ROYP: From the wisdom of the ancients to Dolly Parton, our readers share their most heartening quotes
Life can be tough. Here are the things Hongkongers think about to get through the day
Hey :) Although I grew up in a concrete jungle, I love animals, especially large, wild ones like lions and elephants. I would like to pursue veterinary medicine in the future.
I am an advocate for gender equality and LGBT+ rights. I love meeting people from different cultures and backgrounds from around the world. Sometimes I experience life’s ebbs and flows which may cause sadness and pain.
Most inspiring quote:
“This too shall pass.”– an old adage
Yesterday’s hardships become tomorrow’s memory. On the other hand, glory and happiness can be temporary, so I will remember to treasure my life, and enjoy every minute of it.
Jenny Ng (17)
Hello! I am a dreamer, and as a Scorpio, I am interested in a lot of things, ranging from music, philosophy and reading, to bungee-jumping. When people ask me: “What do you want to become when you are older?”, I don’t know what to say, because there are so many things I want to try! I am also a perfectionist – the biggest reason why I always hand in my homework late!
Most inspiring quote:
“Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.” – Dolly Parton
Having studied in completely different schools (public school in HK, boarding school in Britain, and now international school in HK), I empathise with students who are stressed about exams, tests, and the DSE. But if studying is what we have to do, I always remind myself that sometimes you just need to be nice to yourself and do something you love. It’s a huge waste of time when you do something you hate. Therefore, the quote reminds me that, although at times it might be difficult, the most important thing is that you are happy, and that you should never be afraid of being unique and different.
Valerie Chiu (17)
Hey guys! I’m a passionate gal who always tries new things and does her utmost to strive for excellence and perfection. In some aspects, I feel like I am less competent than others, but I still enjoy the battle.
Most inspiring quote:
“Nothing is impossible, as the word itself says I’m possible.”– Audrey Hepburn
Never think of yourself as a loser. Remember, if you don’t believe you can do something, no one will! I am also very determined and not easily satisfied. I practise thousands of times to sharpen my skills and push my limits. After all, hard work can compensate stupidity, right? Although I’m still very young, I always dream big; I believe only those who are willing to take risks could win the “game”. Winners always try to improve and persevere in any situation.
Charlotte Chong (18)
Hello everyone! I really love volunteering and social service. Since I was 11 years old, I’ve been privileged to travel to places such as Mongolia, Egypt, Turkey, Japan and Cambodia and dedicate my holiday to the underprivileged there. These trips made me realise how lucky I am and how we all take many things in our lives for granted. It makes me happy to see a smile on someone else’s face – it shows that the little things you do in life matter.
Most inspiring quote:
“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”– Mahatma Gandhi
I feel everything starts with you. You light the fire and it ignites; just like that, you make a change and you see it as a reflection of your efforts. So, if you wish to see a change in something, you have to initiate it. If it’s never initiated, the fire is never lit.
Snehaa Senthamilselvan Easwari (16)
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 question), and you, too, could be radiating #goals.