Learn, Grow and Thrive at PolyU
Ashima SHUKLA
Year 3, BA (Hons) English Studies for the Profession, Department of English and Communication
When I first came to PolyU in 2019, I was searching for myself. I was in the process of figuring out where I belonged to in this world, what I wanted to do, and what the possibilities there were for me. Carol Dweck, a prominent researcher on the concept of “growth mindset”, says that a “growth mindset is based on the belief that your basic qualities are things you can cultivate through your efforts, your strategies, and help from others”. It has been the help from SAO that enables me to find what I value most.
For the past three years of my University life, SAO has been a constant support system, with caring staff members who encouraged me during my application for an internship for the first time, to finding a Mentor, to giving me opportunities to share my stories with others. They are all kind and supportive. They have walked me through the process of CV building and interview skills training, and have helped identify the perfect internship employer who aligned with my values and recognised my contribution as a management associate assistant. Through this International Work-Integrated Education programme, I had the opportunity to explore different roles and decide on the career which will suit me most.
Similarly, knowing my keen interest in the “INSPIRE” Mentorship Programme, the SAO staff have taken into account my interests and inclination before lining up a very inspiring and entrepreneurial Mentor for me. By providing me with all these opportunities, SAO has helped me figured out a potential which I was not aware of. This has not been an easy journey, as I had to manage my time for a remote internship while at the same time preparing my speech and practicing for the Annual Gathering of “INSPIRE” as an emcee. But through all these activities, I have learnt more about myself.
I now know that I value autonomy and creativity in working place, and that being on stage in front of Mentors and Mentees has been the most exciting and humbling experience that I would love to do it again and again. I have also learnt a lot from my Mentor and I am very thankful for his valuable advice on developing myself as a writer through my blog, and his sharing on how to build a successful business. I am also grateful to SAO, not just for helping me enhance my skills in CV writing, public speaking, intercultural communication, and more, but also for making me feel I am a valued member of the PolyU community.
Congratulations again, Jolin! As the Most Outstanding PolyU Student 2021, you have shared many of your experience via different University’s channels. Now, can you let us know what you think it takes to be “outstanding”?
I believe students should have the courage to keep challenging themselves and exploring ways to learn. They should also do more reflection on themselves so as to build up their strengths and overcome their weaknesses. It is also important to be humble and thankful as we will then be more able to notice and grasp the precious learning opportunities around us.
In your previous interviews, you mentioned that you have many gains and learnings from the unique Service-Learning opportunity at PolyU. Can you share with us?
I was a second-year student when I took the Service-Learning subject. It was about cultural preservation for ethnic minorities in Taiwan. As everything had to go online, we had the opportunity to learn and practise how to help alleviate global problems from our own place with technology. Apart from making positive contributions to society, I was also able to develop my creativity. This experience has inspired me to initiate a similar service project for the Global Student Ambassador Programme.
How did the pandemic affect your studies? Do you have some memories to share with us?
Most of the outbound activities, such as academic exchange and offshore internships, had to be suspended or changed to online because of the pandemic. I was indeed quite upset as many of my plans did not work out. But I am still thankful for all other opportunities which have enriched my university life. For example, the local internships have enabled me to make use of my academic knowledge, earn practical work experiences, and explore new perspectives in pursuing my aspirations.
Besides the academic study, what would you suggest our students to take part in? Is there anything a student must do during his or her University’s life?
I and my fellow students often heard about what we “must” do or achieve during university years. At our days it was popular to refer to things such as the “Five Things to do in University Life”. But according to my experience, I would say we really do not have to follow this or other advice. Everyone has different interests and goals. It is more important to do what you enjoy and accomplish your own target in these precious years, and live a university life that is truly yours.
If you could change one thing you did during your time at PolyU, what would it be?
I should not have any hesitation at all in joining the “Historical Exploration to Xinjiang” led by Dr Joseph S. P. Ting, one of the activity of PolyU’s Historian-in-Residence Programme in 2019. My friend who came back from the trip told me how extraordinary and eye-opening it was to be there and learn from experts about the history and impacts of different religious beliefs along the Silk Road. I hope I could have the opportunity to change my mind and join the tour which may perhaps be once-in-a-lifetime experience.
What would you like to say to our current and new PolyU students at the beginning of a new academic year?
PolyU is a place full of opportunities. Do grasp every chance available in various areas and get the most out of them during your study. Nothing is impossible. Believe in yourself, aim high and follow your passion!
