- Step out of your comfort zone and try new things!
- From baking to learning the violin and singing lessons, here’s what our readers have recently tried
From baking to skateboarding to donating blood, here's what our junior reporters recently tried.My mum taught me how to cook a meal made of vermicelli and mushrooms during Chinese New Year.
I was looking forward to it because I don’t cook very often, and this was also the first time I was going to make a vegetarian dish. It smelled really good and the taste was even better! I enjoyed the process very much.
Wong Yi-wing, 12, King Ling College
What’s the smallest thing you’re grateful for?
When I was in Form Two, I saw some students play the violin on the stage. The instruments were very elegant and produced a rich sound. So I decided to learn to play the violin.
I had never played a musical instrument before and had little knowledge of music theory, so it was very difficult at the beginning. But I never gave up and eventually learned the skills. That was the last time I tried something new.
Amy Leung Ting-ting, 16, LKWFSL Lau Wong Fat Secondary School
Which instrument do you want to learn to play?
I don’t really like trying new things. So the last time I tried something new was a few months ago when I tried oysters while having hotpot with my family. I tried it because my mum always encourages me to try something new.
I didn’t really like the flavour or the texture. But at least it’s something new!
Wong Sung-hei, 12, Ho Yu College and Primary School
Just a few weeks ago, I learned to appreciate maths.
Before, despite the many exercises I did, my maths scores did not improve. However, my new maths teacher inspired me to “follow the flow” of the questions. He said there isn’t any meaningless information or calculations in maths questions. What matters is using them properly, with a step-by-step approach, he said.
I now enjoy the process of solving problems while getting good marks in the subject.
Peter Yam Yat-chung, 16, HK and Kowloon Chiu Chow Public Association Secondary School
What would you ask your future self?
Since online lessons can be very boring, I decided to join a singing class about a month ago. It consists of five people and my classmates are young adults, although I am just a 13-year-old boy.
I was nervous at first. But they were very friendly and I really enjoy the lessons.
The funny thing is everyone is a bit shy when it comes to singing.
I am still getting the hang of it.
Chan Hin-kwan, 13, King Ling College
The last time I tried something new was two weeks ago, when I decided to liven up my family dinner with some conversation. I’m usually quiet, and that was my first time being the person to change the atmosphere. I brought up some funny things to talk about, and our dinner became much more cosy! It felt good to change the mood on my own.
Ngai Cheuk-yi, 15, Fung Kai No.1 Secondary School
I tried skateboarding last year. I thought it was very difficult at the beginning; I had a tough time trying to balance on the skateboard.
When I first learned how to ride a skateboard without falling, I felt a great sense of accomplishment.
Trying something new makes your life more colourful and fun!
Lily Ye, 15, Fung Kai No 1 Secondary School
Some of us are so clumsy that skateboarding wouldn't end well...
I recently started baking and I love it. It all began when a friend of mine asked if she could use our toaster oven to bake cookies.
At first, I was quite hesitant. Toaster oven? To bake cookies? Surprisingly, they turned out great!
That sparked an interest in me and I started to research recipes online on how to make cookies. It wasn’t long before my mum bought me a bigger oven and more baking equipment.
Now baking is one of my favourite hobbies!
Lee Man-chi, 16, STFA Seaward Woo College
I decided to donate blood for the first time when I turned 18. When the nurse was taking my blood, I felt like an electric current was running through my body.
Afterwards, I got a message from the Red Cross saying that my blood had been used to save lives. It made me very happy and I realised that helping others was the most enjoyable thing we could do.
Since then, I have been donating blood regularly.
Shauna Fung, 18, Hong Kong & Chiu Chow Public Association Secondary School
What’s something you’re bad at, but wish you could do well?
Two years ago I went to Cheung Po Tsai Cave on Cheung Chau island with my parents.
It was a bit scary because the entrance to the cave was very narrow. However, when I went in, I found that the cave wasn’t all that small.
The most memorable moment was when my parents took a picture of me at the exit struggling to get out of the square-shaped hole.
It proved that I could step out of my comfort zone and try new things. I really enjoyed the challenge!
Rosanna Tung, 16, Law Ting Pong Secondary School
Our question for next week is: Which of your flaws are you most proud of?
If you’d like to take part, please send your response, along with your full name, age and school, to [email protected] by Friday 26 March!