CW Chu College The Chinese University of Hong Kong eNewsletter

Mr PAU Chi Hou Hugo and Ms PEH Bo Fang, both from the 2016–17 cohort, have shared with us their College life throughout these four years.

By Mr PAU Chi Hou Hugo (Year 5, Linguistics)

The university has different meanings to different people. Some regard it as a place for people to equip themselves for future careers while some take the life there as the last chance to have fun before getting into work. For me, studying at the university means self-exploration. Through engaging in various student activities, I had a better understanding of myself after four years of studies at CUHK, partly attributed to the free environment of my College, CWC.

Since CWC is rather new, we are expected to create and mould its tradition. In other words, we are given a high degree of freedom to develop our own College life. When I was in Year 1, I joined the Third Residents' Association as the President to have a taste of organising activities from scratch. I still remember the time when my committee members and I were discussing what activities we should organise. We thought it would be a good idea if we could do something similar to a radio station for the residents to express themselves during communal dinners. Then we actualised the idea and initiated an activity named Song Dedication, allowing residents to deliver messages and dedicate songs to others regularly during communal dinners.

Not only were we given the flexibility to create our own student activities, but we were also allowed to take part in some other aspects of College affairs. For instance, we were invited to contribute possible lyrics to the College anthem or even compose a melody for it. Moreover, some of us could be student ambassadors to take charge of part of the College admission interview with full autonomy, be it the assessment format or criteria.

The high degree of autonomy I have been given in the College not only allows me to explore my capacities in different aspects but also makes this College feel more like our second home which we can shape into a better place together. I would like to take this chance to thank the professors here who have always been open to students' opinions and tolerant of our mistakes. I also appreciate that my peers here have been supportive to me throughout my ups and downs in the past four years. Life in CWC will always be one of the most precious memories in my life.

By Ms PEH Bo Fang (Year 4, Professional Accountancy)

Time flies. This is my fourth year in CW Chu College. To me, the College has been my home away from home. This is especially precious to me as an international student. I can still vividly remember my first day arriving at the College and making my first friends in the College—Jiyeon and my roommate, Juliet. We have been close friends since then. I was also extremely lucky to meet my first group of local friends during the College orientation camp.

The College has taken good care of me throughout my four years of studies in Hong Kong, especially in preparing me for the workplace. I had the opportunity to take a two-month internship in Breakthrough Limited through the College Internship Scheme in my first year. This internship experience better prepared me to navigate in a working environment. I also met my mentor, Mr Peter WOO, through the College Mentorship Scheme. I am honoured to have him as my mentor as he is always willing to make time for me and guide me through my obstacles.

The College has also organised many kinds of activities for its members. I have always participated in them if time allows. Some of the most memorable ones are the Sai Kung expedition, Dim Sum lunch and Wing Chun classes. I have always enjoyed spending my time with my friends in these activities, especially many of the time when we were exploring Hong Kong together.

To everyone I have met in CWC, I would like to say ‘thank you very much’ for helping me, no matter in what form. To those that are thinking to join the big family, I would welcome you with open arms and guarantee you that this will be your wisest decisions you have made ever!