My journey during the last 4 years at PolyU has been transformative, characterised by personal growth, leadership opportunities and a deepening passion for the environmental field.

When I first arrived on campus, I struggled with self-doubt and was unsure of my place, especially during COVID-19. However, over the course of my studies, I have been able to transform that uncertainty into unwavering faith in my future. Embracing the various leadership roles I have taken on, both within my department and in external organisations, has been instrumental in this journey. I have learned to humble myself and acknowledge my mistakes, and I have emerged stronger and more confident in my expertise.

Engaging with diverse cultures and navigating the challenges of a global perspective have further enriched my experience. Thanks to funding from PolyU, I have had multiple international experiences, studying abroad in the UK and Poland. These experiences have helped me to cultivate an international worldview and unleash my potential, enabling me to pursue my passion for the environment with a renewed sense of purpose. Forming connections with like-minded individuals, participating in department events, and building close bonds with mentors and peers have all been crucial in keeping me accountable and motivated.

Overcoming fears and daring to try new things have been hallmarks of these 4 years, which I now consider the best of my life. I am both humbled by and grateful for the opportunities PolyU has provided, which have shaped me into the graduate engineering student I am today.

In the last three years as an environmental engineering student, I have immersed myself in a diverse array of subjects, ranging from understanding ecosystems to tackling water and air pollution and exploring the intricate reactions among substances in our environment. In addition to studying the environment, learning about fluid mechanics and thermodynamics is essential to build a solid foundation for solving engineering problems. FCE also equips us with the necessary tools, including construction drawing techniques, building information modelling and programming skills, to prepare to tackle real-world challenges in the field of environmental engineering.

As well as gaining diverse knowledge, I was given the chance to work as a lab assistant in CEE last year. This role enabled me to familiarise myself with various research equipment, thereby expanding my practical knowledge. Furthermore, I have helped to organise academic conferences, at which I have had the privilege of discovering the latest research in the environmental and sustainability sectors.

This year, with the help of PolyU, I spent six weeks in Spain exploring sustainable practices. Working on tasks with individuals from varied cultural backgrounds was challenging yet rewarding. It fostered my communication and problem-solving abilities. It was a journey that not only broadened my horizons but also gave me a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of environmental issues on a global scale.

As I look back on this journey, I am thankful to FCE for offering students a wide range of opportunities to explore and thereby improve themselves. I am certain that at PolyU, you will learn more about environmental engineering and sustainable development beyond mere textbook knowledge.

How time files. I have now embarked on my fourth year of study of environmental engineering. My time here has been a profound journey that has catalysed my passion to construct sustainable communities as a future engineer. 

The coursework in this major provides essential environmental engineering knowledge, which includes topics related to noise, air, water and waste in the sustainability and environmental protection disciplines. Apart from providing students with theoretical knowledge, the University and department give them numerous opportunities to engage with the outside world through internships, design projects and outbound activities in collaboration with external organisations. These hand-on experiences have contributed to my personal growth and integration into society. During my third academic year, I had the chance to mentor secondary students about sustainable development via 3D modelling. I also participated in various internships in the environmental protection sector, which broadened my network and allowed me to put my academic knowledge into practice. 

The academic path is often filled with challenges, but the connections with and support from students, experts and the University have motivated me to overcome these obstacles, shaping me into a competent engineer with critical thinking skills and a problem-solving mindset. Please do not be reluctant to learn and seize opportunities on this wonderful lifelong journey.