Top 10: What is the nicest gesture you’ve received from a stranger?
- Students discuss acts of kindness they’ve experienced, such as offering to pay for their groceries or giving a warm compliment
- This week’s question: If you could live in a different decade, what decade would you choose?
When was the last time you performed a random act of kindness? Photo: ShutterstockThis week’s question: If you could live in a different decade, what decade would you choose?
To take part, drop us a line via this form or email us at [email protected] by 11.59pm on July 19. Tell us your name, age and school.
Here are the moments of generosity that left an impact on our readers ...
Kayla Yu, 16, SKH Tsang Shiu Tim Secondary School: When I was being interviewed and recorded at an event I attended, I was really nervous and my mind went blank. The interviewer kindly told me to relax and encouraged me to keep trying. At last, I was able to finish the interview, and she gave me a thumbs up. That cheered me up a lot.
Susie Wang, 14, Diocesan Girls’ School: I was tired because I was holding heavy bags of books and papers on the bus, but there were no seats left. A stranger noticed and offered to help me. She ended up helping to carry one of my bags and walked me home. I couldn’t be more thankful. Receiving kind gestures from strangers is always something to be grateful for.
Top 10: Who is an unsung hero in your neighbourhood?
Yang Chung-yat, 16, TWGHs Lui Yun Choy Memorial College: A 90-degree bow. Last week, an exchange student from Japan came to my school. He would always bow when he met someone. When he did it to me, I felt respected. In Hong Kong, many people are afraid to socialise and communicate with others. However, it seems that Japanese people are good at respecting others. I think Hongkongers should try bowing to greet each other because this gesture can create a more respectful culture in Hong Kong.
Valerie Shek, 12, ISF Academy: When I was having a horrible day, a woman ahead of me in the queue at the grocery store helped me pay for my purchases. This was one of the kindest acts I’ve ever experienced from a stranger. I was short a few dollars and was going to return some of my items, but she intervened and covered the remaining cost of my groceries. Even though it was a modest amount, it meant a lot to me. It was a reminder that there are generous souls prepared to lend a hand without demanding anything in return.
Vaibhavi Palshetkar, 15, Island School: When I was riding a nearly empty tram, I put my phone beside me for a few minutes. A lady sitting nearby reminded me to grab my phone before leaving. Although I did not forget to take my phone, it was inspiring to see a stranger show concern for someone they didn’t even know.
Suhani Methi, 14, King George V School: There is something truly magical about a smile. It has this incredible ability to instantly uplift your spirits, brighten your day, and create a ripple effect of positivity. When someone flashes you a warm, genuine smile, all of your worries momentarily fade away and are replaced by a sense of joy and connection.
Top 10: What is the last thing that made you cry tears of happiness?
Helen Ng, 17, Harrow International School Hong Kong: It happens to the best of us: forgetting your Octopus card at home. After 20 minutes under the scorching summer sun, I was relieved to finally see my bus arrive, only to find that I had left behind my Octopus card. I’ll never forget when the man behind me offered to pay for my ride, as he knew that I was in a rush to go for my volleyball training. His kindness turned my day around – and I did pay him back afterwards!
Sophie Ho Hoi-yan, 15, St. Mary’s Canossian College: Months ago, I volunteered at a fair where I operated a badge-making machine. But I accidentally punched my finger with the machine, and my finger started bleeding profusely. As I was panicking, another volunteer quickly took out some tissue and pressed it on my wound to stop the bleeding. She even brought me to the medical room where she gently sanitised and bandaged my finger. Her kindness warmed my heart and lifted my mood. I will always be grateful for this little act of kindness!
Melody Ma, 16, Carmel Pak U Secondary School: When anyone compliments me on my appearance or outfit – for example, “I love your outfit” or “you look gorgeous today” – it can brighten my day. Even if I had been feeling down, a kind comment from a passer-by can make me forget all of my troubles and put a smile on my face. Sometimes, even after the encounter, the memory of that compliment can continue to lift my spirits and bring me joy.
Joshua Chan, 16, Carmel Secondary School: I was heading to school for an exam when I realised I had lost my wallet at the MTR station. I was panicking. Knowing that I needed to arrive on time for the exam, I was caught in a dilemma and struggled to ask others for help. A middle-aged lady was a blessing to me. When she saw me wandering around the gate, she reached out to help me without any hesitation. In the end, I made it to my exam.