University life is truly precious
University life is relatively short. It comprises maybe only five per cent of our total life time on average. But at the same time, university life can be a major turning point.
At City University of Hong Kong, I began to discover myself and plan my future direction. I have seen students from all walks of life take different paths. It’s important to treasure all the opportunities you have at university.
There is no right or wrong when it comes to the path you take; what truly matters is what you get out of university life. It’s something personal but you are here with an objective. Here’s a list of what I love about my university, where I am discovering a lot about myself.
1 The people. There is a saying: “We don’t heal in isolation, but in community.” I have met so many awesome people during my time at CityU, ranging from university staff to my classmates and those at student union meetings. Everyone has been really friendly. What’s more, with the increasing number of international students, there are opportunities to meet people from different cultures. Their ideas have inspired me.
2 Opportunities. CityU provides a lot of opportunities including the Student Ambassador Programme, which allows you to get involved in campus affairs. The societies and student unions also organise different activities, so there’s always something for you to do in your free time.
3 Volunteering. There’s another popular saying: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” At CityU, I have participated in the City Youth Empowerment Project, and a number of voluntary activities, including a mentorship programme. It is a truly gratifying experience to work for a cause, to learn from the students, and to cultivate a sense of responsibility to the local community.
4 Lectures. Sometimes you might grumble about getting up early to attend 9am lectures, but academic pursuits are important. The courses are interesting and insightful, and we should not be afraid to ask questions during lectures.
Being a third-year student is great in so many ways; you come across countless beautiful souls, you have great friends, you gain a better idea of what you want to do in the future, and you earn some work experience. All in all, it prepares you to become a more capable adult.
Despite all the fantasies that I have about my future, I still find myself longing for the days when I didn’t have any responsibilities, and say to myself: “Those were good times.”