Source:
https://scmp.com/article/609221/letters

letters

Teen pregnancy a cause for concern

A hit TV drama called Mother at 14 about a pregnant teenager has put the spotlight on the problem of underage pregnancies.

According to the charity Mother's Choice, the number of young, unmarried women becoming pregnant in Hong Kong is increasing.

Teenagers who experiment with sex at an early age may not consider the serious consequences or fully appreciate how high the risk of getting pregnant is.

Pregnancy is a life-changing experience and is particularly challenging for teenagers.

Teen parents face great stress because they lack experience, raising a child is a financial strain and they will have to face the disapproval of friends and family.

To tackle the problem of teenage pregnancy, more needs to be done to raise awareness. Sex education is crucial - parents and schools should take responsibility for ensuring the information reaches students.

Katherine Lam, Leung Shek Chee College

Down on the farm

This summer, I spent time with my grandparents at their house in the New Territories and it turned out to be a dream holiday.

My parents decided to visit Japan and asked my grandparents to look after me when they were away. I was very happy because staying with them meant I could visit the nearby farm.

My grandparents also worked on the farm and I really enjoyed spending time helping my grandmother - she was very happy for the help too.

It was a really exciting time and I would go back again tomorrow.

Shadow Wong, ELCHK Lutheran Secondary School

Lessons from the less fortunate

In many provinces on the mainland local people are suffering from hunger and are penniless.

It is a vicious circle, for to break out of this cycle of poverty they need better jobs but they lack education.

I think it within our power to do something to help, we can donate money for them to buy food, or machinery or even materials to help them build a house.

Another way to help is to volunteer to teach in poor provinces.

Knowledge can change someone's life.

If you have the time to volunteer, I think it is a really worthwhile thing to do.

Most importantly, I hope Hongkongers, especially teenagers, can learn from those who are less fortunate than us.

They are hardworking and humble and I think we can learn some valuable lessons from them.

Kathy Tsang Yi-wai , Leung Shek Chee College

Keep your emotions in check

Every one has his or her own personality - some are more easy-going while others may be quick to get angry.

Whatever your personality type, you shouldn't vent your emotions on others, even if you are in the right.

I used to vent my discontent by kicking chairs or speaking out in class.

Those actions soothed my nerves but they affected the people around me.

When we are grown-up, we should not just vent our frustration regardless of the feelings of others.

If it happens in school, such actions not only affect the processes of teaching or learning but also make a bad impression on others. I think that most situations can be resolved by discussing the problem calmly.

People will be willing to try and understand your point of view if you speak to them and listen to what they have to say.

Blaming bad temper or anger on your personality is immature.

No one is obligated to tolerate your moods.

When we realise our own faults, we should try and improve on them and keep our stronger emotions under control. A harmonious relationship requires the co-ordination of all classmates.

Lau Yuet-yi, Ju Ching Chu Secondary School

No regrets

Have you ever regretted a decision that you made?

How did you handle it afterwards?

Sometimes, when we act in haste, we make the wrong decision.

At any time you may have to make a decision and be at a cross roads. You have to decide which way to go or what to do.

If you do not think as carefully as you can about your decision you may make the wrong choice.

However, there is no point in spending a lot of time second-guessing yourself and feeling regret.

Learn to stick to your decision and love your choice.

If it was the wrong one, you can always do something to make your life better.

Chan Ka-yan, Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial College

Gone but not forgotten

Recently, my friend left me and all of my classmates and went to live in Dubai.

He will start a new life there with his family.

Before he left, he said that he will keep in touch with us and will come back and visit in a year.

However, we all miss him very much as we had all been together for two or three years and we became best friends after battling with the HKCEE.

I wish him a wonderful life there and I hope that his school in Dubai has loads of holidays so that he can come back to Hong Kong and we can play together again.

Grenade Chow, STFA Tam Pak Yu College