School is a place for learning, but learning is not easy. We are under the pressure of endless tests and exams.

We should not be intimidated, however, and should struggle together.

Indeed, if we stop struggling, we stop living. When we encounter difficulties in our studies, we should not be scared: we must search for help.

When we plan to study, we should not be confused. We must set a sensible schedule. If we make mistakes, we should learn to make our mistakes the inspiration for success.

Knowledge rests not only upon books, but upon errors also. Genius is actually the capability of working hard and - in that sense - we can all be geniuses.

If you are talented but lazy, you will achieve nothing. There is no short cut to any place worth going. Be indefatigable!

Challenge is part and parcel of school life, especially during the sixth and seventh form. We emerge to be the leaders of the whole student body from the little submissive followers we once were.

Some of us become school prefects - the role-models for schoolmates, and some are house captains leading the rest of the student body. During the course of our schooling we may feel afraid of doing wrong; we may be indecisive and unable to determine what is right.

But let us put a grain of boldness, humour and resolution into everything we do. If we doubt our ability to accomplish something then we cannot accomplish it. We must be confident and be tough enough to follow through.

Indeed, we must never be afraid of failure. Facts do not cease to exist just because they are ignored. Be strong!

Chance makes our parents, but choice makes our friends. I believe most of us can find everlasting buddies before the end of our secondary school life. The growth of a true friendship is a lifelong affair.

Sally is a seventh former at Good Hope School in Sai Kung