ROYP: From Camus to Three Idiots, our readers tell us what keeps them going
Life can be tough. Here are the things Hongkongers think about to get through the day
Hey guys! Like many other Form Six students who are preparing for DSE, my life is crammed with quizzes, past papers, and assignment deadlines. Life is really tough sometimes.
Most inspiring quote:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,” - Colossians 3:23 (The Bible)
As a Christian, this verse always reminds me of the importance of trying my best, to do everything as if I were doing it for God. No matter how things turn out or what people say, I know I’m trying my best and that God appreciates my heart rather than the outcome.
Kindy Ng (18)
I’ve just finished high school, so I’m navigating a lot of changes in my life. When your life has had the same structure for seven years, it’s quite difficult to adjust to a new way of living. I’m trying really hard to do what I love, and take pride in it – but that’s more difficult than it sounds when sometimes that all that work comes to naught.
Most inspiring quote:
I leave Sisyphus at the foot of the mountain. One always finds one’s burden again. But ... the struggle itself toward the heights is enough to fill a man’s heart. One must imagine Sisyphus happy. - Albert Camus
Camus has shaped my philosophical views more than any other dead French guy. In our absurd and random modern world, Sisyphus, the mythological Greek condemned to forever push a boulder up a hill, only to watch it roll down again, is humanity’s unlikely hero. We all carry burdens in life and we have to choose how to face them – even when we know that sometimes our every effort will be as doomed as Sisyphus’ rebellion against the gods.
Kelly Yu (17)
Hey Guys! This is my last year of high school. Over the past couple of years, I have come across a wide range of individuals both positively and negatively, and that’s been great – in the sense that I have learned from these people (surprisingly).
Most inspiring quote:
“Respect yourself enough to walk away from anything that no longer serves you, grows you or makes you happy”- Robert Tew
Stay true to yourself. Don’t change who you are deep down because someone doesn’t agree with you or like you. You don’t need to change yourself to be accepted. Surround yourself with positive people – people who will be there with you through everything and not leave you the minute someone has better gossip. And most importantly, live life to it’s fullest – as in, do things that make you the happiest, explore your options, take risks, and find yourself. Find who that person in you is. What she/he likes. This is how you will survive the next few years of high school.
Tanya Parmanand (17)
Sporting some frizzy hair and 24/7 ponytail, this 2017 DSE candidate (or fighter?) says hi! Like other candidates, my summer has been packed with SBAs, IES, revisions and past papers stacked as high as my tear-filled eyes. I’m trying really hard to strike a balance between work and play, because equilibrium is one of the most important elements in building up your life.
Most inspiring quote:
“All is well.” - Three Idiots
Ups and downs in life don’t matter much, but the fears and stress they bring can be hard to overcome. But like Rancho said in the movie Three Idiots : “This heart scares easily. You have to trick it, however big the problem is. Tell your heart, all is well.” Exam approaching? All is well. Revision not done yet? All is well. Haven’t found the right outfit for your graduation dinner? All is well. Be brave and face your fears.