Unlike some of my classmates who have changed his school from time to time, I have been in the same school for 13 years. Last year (2000) I had a public examination which was the key determinant in university admission. It has marked the termination of my life as a student in my high school, Raimondi College. I am living far away from school. After I've moved to a new flat several years ago, I had to travel almost 2 hours to school every day, which is quite a long time in Hong Kong.

Perhaps this school is special. Situated above the business area of Central, my school overlooks the harbour of international fame - the Victoria Harbour. Yet the panorama is not as great as in the past, as recent developments of residential and commercial blocks in Central have obscured most part of the harbour from view. My school is also special for its height. The secondary and primary section occupy the same block, comprising the main building of the school of 14 storeys; Therefore, in my impression, promotion implies going up a floor by year, rather like climbing a ladder. Until my last two years, that is for Form 6 & 7 (K-12), there is a separate block for senior students. That seems like a privilege, though. In school we have some good teachers who are ready to assist us in our problems.

My school life was not very fruitful, especially in earlier years. School life itself was enjoyable, yet it's the fact that I didn't know how to relish the happiness of school life. Perhaps you would be interested to know my school life, if you are a foreign visitor without knowing our school life in Hong Kong before. Take the normal timetable as an example. Lessons start at 08:10 daily, and I would have to set off for school at 06:00 so that I could arrive before 08:00. We have to marshal for the Principal's speech before lessons started. After three lessons, each of which lasts forty minutes we will be given a thirty-minute recess. Many will go and buy some snack while I will take that time doing some little revision or taking a good nap. After another three lessons we will be dismissed for lunch until the seventh lesson starts at 2pm. Many students will choose to go out, while some students, like me, will stay in school for lunch. It is a nightmare for me to go out for lunch no matter in summer or winter. There are few restaurants (which are rather cramped and insanitary) around and it will sometimes be difficult even to get a seat for lunch. If I don't go out for lunch there will be an interval of almost an hour left in school which is free. I will normally do some homework or, when I am really tired, I will get some time for a good sleep. After another two lessons our day in school will be over, and it will take another 2 hours for me to return home.

I have a rather seclusive personal character. Although I was accustomed to being solitary, it was against instinctive characteristics that men should be together and form a community. I understand that it is important to consolidate my friendship since there is no reason to forgo the most invaluable thing on Earth. Therefore, I have changed somehow in Form 4. At least I tried to be more open and less repulsive. However, my interests are very much different from my classmates, in fact. I am not captivated by a rolling football like them. Karaoke is certainly not for me. I like Classicals and Golden Oldies rather than modern pop songs. Perhaps it is my obstinate prejudice that some modern pop songs appear distasteful to me. Ball games are one of my chief weaknesses, too. I do really envy those "universal adaptors" - those who can get on with other people well. I am obviously unsuccessful in this regard.