- From saving money to listening to 90s Cantopop music, students discuss the characteristics they learned from their mums and dads
- This week’s question: What has someone borrowed from you but never given back?
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Photo: ShutterstockThis week’s question: What has someone borrowed from you but never given back?
To take part, drop us a line via this form or email us at [email protected] by 11.59pm on October 25. Tell us your name, age and school.
Here are the traits our readers think they’ve inherited ...
Orange Xiao Junze, 14, Fanling Lutheran Secondary School: “Always smile” is the habit I picked up from my mother. She always smiles at me, whatever I’ve done. Once, I failed my exam, and I was afraid that my mum would scold me. However, she only told me to keep working hard and said: “You have to have a good mindset and always smile, so you can easily face the next challenge.” After that, I have always put a smile on my face.
Thomas Lok Chang-xi, 13, King King College: Punctuality. Growing up, my parents taught me the importance of being on time. They believed that being punctual not only shows respect for others’ time but also reflects personal discipline and reliability. This habit is deeply ingrained in me, and I find myself naturally striving to be punctual in all aspects of my life. I make a conscious effort to manage my time effectively and honour commitments.
Chloe Tsai Yin-hei, 17, Pooi To Middle School: I always carry many things with me when I go out to avoid not having them when I need them. Although my bag looks bulky, I always have everything I need everywhere and at any time. For example, I can take out hand sanitiser when I want to eat or wet wipes when my hands are dirty. Because of this habit, my friends call me Doraemon.
Brynn Chan Tsz-wing, 16, Christian Alliance SC Chan Memorial College: Listening to local songs from the 90s. Songs by Leslie Cheung or Danny Chan are my parents’ top choices. At first, I was not a big fan, but since my parents played them on a loop nearly every day, while having breakfast or before bedtime, I was soon immersed in the melodies and this has become our family connection.
If you could describe your family using a maths symbol, what would it be, and why?
Ngan Ka-tung, 15, Pui Kiu College: My parents always switch on the TV before getting their chopsticks ready. We’ll spend an hour eating and only leave the table when the movie finishes, or when we realise how much time we’ve wasted. This has impacted my eating speed (I’m the slowest eater in my friend group), and I can’t even eat breakfast without a video rolling on my computer screen, just to prevent the awkward silence.
Ashley Tang Tsz-ching, 14, Holy Family Canossian College: My parents are car fanatics. They are obsessed with every kind of automobile. They visit the annual car show, one of our major family activities. They share their passion and knowledge of vehicles with me on every possible occasion. Their passion has been passed onto me. Watching competitions like Grand Prix motorcycle racing, Formula One, and the World Rally Championship and investigating the most up-to-date specs of new cars has become my daily activity.
Cherry Lee Pui-wing, 12, St Mary’s Canossian College: Writing journals. When I was little, I always saw my mom writing something in the same book. One day, I asked her what she was writing, and she said she was writing in something called a “journal”. She explained that it was a book for anyone to write about their daily life and since then, I have been journalling every special thing that happens in my life. If this gets into Young Post, I’ll write that in my journal too!
Tac Cheng Cheung-fung, 17, Yan Oi Tong Tin Ka Ping Secondary School: Asking “why”. My parents always ask “why” when they hear news reports on podcasts or television. They once told me that always asking “why” promotes logical reasoning and thinking by putting yourself in someone else’s shoes. They often tell me to ask “why” before jumping to conclusions because delusions are everywhere, and the eyes often see what the mind is prepared to comprehend. Therefore, I always ask myself “why” when I read news reports or opinions online.
Readers share their strangest hidden talents
Sze Wing-hei, 15, Ho Yu College and Primary School (Sponsored by Sik Sik Yuen): Growing up, I saw how my parents always expressed gratitude for even the smallest things in life. They taught me to appreciate the blessings that come my way. Gratitude is a powerful mindset that helps me focus on the positive aspects of life. It reminds me to be thankful for the love, support and guidance of my parents.
Helen Yu Xuetao, 16, TWGHs Li Ka Shing College: Financial management. When I was little, I would go shopping with my mom. She would compare the prices of different items and choose the most cost-effective one. She taught me how to save my allowance, which enabled me to later buy my own electronics.