Page 190 - Demo

190 THE CLARENCIAN 2024-2025Oftentimes in real life, it is quite difficult to reach an ideal conclusion in a debate or when there is a difference of opinion simply because people struggle to separate the opinion from the one who opines. This can compromise the integrity of discussions due to prior biases and associations. Online discourse, however, can enable more objective engagement. When interacting with a stranger whose background is unknown, we are more likely to assess an opinion on its merit alone. Furthermore, engaging with people from different parts of the world prepares us to work harmoniously with individuals of diverse backgrounds and cultures. The role that technology plays in our lives and especially with regard to solving global challenges is not to be taken lightly. Technology is a double-edged sword, with the power to change the world vested in the one who wields it. Addressing the flaws in human nature is key to building a society capable of echoing the words of Justinian: %u201cSolomon, I have outdone thee.%u201dYohan Jacob Zachariah12 ScienceThe incident occurred a few years ago. I was a young teenager who had just achieved one of my biggest goals: I had made it into one of the best academies in the country.From Rivalry to RespectI was over the moon and words could not describe what I was feeling. The academy was the place where legends were born. The moment I arrived at the academy for the first time, I was struck with wonder; I couldn%u2019t believe it. Out of the hundreds of candidates who had tried, I was one of the few given the opportunity to be a part of such a prestigious programme. I had the chance to work with people I had long admired, whose posters once covered my bedroom walls.Everything went well until I was selected for a competition that would take place in a different location. I was thrilled that all my hard work had paid off and I was enthusiastic the entire time. The day of departure arrived. I was excited but also slightly nervous. That day was the first time I met the head of our team, Lucas. Lucas had always been a role model to me and I had even taken a few pages out of his book and applied them to my life. I was so eager to make a good impression that I decided to buy him a cup of coffee as a small gesture to show my admiration for him and to let him know that I was grateful for the opportunity to work with him. However, I was so nervous that, I started imagining what it would be like when I handed the cup of coffee to him. I was so busy daydreaming that I was not looking where I was going.Then the unimaginable happened. I collided with a man and splashed the coffee all over him! His white shirt was stained and the papers in his hand were soaked. I looked up and, in utter disbelief, I realised that I had spilled coffee on my role model, Lucas.