CW Chu College The Chinese University of Hong Kong eNewsletter

By Ms PENG Hejiahui Helen (Graduated in Term 2, 2015–16, Translation)

Looking back, the 4 years of college were one of the most wonderful times of my life in Hong Kong.

One of the highlights was my trip to Bangladesh during the summer of Year 1. It was a field trip organized by Good Lab, an NGO in Hong Kong, in collaboration with the College. I am grateful to the College for awarding me the Reaching Out Award to financially support the expedition. We spent a week in Bangladesh researching how Grameen Bank, a microfinance institution set-up by Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Dr Muhammad YUNUS, supported microentrepreneurs in Bangladesh. We also had an opportunity to interview Dr YUNUS himself, and it was one of the most inspiring experiences of my life. It has since motivated me to create a positive impact on the lives of those around me through my work and actions.

I cherish the communal dining and high table dinners at the college as these were always full of fun and insightful discussions with my fellow College mates. I recall we had Mr Peter CHAN, a famous Hong Kong movie director, over as the guest speaker for one of the high table dinners and I was very excited as I am a huge fan of his movies. Hearing him discuss his career and the industry was truly a one-of-a-kind experience. The opportunities provided by the College has been instrumental in shaping who I am today.

Through my internship experiences during university, I discovered my passion for Learning and Development, a segment of Human Resources focused on continuous education and upskilling of employees. I am especially excited about the impact of technology in enabling a new pedagogy for upskilling employees in this age of disruption. I would encourage students in the College to learn more about Learning and Development and consider it as a career option.

I plan to pursue an MBA in 2023 to further develop myself, both professionally and personally. I would be delighted to continue to support our College for the benefit of current and future students, and I am looking forward to visiting the campus soon.

By Mr LEE Kwun Chi (Graduated in Term 2, 2016–17, History)

Years passed in the blink of an eye. It is already the fifth year since I graduated from CW Chu College in 2017. Throughout the years, memories of studying and growing up with my friends at the College popped up in my mind from time to time. No matter what, I have to admit that four years of CWC-life have indeed shaped my character and life.

I joined this intimate and vibrant family in 2013 as the second cohort of students. Before stepping into the registration room on orientation day, I was an introvert who was unwilling to express my feelings to others. Taking up positions at student societies was all but unthinkable to me in the old days. Nevertheless, time changes things, including a person. With the support of my teachers and peers in the College, I gave it a go, and started my journey as a member of the CWC Service Team in 2014. Our mission was to arrange a summer service project for students from the Po Leung Kuk CW Chu College in Shatin, with the purpose of encouraging them to set goals for their life.

In the course of organising the service project, I was given the valuable opportunity to get to know the students with a less-privileged socioeconomic background, and to complete various tasks with them. As observed from our encounters, they tended to look down on themselves, and were indifferent about their academic studies although most of them had talents in various aspects. Support, care and recognition from others were exactly what they needed the most. With that in mind, I decided back then, if I had the chance to teach, I would serve at a school with a lower academic banding.

The experience of being part of the Service Team opened the door for my participation in student societies, from the College Student Union to the organising committees for the orientation camp and student festival. Gradually, I gained confidence in speaking out my concerns and showing my care to others and built up friendships. After completing the Postgraduate Diploma of Education in Liberal Studies and the Master of Philosophy in History, I eventually became a teacher at Po Leung Kuk CW Chu College.

Teaching at Po Leung Kuk CW Chu College is meaningful but challenging. Occasionally, the academic results of my students were disappointing; nevertheless, I believe that they have the potential, and will be mature enough to think for their future one day. Whenever I felt disappointed with my students, I would recall the way Prof YOUNG and Prof WONG cared for us when we felt lost. Thinking of what I would do if I were Prof YOUNG and Prof WONG inspires me to reflect on how to treat my own students.

Thank you so much, my teachers and friends in CW Chu College!