This student made a video to remind us that we're not defined by our academic results

Published: 
Listen to this article

Many Hong Kong students are affected by the city’s obsession with exams and high marks

UNICEF HK |
Published: 
Comment

Latest Articles

Climate change, urbanisation lead to early flowering of cherry blossom trees

Tatler to give fans 50% ticket refund for Messi’s Hong Kong no-show by May

An intense smell from a rare corpse flower attracts visitors in San Francisco

Hong Kong grocery chain DCH goes out of business after 39 years

Hong Kong logs coldest start to March since 2016

Icelandic peninsula sees fourth volcanic eruption since December

My story was in part influenced by a terrible tragedy involving two students at my housing estate, who were pushed to the extreme by exam stress. But what they experienced isn’t that uncommon among students in Hong Kong. Many of my friends suffer from depression and anxiety owing to their demanding school curriculums and the general emphasis on academic achievements here in our city.

When students’ futures seemingly rest on their exams, they have no choice but to struggle for good grades and to meet university requirements. Many find it difficult to cope with the enormous pressure.

My one-minute video, An Exam Result Decides My Fate?, delves into the lives of young people suffering from unbearable academic stress. I wanted to share my concerns about the city’s exam-oriented education system with other students who feel the same way.

Students shouldn’t have to resort to extreme measures in the face of academic pressure – there is always a way out. More importantly, young people should remember that their value is not determined by their exam results.

Perhaps it is time for our city to realise that its exam-obsessed culture is failing our young people. Education should be a stepping stone for building knowledge and finding your passion but not the only way to measure success.

I hope this video not only echoes the voices of Hong Kong’s students, but gets the public to pay attention to this crucial issue.

Edited by Charlotte Ames-Ettridge

Sign up for the YP Teachers Newsletter
Get updates for teachers sent directly to your inbox
By registering, you agree to our T&C and Privacy Policy
Comment