’t a bother and that I deserved help.
Sherry Ng Sheung-yau, 17, Leung Shek Chee College: Once, a quiet classmate secretly stayed up all night to rewrite his notes for me after I lost mine before an exam. He highlighted the key points too. That unexpected kindness made me incredibly happy during a stressful time.
Hannah Lau Ting-hei, 13, HKUGA College: One time, I was on a minibus to the MTR station, and I had four bags of things that I needed to bring to school. When the minibus stopped, I tried very hard to grab all of my things and get off the minibus. But I couldn’t, so I let other passengers get off first. When I was finally ready to get off, a woman asked me if I needed any help. I told her what I was trying to do, and she helped me grab two bags to take them off the bus. This action really made my day.
Victoria Liu, 13, St Paul’s Co-educational College: I was carrying a heavy stack of books up the stairs because the lift was under repair. A stranger offered to help me carry them, and she took half of my books and walked to the top with me. While we walked, we chatted and discovered that we had shared interests, which made the climb feel lighter and even enjoyable. That act completely made my day – I was already frustrated that the lift wasn’t working, but her kindness turned everything around. I hope to remember this feeling and help others too.
Tracy Yao, 15, Pope Paul VI College: I was on the bus with my head down as I was texting, and I completely missed the stop announcement. An elderly man next to me softly said, “Isn’t this your stop?” I barely made it off the bus in time. When I turned to thank him, he had already closed his eyes and leaned back to rest. Without him, I would have ridden right past my stop.
Venus Lam Yuen-ching, 17, GCCITKD Lau Pak Lok Secondary School: Having lost a precious gift from my best friend while heading to school on the MTR, I was overwhelmed with anxiety. Thanks to a stranger who returned it, I regained my treasure. Such a small act made my whole day brighter. Not only did it restore my faith in humanity, but it also inspired me to pass on the kindness.
