Studying abroad was an exciting yet terrifying idea for me at one point. Yet what pushed me through was one motto line that I still keep very close to my heart these days: “If you never try, you will never know.” I think that mentality encouraged me to explore my interests and my potential to the fullest. As a result, I participated in an international research competition, leading one of the sub-teams, and brought back the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) Gold Medal in 2024. Because of that, I also had the opportunity to deliver my own TEDx talk at TEDxCUHK the year after, which, to me, is an incredible achievement on its own.
Yet, what I am most proud of being at CUHK and at Shaw College was the variety of experiences I was able to live through; from being a student ambassador, a master of ceremonies in multiple events, being part of the Shaw College International Student Society, to participating in the student exchange program. I think it was amazing to have the college’s support as part of every journey. Apart from Shaw College’s support through multiple scholarships, I felt that Shaw College had become a safe space for me; a place where I slowly turned my fear of living abroad into pieces of independence that I actually enjoyed.
Thus, what I would suggest to freshmen and other Shaw students is to embrace unfamiliarities and explore as many experiences as you can expose yourself to during your undergraduate life, especially since CUHK and Shaw College are now part of your support system. I think those experiences are invaluable, and they will turn into amazing stories you will be proud of in the future. Remember, if you never try, you will never know.