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SCMP Reporter

Think positive!

I am writing in response to the letter 'Positive outlook leads to a beautiful life' (Young Post, September 20).

As the new school term has just begun, some students may feel especially stressed about facing the challenges of homework, meeting new schoolmates and so on.

It is important to think positively. Remember that whatever your attitude toward your problems is, you cannot escape from them.

So it makes sense to look on the bright side.

Failure gives us experience and we can try to do better next time.

The  letter also reminded me that we should not keep silent  about being afraid of failure.

DJ Francis Mak, who hosts the RTHK programme mentioned in the letter,  says we all have the chance to change and make up for past mistakes.

School is a mirror of the real world. If you don't treasure the chance to improve yourself and keep feeling scared of getting things wrong, then you will never  improve.

I hope everyone works harder and never gives up on trying to fulfil their dreams.

Ivory

Think before you accept litter

Nowadays, there are many different kinds of free newspapers and leaflets that are handed to people on the street.

Unfortunately, many people who accept the leaflets leave them on seats in the MTR or on buses, which produces a lot of rubbish. I hope people will think before they take these leaflets, and before they throw them away.

Many trees are cut down to make paper, and deforestation is a major environmental problem.

People should put their leaflets and newspapers into recycling bins.

Keeping public places clean benefits everyone.

Julia Yuen

The Chinese Foundation  Secondary School

All about Beethoven

It is difficult to know how much of our perception of Beethoven is myth and how much is fact. He certainly was the greatest composer of his era.

Beethoven was first known to the public as a brilliant, flamboyant piano virtuoso, but there was a much darker aspect to his life.

The great tragedy of his life began when he was quite young. He had a slight hearing impairment.

In 1802, when the composer was 32, he was informed by doctors than he would eventually lose his hearing altogether.

Beethoven came to terms with his deafness and went on to write his most powerful pieces, the last six symphonies, in the following years.

At Beethoven's funeral on March 29, 1827, about 10,000 people joined his funeral procession.

One of the torch-bearers was composer Franz Schubert, who idolised Beethoven.

Forty-five years after his funeral, Beethoven's body was moved to the Vienna's Central Cemetery, where he lies near the grave of Schubert.

Li Kun-yuen

Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen  Yiu Memorial College

Life is about

solving problems

Recently, I watched a TV documentary about teenagers in rich western countries. The researchers found that many teenagers take drugs and get themselves into serious trouble.

Why does this happen? I think it is because they live in a relatively perfect place and have nothing to worry about.

Life is a difficult journey. There are many problems waiting for us. But we have to realise that having problems is a  fact  of life. While there is life, there is hope. We should be more optimistic and strive to solve our problems.

For me, recognising problems and solving them is the most meaningful thing in life.

Ryan Cheng Tiu-fai

Tsuen Wan Government  Secondary School

Disneyland is

good for Hong Kong

I am writing in response to the article 'Grounds for complaints' by Carrie Chan (SCMP, September 9).

I think Disneyland will do Hong Kong good.

People should appreciate the newly-built Disneyland in Penny's Bay, surrounded by beautiful hills.

Firstly, Penny's Bay gives visitors the chance to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. People can relax and enjoy the colourful  park.

Secondly, it is small, so visitors can concentrate on  what is on offer, without worrying about getting lost.

Thirdly, the park combines Chinese culture with Disneyland's cartoon traditions, which makes it unique.

Lastly, it has the potential to benefit Hong Kong by providing jobs and encouraging tourists to visit.

Hong Kong people like to complain. They complain about everything.

Although the opening of Disneyland did not go as smoothly as officials had hoped, I think they will learn from it and improve.

Jason Chan

Yew Chung International  School (Secondary)



Think Positive