Accept where we are and hold on to hope

The theme for this month’s sharing is Acceptance and Hope. In the past week, we’ve learned that acceptance means being able to reflect honestly on ourselves, to evaluate our current status, and to recognize our inadequacies and shortcomings. But acceptance alone is not enough – our mindset determines whether it leads to growth or stagnation.

For example, some students may say, “I’m bad at English. I can never do well. I’ll just let it be.” With this kind of negative acceptance, of course, it’s not difficult to predict that usually these students will not show much improvement in their work. However, we can also choose to adopt a positive mindset and say, “Yes, I’m weak here, but now I know what to work on.” This way of acceptance acknowledges what is lacking which becomes our awareness. It is also the starting point for us to set SMART goals to move forward.

Think of Helen Keller, Stephen Hawking, or Nick Vujicic – each of them faced immense challenges in life. If they had accepted their circumstances as limits, their stories would have ended there. The world would have been deprived of their extraordinary stories of courage and achievement. Their lives remind us that acceptance, when paired with the right mindset, can lead to greatness.

But even with goals, life doesn’t always go as planned. Sometimes we fall short, sometimes obstacles block our way. That’s when Hope becomes essential. Hope doesn’t erase challenges, but it gives us direction and strength to keep moving forward, even when the path feels uncertain.

Hope motivates us to persevere. It whispers that every step, no matter how small, leads us closer to something brighter and bigger. Hope gives us strength, but it must be accompanied by action as well.

This is where our school motto: “Ora et Labora” (Pray and Work) comes alive. Hope is strengthened by prayer, but it must be carried out through action. We cannot just pray and then wait for God’s miracles to happen on us; we should work together with God to create something even more marvellous. There’s a beautiful line written on the banner hung on the balcony of the school hall, it reads: “Hard work without pray is aimless. Pray without hard work is fruitless.” Without prayer, our work can lose meaning, like walking without a compass; without work, our prayer remains only a wish, like holding a compass but never taking a step. Together, prayer and work transform hope into reality. They remind us that miracles are not just given; they are built through faith and effort, hand in hand.

As we all begin our Interim Exams today, let’s carry these lessons with us. Accept where we are, set clear goals, and hold on to hope. But above all, let’s act – study diligently, persevere through challenges, and trust that our efforts, combined with faith, will lead us to success.

Ms. Kwan HC