ROYP: From poetry to politics, our readers share inspiring words to live by

“Our values and the way of life will prevail – terrorism will not.”
- American politician John Linder

This quote helps me to believe me that terrorism will be defeated one day and that good will prevail over evil. I urge readers to do their part in the battle against terrorism. For example, they could report suspicious activities, or provide financial aid to families affected by terrorism. We should not target Muslims but seek peaceful ways to make the world a better place for everyone.

Hi there! You might be like me: a secondary school student struggling through life. Having to meet five different deadlines at the same time, graduating from high school seems almost impossible!

“If you get tired, learn to rest. Not to quit.”
- Graffiti artist Banksy

This quote has helped me regain my balance, prompting me not to give up, but just step back, take a break, then continue.

Growing up in a religious family, I was always told that many things in life are beyond my control, and are up to God’s will. However, I was perhaps born to be a rebel; I would always defy my family’s beliefs and try to take things into my own hands.

Nonetheless, when I had to apply to university, the same old question came back to haunt me: “What do I want to do with my future?” Completely lost and hopeless, it got to the point where I started to wonder if I should just leave everything up to fate.

“I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.”
- English poet William Ernest Henley

Thankfully, I stumbled upon this quote, which inspired me to take charge of my own future. This persuaded me to pursue my passion in literature at university.

Hey guys! This year I went to a new school, where I experienced difficulty making new friends and getting used to the new environment. I have always been shy, and it’s always been hard for me to engage with strangers. But recently, after reading Min-Liang Tan’s interviews, I found the motivation to come out of my shell.

“If there’s one thing that I have learned from gaming, you’re going the right way if there are obstacles in your way.”
- Min-Liang Tan, CEO of gaming company Razer

I have been into gaming lately, and unlike what some people might think, it has helped, rather than hurt, my academics. It has taught me to embrace problems because they are a normal part of life. I’ve learned that we shouldn’t be afraid to try something even though we might think it is futile at first. We also need to think outside the box when faced with obstacles in our daily lives. I used gaming to make new friends at school. And now I am a very happy student.

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.