3 minute read
CONNIE WONG FS2021/22 THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY
MY EXCHANGE EXPERIENCE, MY JOURNEY OF TRANSFORMATION
Advertisement
I am Wong Sze Lam Connie, a second-year student majoring in Property Management at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. I am now on exchange at Tsinghua University and I would like to share my experience as well as journey of transformation with you.
PRE-DEPARTURE: DEPRESSED, WORRIED, SCARED
I was full of worry before the exchange. What if the pandemic situation got worse and I could not enter the school? What if I failed to catch up with the curriculum there? What if nobody could help me when I encounter problems?
MY QUARANTINE EXPERIENCE:
Dull, meaningless, boring…these were the words popping up in my mind when I knew that I had to stay in the quarantine hotel for 28 days before embarking on my exchange. However, my quarantine exceeded expectations. It turned out to be a special and enjoyable experience where I got to take a good rest there and temporarily escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It was a blessing in disguise.
MY EXCHANGE:
Overall, it was an eye-opening experience, since Tsinghua University is very different from what I had experienced in Hong Kong. 14 For my studies, fortunately, we were able to hold face-to-face lessons and interact with teachers and classmates in person. Our assignments, which were given each week from the start-of-term, were dreadful and tiring at first. However, I soon adapted, and found it helpful for consolidating the knowledge learned.
I also enrolled in different courses and gained precious exposure to topics not covered by my major program. My favorite one was the interpretation class, through which I got the opportunity to be the interpreter of a formal conference. The experience was challenging but rewarding.
Some other highlights of my exchange included the massive student events organized by Tsinghua University. For example, we had the chance to attend DIY workshops, in which we made accessories representing Tsinghua University as souvenirs. We also had the opportunity to enjoy an orchestral concert at the university Grand Hall. These activities have added more colors to my exchange journey.
NOW: BRAVER, HEALTHIER, STRONGER Why braver? Despite countless difficulties, I did not succumb to any of the problems and was able to experience a lot of new things by stepping out of my comfort zone. For instance, I was afraid of starting conversations and interacting with others, but I broke the ice actively and asking questions when there were problems that I could not solve.
Why healthier? On campus, I always see people exercising, and this prevailing energetic and sporty atmosphere influenced me to make changes. I used to be a couch potato who refused any sports. After I started running with a group of local students a few times, I developed the habit of running every day. It started from just a small adjustment, but this subtle decision had resulted in a big change to my lifestyle.
Why stronger? I learned to focus on myself instead of comparing with others, and not let anyone rush me with their time schedule. There has been serious involution among Mainland Chinese students, and I felt frustrated when I was the only one who failed to answer the questions in class. Although comparison is inevitable, I gradually changed my mindset. I know that I am not playing others’ games, nor should Inever measure myself by the rules and standards of success set by others. When I am comparing with myself and constantly improving myself, I am getting stronger day by day.
I also captured unforgettable memories and gained friendships that last a lifetime.
The Fung Scholarship funded by the Victor and William Fung Foundation played an indispensable part in my exchange journey, allowing me to explore different things here and transform into a better person.
If you are going to have an exchange, don’t worry too much, and just enjoy yourself!
