We cannot have a mindset that writing gets us nowhere; that it is not rewarding unless your works sell. We live in a world where technology and our lives advance in leaps and bounds, where money is almost everything. In the face of these changes, it is a must that we retain our identities as a people and as individuals.

The best way to do so is to write, for through writing we have the ability to measure and reflect upon our thoughts, and to learn from them. It is not a form of escapism from the real world as most people would think, but a way of finding inner peace of mind.

For me, one of the greatest pleasure in writing is when I take the opportunity to reread my works. Stacked in that drawer, there is a greater sense of achievement from something done than the straight As recorded in the progress reports.

Rereading your works is a constant reminder of your abilities; it boosts confidence in yourself; it relieves you of the stress accumulated from your schoolwork and studies. More importantly, it provides inspiration and new ideas for further works and development.

It is also advisable to once in a while share your writing with someone else. This is because you learn more about yourself through the criticism and different perspective of another person.

Nowadays, I still constantly review my works, and I try to write regularly. Poetry is my best choice, for it does not have to be too long to be beautiful. Constantly updating your journals is also a wonderful start, for if you really have something to write, then you have something to read and reflect upon.

So even though we as pupils are constantly committed to academic and extra-curricular pursuits, we cannot, while aiming to receive an all-rounded education, neglect one of the most important aspects of completion: our souls. The most effective way to fulfill ourselves is through writing. Remember, we do not write for a living, we write to live.