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Empathy heals all
Rainie Li Tsang, Canossa College
Recently, I have found myself revisiting Michael Jackson’s song “Heal The World.” I used to listen to it frequently as a child, but now that I am older, I finally understand its deeper meaning. The song addresses various issues such as illness, war, mental health, world hunger and poverty. Nowadays, countless people suffer from these problems. Many struggle to get even three meals a day, cannot afford education, lose family members due to war and fight for basic human rights.
I find it sad that we have reached a point where so many people feel hopeless amid the events around us. We still have future generations to think about, and no one wants them to inherit a messed-up world.
While some people tell me, “Life is unfair, and suffering is normal, so you should just get over it,” I refuse to accept that as the truth. I don’t believe we are destined to live in a world where suffering is our only option. There are many actions we can take to create a better world.
Volunteering and spreading awareness are valuable actions, but I believe the most important quality is empathy. Empathy is the ability to understand, share, and experience the emotions and perspectives of others. In simple terms, it means “putting yourself in someone’s shoes.” When you encounter someone who is suffering, ask yourself, “How would I feel if I were in their situation?” Once you have your answer, take action to do what is right. Each small effort brings us one step closer to creating a happier world. Though these actions may seem minor, together we can make our community happier, safer and more harmonious.
We should show people in need that we care and let them know we are here for them. By working together, we can restore what is broken and create a better environment not only for ourselves but also for future generations.
As Michael Jackson said in “Heal the World”: “There are people dying. If you care enough for the living, make a better place for you and for me.”
Power of a pause
Cherish Chiu Cheuk-wing, Leung Shek Chee College
In the high-pressure environment of final exams, many students mistakenly believe that continuous studying is the best way to succeed. Fuelled by caffeine and stress, they often engage in marathon study sessions, believing that every extra minute spent over a textbook will lead directly to higher grades.
However, this approach is not only unsustainable but also counterproductive. The reality is that taking strategic study breaks is not a sign of weakness; it is a scientifically supported necessity for achieving peak performance.
Cognitive science research shows that the brain can become fatigued with prolonged use. After a period of intense focus, your ability to concentrate, process new information and recall material significantly declines.
This phenomenon is known as cognitive overload, which results in diminishing returns: hours of studying may produce little actual learning. This is where the strategic pause becomes a valuable tool.
Taking a five to 10-minute break every hour allows the brain’s two essential networks to function effectively. The “attentional” network has the opportunity to reset, restoring your ability to concentrate.
At the same time, the “default mode” network becomes active, playing a crucial role in memory consolidation – the process where the brain transfers information from short-term to long-term memory. Essentially, stepping away from your notes helps you truly absorb the material. Additionally, breaks are vital for emotional regulation. The stress and anxiety associated with finals can lead to burnout and feelings of hopelessness. Taking a moment to step outside for fresh air, stretch, or listen to a song serves as a psychological release, lowering cortisol levels and improving your mood.
A student who returns from a break is not being lazy; instead, they are re-energised, more resilient, and prepared for another session of focused study. Therefore, students should change their perspective on study breaks. These breaks are not wasted time; they are an investment.
By planning short, intentional breaks – free from digital distractions – students can combat fatigue, enhance memory, and approach their final exams with a sharper, calmer, and more capable mind. Sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is take a step back.
