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SCMP Reporter

Your future  is in your hands
 I am writing about the important things youngsters should consider when choosing a career.
 Ability is crucial. Youngsters should have the skills required for their chosen career. They should also be able to handle the pressure that comes with the job.
For example, if a person wants to become a senior government officer, he should take responsibility for his actions. And this can put tremendous pressure on him.
The financial crisis has ruined many people's careers. It has also caused problems for young people who are thinking about their future. Under the present circumstances, they cannot choose a career in line with their interest.
For example, many youths may have second thoughts before deciding to pursue a career in banking.
 On the other hand, it would be unfortunate to choose a career they dislike. This calls for careful planning.
 Young people should also analyse their career prospects. If they join a declining industry, their career may be cut short. Hence, they may have to start all over again. 
In conclusion, young people need to consider ability, interest and future developments before making a decision about their career.
Lee Wai-yee, Our Lady of the Rosary College
Cents rejection makes little sense
  More and more shops, especially the smaller outlets, are reluctant to accept 10- or  20-cent coins from their customers. 
In Hong Kong, both types of coins are regarded as 'legal tender'. 
This means nobody can reject them when they are offered as payment for something you have bought.
All the coins, from 10 cents to 10 dollars, have been approved by the Hong Kong government.
 But because of inflation, 10-cent and 20-cent coins are becoming increasingly worthless and one day they may not be accepted anymore.
I think it is the government's duty to encourage people to make good use of all coins. Instructions should be  given to shop owners on how  to deal with 10-cent and 20-cent coins.
Dicky Cheung, Hang Seng School of Commerce
Photo scandal  a lesson for all
  Pop singer Gillian Chung Yan-tung has been in the spotlight recently. 
Gillian is one of the victims of the internet photo scandal that shocked the community last year.
Many people were glued to their television sets when the Twins star appeared on a show earlier this month.
A majority of the public may think it is unacceptable for Gillian and actor-singer Edison Chen Koon-hei to take those photos.
 But there are many obscene photos on websites and online forums.
 I find it strange that everybody is focusing only on the indecent photos featuring local celebrities.
Maybe this is the right time to re-examine our moral values. Many people have double standards. They criticise the wrongdoers, but they would give various excuses if they make the same mistake.
 Nobody is perfect. To err is human.
 We should give wrongdoers a chance to correct themselves. 
We should learn from the incident without criticising others.
Michael Chan Siu-wai, PLK No 1 W.H. Cheung College



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