CW Chu College The Chinese University of Hong Kong eNewsletter

Ms Karlygach KAINAZAROVA (from the 2017 cohort) and Mr ZHOU Rongzi Roy (from the 2016 cohort) have shared with us their reflections on College life throughout their undergraduate studies.

By Ms Karlygach KAINAZAROVA (Year 4, Integrated BBA Programme)

Although my life in different aspects has been disrupted for several times over the past two years, such as a sudden change from face-to-face to online mode of learning, I am extremely happy to be given a chance to complete my undergraduate degree within the walls of CW Chu College. I truly cannot imagine my university life without the College and its community.

When I just arrived at the College, I would never have thought that the next four years would be gone in a blink of an eye. Here, I learnt and tried many new things in my life and made many unforgettable memories. For instance, by joining events and activities organised by the College or its student bodies, I tried archery, Japanese cuisine, and hiking for the first time. The most memorable College life experience for me was when my fellow students from Kyrgyzstan, my home country, and I hosted a Cultural Night to share about the country and its culture. The event was well attended and well received by College teachers and students, and I was genuinely delighted to answer questions related to Kyrgyz traditions, clothing, food, and culture raised by my College mates. Apart from introducing my own country, I gained a more profound understanding of other countries and cultures at other Cultural Nights. The College has been an ideal place for learning and personal development. Thanks to the College, I met my mentor and made many friends here, whose ideas have inspired me, given me a completely new perspective on people and things, and motivated me to be a more well-rounded individual.

The College has truly become my home away from home, and I could not ask for a more welcoming, supportive, and inclusive community that helped me through my adaptation to a new country and new culture. Over the past four years, CW Chu College has been an indispensable part of my personal growth, academic learning, and overseas experience.

By Mr ZHOU Rongzi Roy (Year 5, Physics)

My final year at CW Chu College has almost come to an end. I am really honoured to have the opportunity to share my feelings here before leaving this sweet home.

One of the most memorable College programmes or activities I have participated in is the Mentorship Scheme, where distinguished professionals in their respective fields serve as mentors of College students. It was in this Scheme I met my mentor Mr KM CHENG, who has been giving back to society for years in radiational protection as a physicist even after retirement. He has not only showed me different possibilities of contributing to society besides attaining academic achievements, but has also cared about me and cheered me up as a close friend in my difficult times.

As the saying goes, variety is the spice of life. Even though I have not participated in any College exchange programmes, I have still got a chance to develop a global outlook and bond with College mates from all over the world. For example, at the College Cultural Nights, I learnt from the sharing by foreign students or incoming exchange students about interesting cultures of their home countries, and tried tasty local food and drinks they served. I am really grateful to the College for organising different activities to broaden our horizons, such as the Sai Kung expedition, dim sum lunch and Sports Climbing Fun Day. Through participation in the activities, I not only explored Hong Kong with my friends but also learnt how to mingle with others on different social occasions. Without these activities, I could imagine myself as a homebody in the College, locking myself in the hostel room watching anime on weekends.

One of the most precious characteristics distinguishing our College is the Honour Code system. Instead of an administration-centred student discipline system, our College encourages students' practice of self-discipline, which means each College student is required to take responsibility for his/ her every single decision with maturity. To shape the College culture and contribute to a better College community, I joined the Student Honour Code Committee, which is responsible for managing the Honour Code and handling any cases involving violation of the Honour Code. It not only allowed me to explore my potentials but also made our College more like a sweet home. I really want to say thank you to all College staff and our teachers. Thank you for being so nice to consider each of our opinions and tolerate our mistakes.

To everyone I have met in the College, thank you so much for being part of my university life, thank you for being so supportive, and sorry for any inconvenience I might have caused. Wish all of you a sweet and bright future.