When graduates from City University of Hong Kong (CityU), College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS), gathered in their black robes for their College graduation ceremony from 27 to 30 November 2018, they not only received their degree, but the celebratory event also marked the symbolic beginning of the next step in their lives, and the end of a four-year journey at the university.

“It is an excellent occasion for each graduate to reflect on what you have achieved since you entered CityU,” said Professor ZANG Xiaowei, dean of CLASS.

Zang urged the graduates to build on foundation of the open-minded education received at CityU.

“Think of ways to make as many contributions to society as possible, no matter how big or small they are,” he said.

Associate deans of the college, Professor Dennis WONG, Dr Peppina LEE and Professor Hon S CHAN gave their heartfelt congratulations to the students and their parents, while thanking the faculty for their commitment and dedication.

Social and Behavioural Sciences graduate YEUNG Hiu-lam is now looking forward to a career as a social worker after being inspired by her professors to adopt an open-minded approach to learning.

“CityU has provided me with lots of professional development opportunities to achieve my goal to become a social worker,” said wheelchair user Yeung.

Yeung’s commitment and hard work were recognised as she was presented with the 2018 CLASS Discovery-Enriched Curriculum (DEC), Undergraduate Champion (Individual) accolade, which placed an emphasis on discovery, innovation and community engagement.

“Winning this award has given me further encouragement to make new discoveries in learning, and the spirit to strive to add new dimensions to social work field services,” added Yeung.

Never one to let physical challenges deter her from her objectives, while Yeung was completing her two practicals at an elderly service and rehabilitation service centre and needed help, for example to reach an item on a shelf, she would use the opportunity to empower the group she was working with to make good use of their physical abilities.

In addition to her academic achievements, Yeung is also an Asian Para Games medallist after representing Hong Kong at the 2018 edition in Indonesia.

Yeung won mixed team silver and individual bronze in boccia, a precision ball sport similar to bowls and the French game of pétanque.

“My mind went blank until I realised I was holding the medals in my hand and had the opportunity to thank all of my supporters, especially my mother, who is very proud of my achievements,” said Yeung, who is also now preparing for the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo.

For Department of English, corporate and professional communications, graduate LI Tsz-ning Manna, being able to study courses in addition to her major helped to expand her understanding across a range of disciplines.

“CityU really is the place to study if you are looking for a flexible, tailor made learning experience,” said Li.

Li was able to put her knowledge into practice through internships and work schemes, including working as an event management trainee, master of ceremonies, research assistant and English tutor.

“These work experiences have strengthened my skill set and helped me identify a career path that suits my interests,” she said.

Li also spent a year at Lancaster University in the United Kingdom after receiving a HSBC Overseas Scholarship.

“My year in the UK broadened my view of the world and deepened my understanding of different cultures,” said Li.

Li initially found the curriculum, methods of teaching, professors as well as the new learning environment a challenge before eventually receiving support from her classmates, allowing her to become a more adaptable and optimistic individual, as well as a better cook.

“I realised that learning is not solely about excelling on your own, but advancing as a team,” she said.