Session 2015-2016

Meingold Chan, Class of 2015

 

I am currently studying for M.Phil in Social and Developmental Psychology at the University of Cambridge. This has never been the goal or dream that I have thought of before graduating from HKU. Here I would like to share with you the two significant episodes in my university life that has changed my value and brought me to this chapter of my life.

 

“Sheung Jong”(上莊) – To me, it is like jumping onto a train without knowing what the destination is, but I have never regretted any part of the journey it has brought me through. Since young, I learnt to be very goal-oriented which resulted in huge disappointment when I failed to achieve the results I expected. Fortunately, this journey has nurtured me the importance of appreciating the motivation behind and enjoying the processes, on top of the outcomes. Moreover, it has shown me the numerous perspectives and ways of utilizing Psychology.  Organizing various functions, including a service project that brought HKU students and people recovered from mental disorders together in a drama performance, demonstrated to me how Psychology can impact one’s life. Through applying psychological knowledge to our life, it can truly bring insight and reflection to us. I was strongly motivated by this belief and hence, determined to continue my study in Psychology.

 

PAL lab – During “sheung jong”, I also got opportunities to work with various teaching staff and one of whom later even became my thesis supervisor, mentor and friend. She is Dr. Chia-huei Tseng. She provided me with high autonomy towards my research idea and a lot of intellectual and emotional support. Together with the enthusiasm of other lab mates in PAL lab, my interest and passion in research were ignited and thrived. Thus, I decided to continue my study not only in acquiring the knowledge of Psychology, but also contributing to the expansion of knowledge in Psychology through research, hence I applied for the M.Phil study.

 

It is still uncertain how my story will continue, but at least I am certain that I am still deeply in love with Psychology and hoping to serve the society utilizing what I have learnt and researched. Looking back, I am grateful that I have followed my heart in making the decisions of “sheung jong” and joining PAL lab, which brought me here today. I wish every one of you can also follow your inner voice and have a fruitful university life and bright future!