Don't compare yourself to others
I'm a Form Two student and I'm not very happy.
My classmates are brighter than me. They always talk about studies and homework, which makes me feel uncomfortable.
When I want to play with them during recess or lunchtime, they are always busy doing their schoolwork. This means I have to play with students from other classes.
Even though they think only about their studies all the time they seem happy.
It's nice my classmates can teach me things that I don't understand, but this is the only advantage I can think of.
I hope my classmates can sometimes play with me. I think they also need to relax.
Of course, I will also make an effort to improve. I want to talk and study together with them.
Winnie, SKH Lam Kau Mow Secondary School
From the Editor
Thanks for your letter, Winnie. It sounds as though you are feeling the pressure of being surrounded by very studious classmates. I'm sure that can't be easy.
The first thing I'd like to see you do is stop comparing yourself to them. We are our own harshest critics and when we compare ourselves to others we often highlight our apparent inadequacies and neglect our strengths.
You are right to point out that your classmates can teach you things you don't understand - this is a real advantage. I suggest that you try hanging out with them at break time, I'm sure they don't talk about studies all the time.
If you start looking for the things that you do have in common, instead of the differences, I'm sure you'll have some new close friends by the end of the year.
Kate, Editor
