Top 10: If you could run away from one responsibility in your life, what would it be, and why?
- While our readers had a host of duties they wanted to escape, only one chose not to get away from any tasks at all
- This week’s question: If you could create a new flavour for a popular snack, what would it be?
This week’s question: If you could create a new flavour for a popular snack, what would it be?
To take part, drop us a line via this form or email us at [email protected] by 3pm on April 17. Tell us your name, age and school.
Charlotte Lau Wing-ching, 11, St Paul’s Convent School (Primary Section): If I could run away from one responsibility in my life, it would undoubtedly be the burden of perfectionism. I am one of the top students in my class and a perfectionist. Hence, my parents and teachers put a lot of pressure on me to keep up my good work. If I let go of perfectionism, I could embrace and learn from my mistakes. I hope to overcome the need for perfection and instead experience joy in my accomplishments.
Poon Hoi-ling, 13, King Ling College: If I could escape one responsibility, it would be financial obligations. Managing finances can be stressful and time-consuming, and the pressure to meet them can weigh heavily on individuals. By escaping this responsibility, one may experience a sense of freedom and reduced stress. However, it is important to remember that financial responsibility is a crucial aspect of life, and finding effective ways to manage finances can lead to long-term stability and peace of mind.
Anson Ng Wai-yan, 12, St Mary’s Canossian College: I would like to avoid the responsibility of clearing my school drawer every time tests or exams approach. The drawer holds commonly used books and oversized files to lighten my bulky school bag. Despite my efforts to clean it regularly, it remains quite dusty, leaving my hands dirty each time I clear my drawer. I often rush to catch the bus or attend other classes after school, leaving me little time to clean my hands properly, which makes me feel quite embarrassed. Therefore, I prefer storing my items in my locker to avoid the task altogether.
Tania Lee Yee-wing, 12, Pooi To Middle School: The responsibility of babysitting my younger siblings just because I am the older sibling. I am sure all older siblings can relate to this. Just because I am older doesn’t mean that I will babysit my younger brothers and sisters all the time. I have hobbies and dreams I want to pursue. I love my siblings, but I don’t want to give up on things that I like just because my baby brother needs me to accompany him.
Don’t force kids to grow up too quickly
Fiona Ng Hoi-tung, 15, Pui Kiu College: I want to run away from the responsibility of being the vice-captain of my house in my school. Undeniably, as the vice-captain, I get to participate in many fun school activities, organise events and spend time with my house members. However, being a leader also means being a good role model to the juniors. For example, I have to attend every house meeting. After each significant event, I have to give a detailed briefing. But at the same time, being a school senior, I have a lot of schoolwork. I have limited time to spare for my house, which I feel guilty and stressed about. I want to contribute more, but time does not allow me to. Therefore, I would run away from the responsibility of being a house vice-captain if I could.
Vicky Liu Wai-ki, 15, Christian Alliance S C Chan Memorial College: One responsibility I might want to run away from is academic performance pressure. The pursuit of academic success often comes with a range of responsibilities. These include completing assignments, studying for exams, and maintaining a certain grade point average. The pressure to excel academically can sometimes be overwhelming, leading to stress, anxiety and constant competition. It can also consume significant time and energy, leaving less room for other interests, hobbies or personal well-being.
Jamie Chim Wing-yu, 15, Pope Paul VI College: There are many different responsibilities that we have to bear in our lifetime. I would not like to run away from any responsibility because life has many of them for me, and if I run away from them, I will only become weaker. This will make me afraid to face many challenges that I may come across. Also, every responsibility is given by God, and these are tasks that enable us to grow.
Chen Yui-lam, 16, Catholic Ming Yuen Secondary School: If I could ignore one responsibility in my life, it would be being punctual while meeting friends. Quite often, I am running late when I have made a plan with my friends. There have been several instances when I have told them I would reach the destination in two minutes while I am still at home.
Money matters: why Hong Kong youth need financial literacy education
Nicole Chan Cheuk-ying, 14, Shatin Tsung Tsin Secondary School: If I could escape from one responsibility, it would be the burden of facing difficulties alone. As time passes, the challenges we encounter seem to multiply, and we often find ourselves having to tackle them on our own. While I understand that it is part of growing up, I can’t help but reminisce about the days when I could openly share my struggles with others. I miss the days when I could seek help quickly, when I could receive encouragement, and when I was not told to handle it all by myself. Those were the days when I had someone to discuss issues with, receive advice from, and lean on for support. I know the importance of staying strong, but sometimes having someone to share the load with would bring me a lot of strength.
Ahzaz Ul-Hassan, 17, CSBS Mrs AW Boon Haw Secondary School: There are many responsibilities you wish you could run away from. I want to escape being responsible for submitting my homework on time. Homework submission time should be flexible. The average student always prioritises something else over homework. Teachers need to be calm regarding the timeline for submitting homework. You never know what the student is going through and what led them to submit their homework late.