When the Hang Seng index topped 30,000 for the first time ever in 2007, people who knew very little about stock trading rushed to buy shares.

They blindly followed the trend, hoping to make a quick buck.

The Lehman Brothers mini-bonds saga is a good example of people's shortsighted thinking.

Some Hongkongers invested more than half of their life savings on financial products they knew very little about.

But when Lehman collapsed, people blamed local bank staff and the government for their losses. I think the investors should take some responsibility for their actions.

When you make a decision and it doesn't work out, you have only yourself to blame.

This is especially true when you are dealing with important things like your savings. Therefore, you should think twice before you make any risky investments.

Syeon Yuen, Hang Seng School of Commerce

All teachers want to do their best

We were surprised when our 'native' English teacher turned out to be Chinese.

At first, we had doubts about Ms Leung's teaching skills. But she was great.

She was a caring and responsible teacher.

She even sacrificed her lunch time to help me with my presentation.

She invited some Form Six students to the presentation. They provided valuable feedback.

I hope students respect their teachers - they are very good at their job and concerned about us.

Ryan

Parents should be good role models

I am writing in response to the star letter 'Please behave on the MTR' (Young Post, February 9).

I agree the government should do more to promote good behaviour on public transport.

Hongkongers receive a good education so there's no reason why MTR passengers should misbehave.

Also, I believe children copy their parents' behaviour.

Parents need to be good role models - they should offer their seats to the needy and mind their language in public.

With proper behaviour, Hongkongers can show the world what a wonderful city this is.

Fung Ying-kwok

Time to show our 'can do' spirit

Many people have lost their jobs during the current economic downturn.

I understand the problems companies are facing. Their profits are down and the economy is unlikely to recover soon. But they should act more responsibly.

If companies fire their workers, the unemployment rate will rise and people will not be willing to spend money.

Companies and workers should work together to overcome the difficulties.

We have weathered previous storms with our 'can do' spirit. So let's do it again.

Carmen Ng Ka-man, CNEC Christian College

Try to be calm before the speech

There's no need to feel stressed when you are giving a public speech. You simply have to calm down before the big occasion.

There are many ways for us to relax. For example, you can take deep breaths or do some facial exercise.

I like to sing when I feel nervous. Also, read the script carefully before the speech.

Ho Hei-man, STFA Tam Pak Yu College