My summer break: what I would put in a time capsule for my future self to see in 10 years

This week’s question: If you could put one item in a time capsule for your future self to see in 10 years, what would it be and why?

I would put my memory notebook from my previous school in the time capsule for my future self to read. This notebook holds a collection of priceless memories; it is full of handwritten notes from both friends and teachers. Although these short messages may not have mattered much to those who wrote them, for me it was a small piece of happiness that I took with me before I moved on. Reading these notes will help me to recall what I went through at that school, from entering kindergarten to graduating from primary school. I predict that when I read these notes in the future, I will reminisce about the past as I contemplate the many special friendships and bonds I created during my eight years there.
Hailey Sit, 11, King George V School

Photos are a great way to look back on fun times you've had with friends

For my time capsule, I would choose a photo of the airport before I boarded the plane that would bring me to a new place of adventure. Even though I will miss my friends and family in Hong Kong, I have the chance to start a new life abroad and receive a better education. I hope that in the future, when I look back at this picture, I will remember that moment and how it marked a new chapter in my life. In 10 years, I hope this picture will affirm that it was a good decision to leave my hometown to have an education overseas.
Esther Wong, 11, Cheltenham Ladies’ College (Britain)

What I would take with me if I could travel back in time

I would put in a pack of seeds for a variety of crops because the world is experiencing dramatic climate change that is bringing innumerable natural disasters, such as typhoons, heavy rainstorms and drought. These horrific events may lead to a total destruction of plants worldwide. Although many nations are trying to do more to protect the environment, the events caused by climate change continue to create damage. I want to preserve these seeds in case of a global catastrophe. These could be seeds of hope for human survival.
Paco Tsang Pak-ho, 13, Lok Sin Tong Wong Chung Ming Secondary School

Our readers are thinking about the effects of climate change in 10 years

For a time capsule that I would see in 10 years, I would choose a newspaper page with a headline about the first day that Hong Kong’s waste-charging scheme is implemented. This scheme could be a milestone for Hongkongers, as we try to minimise the huge waste problem in our city. I am very curious about how this rubbish tax could change our lives. Will it motivate more Hongkongers to start living less wastefully, such as practising the four R’s – reuse, reduce, recycle and replace? Will it slow down Hong Kong’s economy over the next 10 years? I hope I will see a transformed city with better air quality, a cleaner ocean, and fewer landfills.
Natalie Tang Tsz-yan, 14, Tak Oi Secondary School

Hong Kong will see more super typhoons and extreme weather if climate change isn’t brought under control

If I could put a special, memorable item in a time capsule to see 10 years later, it would be a scrapbook for me to look at when I’m 21 years old. It would include some of the best memories I made with my friends at the schools I used to go to, as well as some heartfelt messages from them. As I move onto the next chapter of my life at my new school as a senior form student, I will definitely miss all my friends from Island School because we’ve created so many fun memories together. I’ll also miss my friends from International Christian School, where I spent most of my childhood. The scrapbook would help me to hold onto the relationships and experiences I have had over the years.
Natalie Chow, 11, Harrow International School