A Journey of Changing Priorities
Gautham GOPINATH
Year 4, BSc (Hons) Engineering Physics, Department of Applied Physics
Vice President, South Asian Society, 2020/21
Outstanding Student of Faculty of Applied Science and Textiles 2021/22
To me, the four years at PolyU has been a journey of changing priorities. In the first
year, I considered study as my top priority and so focused on achieving high GPA
scores. During the second year, I realised that it was important to meet as many people as
possible so as to build up a wider network. I was a committee member of TEDxPolyU and
the South Asian Society, and I served as the cheering leaders for halls. I also participated
in a summer and semester exchange. Getting involved in these activities have helped
me open up myself and step out of my introverted shell. I am now no longer a shy kid.
Achieving work-life balance is tricky and I still do not think I have it fully
figured out. But what definitely helps is always having something
to look forward to. For example, if I plan to spend most of my
week studying, I would also plan to have meet-ups with my
friends later in the week so that I could have something to
look forward to. In my last two years, I have come to realise
that I need to take better care of my mental health and learn
how to establish a routine schedule so that I could reduce
my stress levels and sleep better. I am very fortunate to have
the opportunities to explore all these different things and figure
out what truly matter to me in the long term. Now I realise that
quality friendships, rather than number of friends, is what I cherish
most and I will sure stay in touch with them even after I graduate.
From a Student Leader to a Student Assistant
ISTANTO Elaine
Year 4, BA (Hons) Communication Design, School of Design
Executive Committee Member, Indonesian Student Association
ISTANTO Elaine is a Year 4 student from Indonesia studying Communication Design
at PolyU. As an Executive Committee member of the Indonesian Student Association
(IDSA), she has been actively serving the student community. She is now working as a
part-time student assistant at SAO.
Through joining on-campus events such as the Orientation Day organised by SAO and
other student-initiated activities, Elaine did have ample opportunities to meet students
from different cultural backgrounds when she was a Year 1 student. She came to realise
the importance of communications and engagement, and aspired to become a student
leader to help steer activities for her fellow students.
‘It is challenging yet rewarding to organise activities to connect students from different
backgrounds, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.’ Elaine said. Many face-to-face
activities have to be suspended because of the social distancing measures. Elaine and her
ExCo members demonstrated their creativity in using online platforms to hold events so
that students could stay connected at home.
From volunteering to serve as a student leader to working as a student assistant in SAO,
Elaine shared that the experience is totally different. ‘During my time as an office bearer in
the IDSA, I worked with my peers and it was more causal. Working as a student assistant
in SAO gives me a sense of working in the real world. I constantly receive feedback
from my supervisor. I do feel
some sort of pressure but I really
value the opportunity to build
up my workplace competence.’
she added. The working
experience allows her to develop
interpersonal skills at workplace
and help her better understand
her preference for future career.
ISA Unites Us Well
Mariyah REHMANI
Year 4, BA (Hons) Product Design, School of Design
President, International Student Association 2021/22
The objectives of International Student Association (ISA) are to spread kindness, establish global friendships, promote cultural diversity and enhance the integration between local and non-local students. This year, though there were many challenges due to the pandemic and the university regulations, we managed to organise a number of engaging events for the PolyU community. These included hikes and outdoor excursions in Hong Kong, an online Halloween mystery puzzle, Board Game Night, Christmas party, Valentine’s dedications, classic Movie Night and many others. We have also given ISA a fresh, new brand identity and produced branded merchandise for our members! All these have only been possible with the efforts of this year’s amazing ISA team - Assem, Nazerke, Yanna, Sollal, Jian Ya, Reiner, Donghyun, and Ankita - a group of kind, dedicated and capable individuals. I am very lucky to have them as my working partners and they will become my lifetime friends.
A Fruitful University Life as a Senior Year Student
Neal LAM
Graduate of BBA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance, School of Accounting and Finance
President of Entrepreneurship Society 2019
After two years of hard work during the sub-degree study, I was glad to start
my new chapter as a PolyU student. The abundant opportunities offered by the
university had facilitated me to explore and identify my future direction. Apart from the
PolyU awards and external scholarships, serving as the President of Entrepreneurship
Society in 2019 and working diligently to promote entrepreneurial spirit among fellow
students was both memorable and rewarding. The learning activities provided by the
School of Accounting and Finance had equipped me with professional knowledge for
my career development, while the co-curricular activities had
strengthened my communications and other soft skills.
I would like to express my gratitude to the Senior Year
Admission (SYA) Project for its effort in organising activities
for SYA students. The project had facilitated my adaptation to
the new environment and connected me to other peers, which
had contributed significantly to my enjoyable and fruitful
university life.
