I'm really interested in what young people think and feel about the Sichuan earthquake disaster.

"It's so sad," you may say. Anyone with feelings has sympathy for the victims and compassion for those who have lost their families and their homes. You may have quietly shed tears as everyone paused in silent tribute. Yet after drying your eyes, did you think about what you could do to help?

"I feel especially sorry for the children who lost their parents." They have a long life ahead of them. Are you and your family willing to donate towards the cost of their education?

"I'd like to be able to join the rescue efforts." That's good to hear. Although you don't have the skills and knowledge to rescue the victims right now, you can still work hard towards achieving your goal.

"Having seen how many people risked their own lives to help save others, I feel proud to be Chinese." Such noble acts lift the human spirit more than the highest intellectual achievement or greatest accomplishment. Let's learn to value what is really precious by not focusing on ourselves and showing care and concern for others through heartfelt action.

"I hope that technological advances will allow us to predict natural disasters more accurately." That's a positive thought. Now, why don't you act positively by studying hard today and then taking up research that can contribute towards a better future when you grow up?

It is a fact that life must go on. Yet we should not see this disaster simply as a news event, or allow it to fade from our hearts over time. I hope that the sad feelings that we have all experienced at a distance from the scene of the disaster will grow into meaningful action.

By Dr Sing Sit

*Translation from Chinese article.