Your Voice: Keep safety in mind, even in a city like Hong Kong; how to cope with DSE exam stress (long letters)

Safety is a concern that is often at the forefront of our minds. We make sure to collect our little sisters after evening classes or choose to walk a route which has more people at night. Although Hong Kong is considered one of the safest cities in the world, it does not mean its residents are immune to harm.

Earlier this month, while walking alone through a secluded area of Tsim Sha Tsui, I encountered several men who were smoking and staring in my direction. This did not initially cause me to worry, until a tall, drunken man approached me and tried to persuade me to follow him somewhere. Despite feeling stunned and afraid, I removed myself from the situation and declined the man’s request.

I do not want any young girl to go through what I went through that day or feel the same sense of danger, insecurity or trepidation.

Many adults advised me against walking down narrow streets, especially since I am a young girl. But there are so many other young girls like me – should we really be the ones compromising?

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It is worth noting that overall crime in Hong Kong increased by 8.7 per cent from 2021 to 2022, according to the Hong Kong Police Force. This is an opportune time to draw attention to this issue.

During an interview with a 13-year-old friend, she shared a traumatic experience with me. One night, when she was walking home alone just after 10pm, a man smoking on the street asked her if she liked candy. Not knowing his intentions, she said yes.

He then informed her that he owned a nearby restaurant and suggested that she should accompany him. Fortunately, she was able to think quickly and declined his invitation, ultimately arriving home safely. Despite her experience, she still has to walk down the same street. She only hopes that “it will not happen again”, or that another young girl is put in danger.

My mother, who is 43 years old, recounted a similar experience with me and my two brothers. Many years ago, she took us to Tsim Sha Tsui East Playground at about 6pm. It was empty except for an old man who constantly stared at her. As she tried to take us home, the man stood up and began following us. In the end, my mother ran with us and took as many turns as possible to lose him.

While Hong Kong is relatively safe, it is impossible to predict whether you will have experiences that are potentially dangerous. It is therefore essential to take measures to protect yourself.

One way to reduce the risk of harm is to avoid dark or isolated areas and to stay in public spaces where there are more people around. It is also important to ensure that someone knows your whereabouts and when you are expected to return home.

Always keep your phone with you, fully charged, and easily accessible in case of an emergency. Be aware of your surroundings when you are out at night. When walking in secluded areas, keep yourself accompanied. It can help you feel safer and less vulnerable.

Victims are never to blame if they are harmed. While it is important for children to learn how to stay safe, it is equally important to recognise that they should not be held solely responsible for their safety. Society needs to take steps to prevent incidents like this from occurring in the first place.

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Ada Hui Wai-tung, SKH Lam Kau Mow Secondary School

The 2023 Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) exams are under way, and every Form Six student in Hong Kong is bracing themselves for this overwhelming test.

In our exam-oriented and competitive education system, it can be suffocating to cope with the pressures of achieving academic success and meeting the expectations of parents and teachers. However, there are ways to navigate this challenging time.

It is essential to maintain a positive mindset and think from different perspectives. Avoid questioning yourself too frequently, as this can lead to a loss of confidence in your abilities.

While it is natural to feel anxious about not being admitted to universities, it is important to remember that this is not the only option for your future. Although the DSE is significant, it does not entirely define your values or your future success. Throw away any pessimistic assumptions and adopt an optimistic mindset. With the right attitude, you are more likely to achieve your goals and pursue your dreams.

In addition to maintaining good mental health, relaxation is crucial. Reciting complicated articles, dictating countless vocabulary, and practising challenging past papers are an inevitable part of our daily life, but studying without breaks can lead to exhaustion and burnout.

Taking breaks when you feel tired is vital to achieving success. Whether it is taking a bath, listening to music or chatting with family and friends, it is important to recharge yourself and find motivation.

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Lastly, do not hesitate to ask questions whenever you are confused. Teenagers nowadays often are concerned about their self-image, making them reluctant to seek help from friends and teachers. However, if misunderstandings and misconceptions accumulate, it can be challenging to fully grasp a complex concept. Plus, having only a superficial understanding of a topic can lead to unsatisfactory results on your exams.

Bear in mind that no one is born with all the knowledge they need, and feeling uncertain about something is natural. Rather than keeping your struggles to yourself, it is best to ask for help. Overcoming a challenge can alleviate pressure and help you move forward.

Reasonable stress can motivate you, but too much stress can have negative consequences. I hope you will achieve good grades and satisfactory results on your exams. Practice makes perfect, so put in the effort to revise, and it will surely pay off.