Your Voice: Don’t let pursuit of success ruin passions; Hong Kong must prioritise student mental health (short letters)

When I won second place in the Harbinger Prize for Reportage Photography, my first emotion was not joy but relief that I finally had something to recognise my years of effort. But I quickly became disgusted with myself. When did writing become this search for external validation?

I used to spend hours crafting stories and exploring the limits of my imagination. Yet, as I grew up, my relationship with writing changed. My focus changed to striving for validation. I became preoccupied with meeting the expectations of judges and conforming to the criteria set forth by competitions. I found myself second-guessing my creative choices and censoring my ideas, afraid they might not align with what the judges were looking for. The joy and freedom I once associated with writing were overshadowed by self-doubt.

Winning the Harbinger Prize was a harsh awakening for me. I rediscovered the joy of writing from the heart. No competition should define the worth of anything you do. Don’t let the pursuit of external validation outweigh the joy of what you love.

Priscilla Leong Pui-sze, Shun Tak Fraternal Association Leung Kau Kui College

The start of a new school year brings both academic challenges and mental health concerns for students. Unfortunately, there has been a troubling increase in student suicides in Hong Kong, emphasising the need to address mental health issues.

One factor contributing to this problem is the pandemic. With online classes replacing face-to-face interactions, students have had limited opportunities for socialising. Returning to physical classrooms has made it even more difficult for them to make friends. Additionally, some schools have introduced intense catch-up lessons, leading to increased anxiety.

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Family dynamics also play a role. Many parents in Hong Kong prioritise their children’s academic achievements and fail to listen to their thoughts and feelings. They compare them to others, harming their sense of their self-worth.

Parents should support and encourage their children and allow them to express their thoughts and emotions. Meanwhile, schools need to prioritise students’ mental health.

Preventing student suicide requires effort from everyone. Let’s work together to create a safe and supportive learning environment.

Edison Ng Chun-lun, Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial College

“Cheung Fat Noodle House,” a renowned street food stall in Sham Shui Po, holds a special place in the hearts of many locals who cherish its traditional Hong Kong food. This family-owned establishment, which has been operating since the early 1950s, serves authentic dishes such as handcrafted fish balls.

However, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department recently told the stall to vacate its premises for urban development purposes. October 30 was its final day of operation. A continuous stream of patrons, both loyal customers and first-time visitors, flocked to savour the last tastes of this old treasure.

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The stall’s closure was not an isolated incident but part of a larger trend of the vanishing street food scene in Hong Kong. We are losing cultural landmarks, and the city’s heritage and unique flavours are at stake.

Redevelopment is unstoppable, but the cultural significance of these street food stalls means we must preserve their existence. They represent an integral part of Hong Kong, the essence of our local cuisine, and the vibrancy of our wonderful city.

Chloe Chan Yau-tung, CCC Yenching College

A night market is an open-air market that offers a wide variety of cuisines and snacks. It’s a place where people can find street food, handicrafts, clothing, and accessories. If Hong Kong had a night market, it would become a charming gathering spot for locals and tourists.

Imagine our city coming alive under a starry night sky, filled with joy and laughter as friends and families gather. The night market would offer a chance to have fun, enjoy delicious food, and create lasting memories together after the pandemic.

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It would also serve as a showcase for our rich cultural heritage, with traditional music and dance performances allowing people to learn and appreciate Hong Kong’s culture.

A night market in Hong Kong would bring numerous benefits to our city. Tourism would flourish, and the economy would grow. The city’s spirit would thrive. Overall, a night market would be a fantastic addition to Hong Kong, bringing joy, excitement, and a reflection of our unique culture. It would quickly become a beloved part of our identity.

I sincerely hope that we can soon enjoy many fun activities and share hearty laughter at the night market.