ROYP: From musicals to manga, quotes that inspire our readers

Published: 
Compiled by Tiffany Choi
Listen to this article

Each week, we ask Young Post readers to share a little bit about themselves along with a quote that helps them get through life

Compiled by Tiffany Choi |
Published: 
Comment

Latest Articles

Colombian tourist spot may be a metre underwater by the end of the century

Hong Kong wild boar population declines as authorities scale up culling

80% of Hong Kong’s dining industry not prepared for ban on single-use plastics

Breaking takes the stage in Hong Kong during ‘Under the Lion’s Rock’ competition

UN World Food Program director rings the alarm about food shortage in Haiti

Hong Kong Ocean Park to be the new home for Passion, 2-metre-long crocodile

If Julie Andrews can't inspire you, no one will.

Hi everyone! My personal struggle is about trying new things and stepping outside of my comfort zone. Growing up, I never had much self-confidence and was always reluctant to grab opportunities, which limited my perspective on the world. I never had the willpower to say “yes” to meeting new people, going to new places and having more fun and adventure.

Most inspiring quote:

“I have confidence in me!”
- Maria, in The Sound of Music

This quote is from my all-time favourite musical, The Sound of Music. Every time I see this quote, it reminds me of Maria – a fearless, bubbly and outspoken character who loves to dance and sing. Funnily enough, she motivates me to be braver and challenge myself more.

Karl Lam, (15)

While it’s all very well to allow yourself to be consoled by inspirational words in times of struggle, I’ve found that a hard dose of tough love and realism does the trick just as well, if not better. And where better to get that from than someone whose experience has led to the following observation:

Most inspiring quote:

“The truth does not change according to our ability to stomach it.”
- American writer, Flannery O’Connor

This quote might be useful to remember if you’re anything like me. Honestly, most of my first-world struggles stem from self-denial. When I’ve been faced with common problems like a disappointing test score, although an acceptance of the facts doesn’t lead to an immediate brightening of spirits, it does allow me to begin to move on and sometimes even do something about whatever is troubling me at the moment – a feat for an admittedly lazy person.

Pearl Chia (17)

Hello! This quote is for all the times you almost lose hope in humanity.

 

Most inspiring quote:

“With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.”
- American writer Max Ehrmann’s prose poem, Desiderata

Some days, it feels like everything in this world is going wrong and terrible accidents are happening everywhere. This quote reminds me that there are good things in life even when I’m struggling to keep my hopes alive. Despite the ugly, dark things that happen, it’s important to stay optimistic and believe that there’s more good than bad, because we can’t just all wear black until the world is perfect.

Joyee Au Yeung (17)

Greetings earthlings. I’ve been told (by my parents) that I was a “fearless tiger” when I was a child, but as I got older, I became a scaredy cat. I don’t deny this, and I know that I’ve always had trouble overcoming that crushing feeling after one failure; for instance, bad grades in mock exams. This has made me more scared to embrace new experiences over the years. But a character from my favourite manga ever, Haikyu!! by Haruichi Furudate, provided the perfect answer for me.

Most inspiring quote:

“Is ‘defeat’ proof that you are weak? Isn’t ‘defeat’ more like a trial to overcome? Of whether you can stand up and walk again after falling to you knees? If you remain on your knees like that, then it would be a sign of weakness.”
- Takeda Ittetsu, in Haikyu!!

I’ve realised that being scared won’t get me anywhere, so I have been forcing myself outside of my comfort zone as much as possible. And look at me now, a Young Post cadet! To all timid comrades out there still in their shells like I once was: Don’t be afraid, do whatever you want to do! Nothing worse could happen, because you already know the feeling of failure. Nothing! So don’t worry, fly high! (Haikyu!! fans will understand.)

Vivian Lun, (18)

Got some YP love to get off your chest? Share your thoughts with us! Send an email to [email protected] with “ROYP” in the subject field. Tell us a bit about yourself, your most inspiring quote and what it means to you. Send us a lovely selfie in jpg format, no smaller than 1MB. Don’t forget to include your full name, your age and a phone number (in case we have any questions), and you, too, could be radiating #goals.

Edited by M. J. Premaratne

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