Wednesday, 30 July 2025
We usually mention the word “respect”, but what is it in truth? Let me tell you a story about respect from the Bible.
There was a rich man who lived in luxury every day. At his gate, a beggar named Lazarus was laid, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Nevertheless, the rich man kept turning a blind eye and had never lent a helping hand.
The time came when both the rich man and Lazarus died. In Hades, where the rich man was in torment, he looked up and saw Father Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. Therefore he called Abraham to have pity on him and cool his tongue with water. However, Abraham replied, “Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.”
From the Bible, we should all understand the meaning of respect — to convey a sense of consideration and love to everyone, regardless of their physical condition and status.
But why should we respect others? Have you ever considered why? In modern society, we value the diversity of every individual. We are different in all aspects. Yet, sometimes differences could bring bias and conflicts. Some think that they are superior to others because of certain features they possess. And this can escalate to extreme actions such as bullying or violence.
On a very fundamental level, being inclusive of our differences, or in other words, showing respect, makes us feel comfortable with who we are. Our society consists of people from different positions, races, and age groups, but in the end, we all share the same wish: the wish to be respected and to live with dignity.
As prefects, it is important to show respect to teachers and students. Showing respect means treating others politely. When students are late for school due to a traffic jam, we should show respect by demonstrating kindness and empathy towards their situation. We should refrain from blaming them and instead assist them patiently in filling out the late record form.
Sometimes, teachers might not be able to be on duty during recess because they have to attend to some urgent or sudden matters. In such cases, we should understand their situation and avoid being impolite. Instead, we should show respect and see if we could assist them.
Showing respect allows us to maintain good relationships with teachers and students and helps in building a harmonious learning environment.
Not only can prefects demonstrate respect to the people they serve, but you, as a Shungtakian, can also do the same. When you entered the school gate today, did you greet the teachers and students on duty? While in class, were you attentive and actively listening to the teacher, or were you just lost in daydreams, thinking about what to eat for lunch? These actions may seem simple and effortless for a student, but we often underestimate the significance of these small gestures, assuming they are unnecessary to show respect. On the contrary, it is these actions that make people feel valued and cared for. So, regardless of your role, responsibilities, or influence, try to treat all the people around you with a sensitive mind and a kind heart. And I assure you, there is a lot more you can do to be a decent, deferential, and respectful individual.
Prefect Team
13 September 2023