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Inspiration through achievement
Jay Ho, Ma On Shan Tsung Tsin Secondary School
When I first learned that our alumna Ceci Lee Sze-wing had won a gold medal at the National Games, I felt immense pride. Watching the news coverage of her success truly inspired me. Her spirit and positive attitude have given me the confidence to face my own challenges.
Additionally, her victory taught me the importance of teamwork and collaboration. These qualities motivate me to embrace challenging tasks in pursuit of my goals.
I firmly believe that Lee’s success stems from her perseverance, discipline and positive mindset. She must have dedicated herself to rigorous training and maintained the determination to seize every opportunity. Her victory encourages all students at our school to confront challenges with courage, demonstrating that pursuing our dreams is indeed worthwhile.
Rethink the education system
Ng Wing-ho, GCC & ITKD Lau Pak Lok Secondary School
Hong Kong’s educational system primarily emphasises rote learning and constant testing, which often hinders children’s creativity and critical thinking.
Although students may excel in tests, this does not necessarily translate to their ability to work independently or solve complex problems.
To improve this situation, we need to better prepare students for real-world challenges.
Careers in technology, the arts and music demand creativity and imaginative thinking.
Among potential hires, those who can visualise ideas and effectively solve problems are the most sought after. Developing creative thinking and problem-solving skills will enhance a graduate’s employability and make them better community members.
Furthermore, research indicates that fostering creativity increases student engagement.
Yet, the education system in Hong Kong still relies on traditional rote learning.
A practical alternative is project-based learning, where students collaborate across different subjects, igniting curiosity and enjoyment in their studies.
Shouldn’t we consider how to change the system by promoting creative thinking?
Pursuing athletic dreams
Tsz Lam-chung, Fung Kai No.1 Secondary School
The trend of younger generations striving to become future athletes has been on the rise. However, achieving success as a young athlete is not easy. In addition to determination and hard work, athletes often have to make significant sacrifices.
Being an athlete is more than just a hobby; it represents their dreams, futures and passions. The sacrifices they make enable them to pursue their aspirations freely. Living with a sense of purpose or a high-reaching goal often outweighs the satisfaction of following a traditional career path.
What stands out is that being an athlete uncovers significant potential and opens doors to global opportunities. Athletes often have the chance to travel internationally, which broadens their horizons and connects them with elite professionals worldwide.
While the intense competition may seem demanding in the short term, it frequently pushes young athletes to reach their maximum potential. This environment fosters resilience, a strong mindset and other qualities that benefit them well beyond their athletic careers.
In conclusion, the sacrifices young athletes make to achieve their dreams are indeed worthwhile.
Vertical drama boom
Eva Leung, Pope Paul VI College
Nowadays, vertical dramas are prevalent across various online platforms, including Chinese apps such as Douyin, Kuaishou and Bilibili, as well as TikTok and YouTube, which are currently banned in China.
Their popularity can be attributed to a single reason. The pace of modern life is accelerating, leaving people with little time to watch full-length films that often last several hours. Instead, they seek brief entertainment that lasts only a few minutes to fit into their breaks.
Vertical dramas are ideal for this purpose, featuring eye-catching plots such as sibling disputes over inheritance or a man disguised as a lowly cleaning staff member who surprises his bullies by revealing his true identity as the CEO of a major company.
While the plots are simple, they provide significant satisfaction to the audience. Each episode is short enough for viewers to enjoy even during brief moments. At the same time, these dramas can be so engaging that viewers may end up watching hundreds of episodes in a single day. However, vertical dramas do not pose a threat to the film industry, as their positioning differs significantly. People are still willing to pay for high-quality films
