CW Chu College The Chinese University of Hong Kong eNewsletter

In this Issue, Ms Shivangi SINGH and Ms POON Ka Wing Fiona, graduates in Term 1, 2018–19, share about their life after graduation.

By Ms Shivangi SINGH (Graduated in Term 1, 2018–19, Computer Engineering)

When I entered university in 2015, little did I know that the hostel I chose would become my second home, and being a part of the CW Chu College community would make my university experience infinitely better.

I graduated with a Computer Engineering degree in December 2018. Having started working full time as a software developer in Hong Kong, I often look back on my university days. Going to the hall for communal dinners with my friends used to be my best way to relax after a long day of classes. There were always some sort of student-led or College-led events in the evening in the hostel, and there was a place for every single student. A highlight of my university life was definitely getting to organise an Indian Cultural Night and share the culture of my home country with College mates and professors. I also treasured my time being part of the College Rowing Team. It was a great opportunity for me to make new friends and represent the College during competitions.

The College teachers and staff were always happy to help all the students with anything. I remember running into teachers during communal dinners sometimes, and I recall our chats very fondly. The College always created an atmosphere where students and professors can bond in a carefree manner and it provided multiple opportunities for students to receive mentorship.

Thank you, CWC, for introducing me to some lifelong friends and for providing the best community on campus.

By Ms POON Ka Wing Fiona (Graduated in Term 1, 2018–19, Sociology)

I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology in December 2018, and am currently working as a research assistant on studies about youths. The years of studying at CUHK and CW Chu College have definitely been some of the best days in my life I learnt and grew so much during these four years.

To begin with, the College provided us with rigorous intellectual training. From learning how to write term paper in Year 1, to conducting a research project on our own in Year 4, I learnt a lot about how to approach questions and resolve problems. Apart from formal education, living in the hostel and having communal dinners with my College mates meant that we could have academic discussions after class that were very fruitful. What impressed me most was the passion and shrewdness of our teachers. We were encouraged to join the General Education essay competition and given feedback for our works, and great advice on how I could improve next time. Although I did not win the competition that year, the advice that I received enabled me to improve so much that I won the competition the following year.

Secondly, I developed many useful skills at the College. For instance, joining the Toastmasters Club Taster Sessions not only enabled me to become much more confident in speaking in front of a crowd, but also improved my English presentation skills. I used to be afraid of giving impromptu speeches, yet the encouraging atmosphere gave me the courage to step out of my comfort zone, and I can now speak without preparation on unfamiliar topics. I also learned to talk with people from different academic and cultural backgrounds. For example, having dinners with exchange students from other parts of the world and joining the Kyrgyz Cultural Night broadened my horizons. Cultural intelligence is becoming increasingly important nowadays, and the College did a great job in preparing us for this globalised world.

The second benefit I gained from the College brings me to my third point about friendships. I made many friends in the College, and we spent so many unforgettable moments together. I remember vividly how my roommate and I supported each other when we both had to stay up all night to finish our essays, and how my friends and I ran desperately to catch the school bus with heavy bags of food for dinner in our hands. These were the moments that I would always cherish in my heart.

I am really grateful to CWC for all the valuable opportunities and wonderful experiences. I sincerely hope that my College mates and I would continue to grow, prosper and contribute to society in the future. Let's hope that one day, we will become someone that will bring pride to this College.