In life, all kinds of skills are required, for example, communication and leadership skills.

These are skills that cannot be acquired from books, and are best learned in social activities.

In other words, ideally, we need to concentrate on our studies and at the same time have other interests.

Students who are genuinely preparing for the future need a balanced life. Study hard and enjoy the extra-curricular activities.

Zoe Cheung, SKH Li Fook Hing Secondary School

Finding inspiration in a gymnast

Fifty-one gold medal-winning mainland athletes recently visited Hong Kong after the Beijing Olympics. My favourite is Cheng Fei, captain of the women's artistic gymnastics team.

I find her perseverance and spirit inspiring.

At one point in the women's artistic gymnastics final, Cheng slipped and fell. But she didn't give up, and in the end, her team still took the gold.

Cheng is a reminder that if we fall - and all of us do - we have to get back on our feet and keep going.

Similarly, if we fail at something, we just have to work harder, and not give up.

Cheng is an admirable role model for all of us.

Tang Cheuk-wa, Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial College

Use computers properly

Computers are essential to modern life - we can't live without them - but I still think we should use them wisely.

We live in a digital era and computers take up a lot of our time.

But when students neglect their studies and outdoor activities in favour of online games, I think they are misusing a valuable tool.

Similarly, when people give in to the temptation of illegal activities, such as downloading copyrighted music, they are misusing technology.

I think we should use computers to make our lives more convenient - not allow them to become an all-consuming part of our lives.

Anita Li

Discover the joys of Latin dance

I recently discovered the joys of Latin dancing, which I recommend as a good exercise.

There are many varieties of Latin dance.

My favourites are the cha cha, rumba, samba, jive and paso doble.

Each form of Latin dance has its own style.

The cha cha is a swift- footed shuffle that comes from Cuba, as does the lively rumba.

The samba is Brazilian, while the paso doble originated in southern Spain, where it was inspired by bullfighting.

I suggest everybody try this healthy exercise.

Tai Yuen-ting

Pay attention to security on Wi-fi

Wi-fi is one of the most convenient developments in the history of the internet. This wireless technology will eventually allow us to surf the Net no matter where we are in Hong Kong, whether in a park or in a restaurant.

However, I would like to remind readers of the importance of using Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) or Wi-fi Protected Access (WPA) for a secure connection.

Without it, you run the risk of having your computer hacked into, your personal information stolen and perhaps having your computer used to carry out criminal activities.

I am all for the internet wherever we go, but I hope people pay attention to security when they use public wireless networks.

Leung King-man

Look beyond appearances

You should not pay too much attention to superficial appearances, and make 'beautiful' things too big a part of your life.

It's time to stop judging books by their covers and think about their content.

The fact that a cover has caught your attention does not mean that the book has anything to say.

On the other hand, a book with a plain cover may have important things to say.

I think we need to objectively assess the value of things and not base our judgments on appearances.

Sandy Chan Wai-san

Please don't flatter your friends

I am writing to share some thoughts about friendship.

Some people think friends are just a group of people with common interests, and don't pay particular attention to friendship.

Others want friends so badly they flatter them unnecessarily.

Personally, I think being a friend is like being a mirror for other people.

I have a responsibility - as they do to me - to point it out to them if they are going astray. I don't think friendship is about helping people cover up their mistakes.

It's important not to be afraid of losing friends. When you are frank you are actually acting in their best interests. We all know friends are channels of communication, but sometimes we forget how best to communicate.

I hope everyone can adopt the right attitude towards friends. There is no need to flatter them all the time.

Tsang Shing-cheung