Page 233 - Demo

CELEBRATING GOD%u2019S GOODNESS 233It was of her sitting at the edge of his hospital bed during the visiting hours and listening to him as he described how he managed to be the first one to spot a mischievous monkey trying to slip in through the slightly open window that very morning. His eagerness and the sparkle in his eyes as he narrated the story in excitement made her cry and laugh at the same time. %u201cSis, I am telling you, you MUST keep an eye out for the monkeys here. They%u2019re so funny to look at!%u201d he giggled.Pushing all her negative thoughts away and ignoring all the tubes and equipment keeping her away from her brother, she gave him a bear hug and a kiss as he squealed in delight. She said with utmost seriousness, %u201cBut aren%u2019t you a little monkey yourself? They%u2019re probably just your cousins coming to see you.%u201d She looked so grave that her brother burst out laughing. %u201cBut if I%u2019m a monkey, then you%u2019re a monkey too %u2018cause you%u2019re my big sister.%u201dHis sincere eyes, which brightened up, reminded her of all the things they used to do. %u201cHey, do you remember the time when mum wanted to take a photo of us but the exact moment she clicked the picture, I pushed you off the bed and the picture still shows you bawling your eyes out. You are such a baby, you know!%u201d she winked. The head doctor, who had silently walked in to check on her brother, was pleasantly surprised by the nostalgic and comical conversation between the siblings. Moreover, he was shocked to see his tough patient laughing with twinkling eyes, as he usually pouted at everyone.Reality hit her and she stared at the picture distantly, her mind racing with thoughts. The realisation of how short and unpredictable life can be was a hard truth. Yet she was grateful for all the lasting memories he had created as her best friend. As we navigate the fleeting moments of our existence, let us embrace and cherish every precious second and value the people who make our lives whole. Never take life for granted.Angeline SweetyClass 10AThe Growing Level of Competition Is Good for the Development of TeenagersCompetition is what makes us %u2014 it does not aim to break us. I believe the growing level of competition is beneficial for a teenager%u2019s development, in today%u2019s technological era, where information is globally accessible, with the increasing pace of literacy and intensifying academic competition.This high level of competition in schools and colleges enhances a student%u2019s competence and instils a strong work ethic. Gone are the days when achieving ninety per cent was extraordinary; now, students strive for perfect scores %u2014 yes, 100%, fostering a perfectionist mindset that encourages them to give their best.Healthy competition ignites a fire within students, boosting their drive and competitive spirit.