After lunch on March 18, I hurried with excitement to the gathering place beside the University Station and boarded the minibus arranged by the Personnel Office. More than 20 participants travelled together to the home economics centre. During the bus ride, colleagues from different departments and units chatted enthusiastically about what the workshop would be teaching us. Every one of us looked forward to learning teamwork spirit and how to relieve tension through this workshop.
When we arrived at the home economics centre, the instructor (Master Mak) and his working staff were preparing cooking ingredients and utensils for making Black Forest cakes. Master Mak's gave instructions that we had to form a "group of two" for co-producing a cake. I joined a colleague from the Personnel Office before moving towards the podium to listen to Master Mak's lecture patiently. I could not help noticing that Master Mak's demonstration totally engrossed some of my colleagues, others videotaped every step when he was making the cake, still others were taking down every word that was said. We were like school children paying full attention in class, not daring to miss a single word from the teacher.
After Master Mak finished with his demonstration, we could hardly wait to return to our working table to have our Black Forest cake made. The most memorable part during the production process was when my newly met "partner" and I had to take turns in carrying a "heavy" whisk to stir ingredients had been mixed. It looked like some simple and easy movements, but it became a different matter in our own hands. When we became doubtful of certain steps, my "partner" and I would "negotiate before taking action", and then observed other colleagues' "strategies". When necessary, of course Master Mak would show us how to do it, for us to take our cue from the master. Finally, my group's cake looked "as good as it got". We even received compliments from the master and other colleagues.
It was a fascinating experience. Not only did I meet new friends, but I also learnt the idea of working with my eyes, ears, nose, mouth, heart and hands, and not to forget our teamwork spirit! What moved me most was that by the end of the class, each and every one of my colleagues was carrying a happy smile, filled with satisfaction. Not only that, but they all looked forward to sharing this one-and-only-one cake with their family and beloved ones. The joy was truly indescribable. I sincerely recommend this workshop to you as active participation brings the enjoyment of full satisfaction.
Mr. Michael Cheung
School of Continuing and Professional Studies
