If students focus on their studies for the whole year before their exams, they might miss many enjoyable school activities.

I hope all students will try their best in their studies, but they should not forget to enjoy school life too as our time in school is quite short.

Carmen Ho Ka-man, Leung Shek Chee College

Shopping is best in Hong Kong

Recently, Hong Kong has been attacked by inflation and the prices of many goods are rising. Some of my friends have suggested going shopping in Shenzhen instead.

Many things are cheaper in Shenzhen, but I think there are too many pickpockets there.

Besides, we don't know about the quality of the goods. We might buy something fake or of poor quality.

I prefer going shopping in Hong Kong to guarantee I get good quality items.

Chan Wing-fat

Family should always come first

Today's competitive society sometimes leaves us unable to catch our breath.

Economic depression and falling stock prices are worrying. Studying hard at school can make you anxious.

We have to try to relax and deal with problems as they come up.

Studying and earning money are important, but don't forget your family who gives you support and encouragement.

I know some office workers spend all day and night working just to try to get a promotion but they end up losing their health and sometimes their families.

Be sure to value family time and don't regret not spending enough time with them.

Shirley Lo Yuk-fung, Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu

Memorial College

The meaning of love

What does the word love mean to you? You might think of your family, your friends, or your boyfriend or girlfriend.

If you are a Christian, it may also mean God to you.

Everyone has experienced love, it is all around us.

Some say love is a game, some say it is an illusion, others believe love is everything.

I think love is pain. People always want to be loved, but some never give love.

Indeed, sometimes love is cruel. We may not get anything back but we can learn a lot by giving our love to others.

Tsoi Kwan-nok, Christian Alliance S.C. Chan

Memorial College

Don't waste time on regrets

Many of us have regrets that haunt us.

I believe everyone has regrets, although optimistic people may have fewer regrets because of their outlook on life.

To avoid having regrets, we should try our best at everything we do.

Many students, including me, are lazy when it comes to studying. When they fail to get good exam results, they say they will work harder next time.

But we should try our best the first time around.

If you try your best at a task, no matter the outcome, you won't feel embarrassed or have regrets.

Knowing you put the effort in will make you feel more positive. So, let's try our best to avoid regrets.

Joyce Chau Cheuk-nga

Time to build on Olympic success

I really love Beijing. I think the blue skies are evidence the air quality over the city has improved.

Besides, the Water Cube and the Bird's Nest are grand buildings.

China should be proud of how well the Olympics have been received by the world.

However, there needs to be some improvements in areas like customer service.

When I was on holiday in Beijing, I had a great time sightseeing but I got poor service from a saleswoman.

Poor customer service can influence people's impression of a country.

We should protect the image of China, especially after the boost from the Olympics.

Connie Cheng

Hong Kong needn't rival Macau

In recent years, Macau has become a rival to Hong Kong in areas like tourism.

I think there are a number of reasons for this.

Macau is mainly known for gambling, which attracts millions of visitors. Of course, Hong Kong does not have this attraction, so we may lose some tourists.

There are also a growing number of visitors from the mainland going to Macau.

Many of them have already visited Hong Kong.

Last but not least, Macau has its own unique architecture and cuisine since it was a Portuguese colony for so long. Hong Kong, however, has its own special culture.

The two cities do not need to be rivals. We are both part of China and should work together to help our economies.

Fanny Yau Yee-ting, SKH Lam Woo Memorial Secondary School

The power of plants

Plants bring natural beauty to our living spaces. By creating texture and balance, a room or patio can be transformed into an environment that comforts and welcomes.

But, just like Miss Universe, plants can do more than look pretty. They've been proven to reduce stress.

They also help clean the air we breathe by absorbing toxins and acting as little oxygen factories.

Plants look great and make us feel better.

Suman Varma, California School