Don’t let anyone look down on you

At the beginning of last school year, I shared two bible verses that mean a lot to me. One of which is from 1 Timothy 4:12. It reads:

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”

This verse reminds us that age is not a barrier to influence. Each of us – whether student or teacher – has the ability to lead by example. But to do that, we must first learn to respect and strengthen ourselves, and to maintain strict self-discipline. This is also the theme for this month’s sharing.

Recently, I watched a programme that explores the topic of death. It prompted me to ask: Can we choose what legacy we leave behind after our death? If we can, then more importantly: How do we make such choice? The programme suggests that more often than not, our legacy isn’t built through grand gestures; rather, it’s shaped by the small, everyday choices we make – the way we speak to others, the way we treat our responsibilities, the way we show care, etc. All these leave impressions; and that’s how a person is remembered.

Perhaps it’s too soon for you young people to think about death. A similar situation happens in schools, as in what impressions you leave behind after graduation. A lot of times, what your classmates and teachers remember about you is not for your grades, but more for your character. Shungtakians, how do you think you are remembered by your primary schoolmates? And, how do you want to be remembered after your graduation from Shung Tak? This actually isn’t a question for the future – it’s a question for today – because every action, no matter how minor, contributes to the story others will remember about us.

Let me share a very simple example: Yesterday, during my 5 o’ clock duty, I noticed that Room 125 and another classroom had their lights and air conditioners left on, even though everyone had already gone home. It may seem like a small oversight, but it actually shows a lack of discipline and care. And whether we realize it or not, these tiny moments shape how others see us. That class, or the group that used Room 125, left behind a silent message: We didn’t take responsibility.

Self-discipline isn’t just about following rules. It’s about respecting yourself enough to do what is right, even when no one is watching. It’s about strengthening your character through consistent, thoughtful actions. When we turn off the lights, clean up after ourselves, speak kindly, show up to class prepared, we’re not just being ‘good students’. We’re in fact building a legacy of integrity.

Let me end my sharing with a famous quote by Mahatma Gandhi, which you can also find along one of the staircases:

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Let this be our guiding principle, not just in big moments, but also in the small ones. And as we go forward, remember the verse I began with:

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”

Let us be that example. Let’s respect and strengthen ourselves. Let’s live with discipline, and leave behind a legacy worth remembering.

Ms Kwan HC