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SCMP Reporter

Feeling at home away from home
 I was part of a 10-day school exchange programme in Canada  which left me with a warm feeling.
 Everybody I met was sweet and welcoming, and I never encountered any discrimination - it was almost as if the word did not exist in the dictionary. 
The pupils of Niagara Christian Community College  were very hospitable. On the first day, we had lunch together.
 In a heartbeat, we found communication easy.  We were speaking English within seconds.  Even in a foreign country,  communication was not a problem. 
Our tour guide/teacher and good friend, Jenna Nigh, was the sweetest person I have ever met and full of energy. 
Also, our host families were wonderful. Their kindness touched us countless times and they made us feel even more at home than we do at home. 
The coziness provided us with 10 days away from home and never once missing home. 
'Travelling is not just about the places you go to, it's the people you meet that will capture your heart,' some people say. 
I couldn't agree more. 
Carren Wong
Think before you put words to paper
 I am writing about Chip Tsao's March 27 piece in HK Magazine, 'The War at Home', in which he referred to the Philippines as 'a nation of servants'.
A coin always has two sides. Laughter and political correctness can exist side by side in society, but it is difficult to see how Tsao's comment could in any way be seen as humour.
We should respect others rather than put them down. Even more, we should avoid labelling people. 
We always have to bear in mind the importance of saying the right thing at the right time, rather than simply going on the offensive. Perhaps Tsao's intentions were good, but his delivery did not show that. All he did was to offend people.
Who wants to be called a 'servant'? It is insulting. Naturally, the Filipinos  were offended.
Satire needs careful thought. Just saying sorry when you have said something is not enough - the damage is already done. 
 Shaneika Lee, Good Hope School 
Say no to old, illogical customs
 For me, some of the customs we grow up with are meaningless and simply inconvenient.
One example is we shouldn't wash our hair on Lunar New Year's eve. This is because hair is a symbol of wealth. If we wash our hair that day, people say, good things will be washed away.
 This does not make any sense. I do not plan to pass on customs like this to the next generation.
 I think some customs are really illogical so I won't teach them to my children.
 Ching Nga-sze, Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial College 
Finding ways to say those difficult words
 'I love you' has always been an embarrassing thing to say in traditional Chinese culture, in which emotions are rarely expressed.
 But communication is essential in any relationship, and it is important to think about how to express love. 
One way is to prepare small gifts for the one you love. It might be a book or a cake. 
Do not be afraid to show your love to others. Any small act you carry out can have a great impact on others' lives.
 Sophia So, Hang Seng School of Commerce



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