Write to Win (Round 3): What would you do if you were stuck in a different country with no money?
Our writing contest starts with 10 students, who are eliminated one at a time based on your votes and YP editors’ picks.
What would you do if you found yourself in a foreign country with no money? Photo: ShutterstockRead the responses to this week’s Write to Win prompt, and choose the answer you like most.
Green: If I found myself in a completely foreign country with no money on me, my priority would be seeking shelter. Local organisations often assist refugees and homeless people in impoverished areas. By reaching out to a non-governmental organisation, I could access support and resources, such as help finding a suitable means of income or connecting with my family to return home. Therefore, I believe that searching for a place to stay, like a shelter, is the first thing to do, as it could provide me with daily support and protection from any dangers.
White: People say kids today are soft, and we would not survive in an unknown country with no money. To that I would say, they’re right. However, in true Gen Z fashion, while I may not know how to start a fire, I definitely know how the internet works. I would look for tourists taking pictures or videos of themselves and try to get in the background. With sheer luck and a lot of unabashed photobombing, I would become an internet sensation! Once I gain enough traction, tourists would even seek me out. That is when I would explain my situation, making social media my ticket home.
Red: I would become friends with the locals and learn more about their lives. I would even learn some new skills and traditions that they have celebrated for generations. After a few weeks, I will try to navigate my way back home, or maybe not if all is well and I am having a good time. If I ever returned home, I would have gained an awesome experience while finding new pen pals. I would have also learned what to do next time. Let us hope I don’t get lost on my next trip!
Blue: Firstly, it is essential to remain calm despite difficult circumstances. Then, I would contact friends and family members who could support me financially. If that doesn’t work, I would contact the country’s authorities to see if they could provide me with guidance or support. I would also try to look for some quick volunteer work to help with in exchange for a shelter to stay overnight in. If all fails, I will devise a new plan of action.
Write to Win (Round 2): Which skill would you choose to master overnight, and why?
Pink: The power of whispering down the lane in a community can be significant. Imagine this scenario: pretend to be a lost heir to a forgotten throne or a runaway celebrity. Let the drama unfold until everyone throws money at me just to get my “autograph” or hear my tragic story. By the time they have realised the truth, I would already be on a flight back. Believe in the speed at which rumours can spread, but remember to use this power only in dire and dangerous situations.
Brown: I would first take some time to assess my surroundings. If I am in no immediate danger, I will take my time to wander around the area, enjoying the change in scenery, before finding my way to a government building to seek help to return home. Although being stuck in a foreign area would be a terrifying situation to be in, my life in Hong Kong is also quite stressful, and being able to take even a few hours off and detach from my responsibilities would be beneficial for my mental health.
Black: Wow! It’s time to be adventurous and creative. Having learned traditional art forms for years, I will first set up a booth featuring distinctive cultural traditions like fortune telling and Cantonese opera on the street. Without an initial cost to view or partake, this could be an eye-opener for the locals. Then, I can try to expand and diversify my Chinese cultural activities, putting on Chinese instrumental performances and sharing scrumptious dishes like egg tarts. This could bring novel and memorable experiences for the people of the country. After I become a billionaire, I can explore the amazing land instead of returning to the concrete jungle.
Orange: I would try every possible way to earn money, such as finding a job and busking on the streets. No matter how long it takes to earn enough to return home, I will ensure I meet my family and friends once I’m back. I’m not the best at singing, but it’s one of my favourite things to do and a way to earn money. My courage might also inspire people who secretly enjoy singing.