I don't believe this is the same as talking in person.

I prefer to talk to others in person because you can show your feelings, and you can see how others feel.

We cannot do that on MSN or by SMS.

Whether I am happy or sad, I prefer actually seeing and talking to someone instead of getting messages on the computer or mobile phone.

Being there when you talk to someone means a lot.

Yuki Tsang Ho-yin, Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial College

Election offers valuable lesson

Members of a student union have a big job to do. It is a lot of responsibility.

They have to have the support of the students and teachers to be elected.

I was one of the candidates in my school's student union election.

My first task was to get the students' support. It was tough but it was also fun.

Our team designed pamphlets and flyers to give to the students.

We discussed our plans and wrote slogans.

We handed out the pamphlets to the students, and shouted slogans in front of them.

I was excited when I heard our team had become popular in school.

No matter what the result is, I will never regret taking part in the election. I really enjoyed the process.

If I am elected, I will try my best to serve the students and make them happy. I will do my best.

Yau Chun-hei, STFA Tam Pak Yu College

Online English a boost for students

Many schools have joined free English learning websites to boost their students' language skills.

These are especially useful for secondary school students.

They provide English exercises and an interactive way to learn the language.

Students can also save money because the lessons are free.

I hope Hong Kong students will enjoy learning English, which is an international language.

I will try my best to improve my language skills.

Leung Hang-ling, Our Lady of the Rosary College

HK people are happy to help

Some people say Hong Kong people have little sympathy for the poor.

I disagree. Many of the city's rich people are very generous.

Li Ka-shing and Lee Shau-kee donate millions to charities and help set up schools.

Such acts of kindness show rich people in Hong Kong are concerned about the poor.

In addition, many stars care about people in need.

They visit poor countries and give money, food and other things to the people there.

Some even give lessons to the children and play with them to make them happy.

A lot of Hong Kong people donate money to a charity every month to help children from poor families.

Teenagers, too, play an important role.

They may not donate money but they take part in voluntary activities.

For example, they visit elderly people who live alone and help them with the housework.

The youngsters also sell flags and join other fund-raising activities organised by charities.

I believe locals from all walks of life try their best to help others.

There is no doubt Hong Kong is a place full of sympathy and concern.

Milky Chow Ka-tung