Student Stories
Why I Chose to Minor in Anthropology | CHOW, Hiu Weh Naomi
As a Psychology major student, my initial goal was to become a clinical psychologist, engaging with clients on profound topics such as human life, suffering, and death. My fascination with the complexities of human nature and my desire to explore ethics and societal roles led me to seek answers beyond my major. This curiosity guided me to take a minor in Anthropology at CUHK.
Since then, my interest in Anthropology has only grown. I find the way Anthropology observes daily life through a lens that questions and examines rather than taking things for granted to be fascinating. This passion has inspired me to consider pursuing a postgraduate degree in Anthropology to further expand my knowledge.
As a minor student, I started with no friends in class but soon I made many new friends as people were friendly. Anthropology courses attracted many exchange students to study and each of them has their own unique backstory and a different perception of Hong Kong. This academic experience has given me the valuable opportunity to meet with new people around the world.
When I tell people that I really love Anthropology, people usually have a look of confusion on their faces. It is hard to describe what is Anthropology – the themes can be as broad as human nature, human history and development, society and culture, yet the studies can be as specific as a single clinical case or a single social issue. I wish that more people would recognize the beauty of Anthropology and how it can help us to see a world that is larger and more colourful than what we perceive as our mundane reality.
Why I Chose to Minor in Business | HU, Xinrui
Pursuing a minor in Business alongside my major studies in Journalism and Communication has been a journey of discovery.
Initially focused on the cultural side of the world, I realized it was not enough. Driven by curiosity about the corporate landscape, I decided to take a minor in Business, which opened doors to financial intricacies and strategic acumen.
I studied courses like Basic Microeconomics, Management, and Fundamentals of Business Finance. Each class solidified my foundation. I learned how market economies function, analyzed case studies, and built DCF models for equity reports.
Any fabulous experience to share? Yes, that would be the Entrepreneurship Launchpad course! I teamed up to work for a professional indemnity insurer. We visited the company, talked with management and conducted field and desktop research. Our efforts culminated in a formal presentation. It was truly a hands-on experience and eye-opening.
These experiences shaped my early path in financial communication. Thanks to this minor programme, I’ve aced job interviews and secured internships in corporate communication at financial institutions. I feel incredibly fortunate and deeply grateful for such valuable learning opportunities.
Why I Chose to Minor in Journalism and Communication | HUANG, Xiangkun
My passion for communication drove me to pursue a minor in Journalism and Communication at CUHK. This minor programme provides access to facilities like the VO Lab, where I can utilize various news websites and multimedia production software, just like other major students. This hands-on experience is invaluable for my learning and growth in the field.
After completing several marketing internships, I discovered my true calling in the fields of journalism, PR, and social media management. This programme equipped me with essential practical skills, such as social media marketing and news writing, which are crucial for my career aspirations. These experiences enable me to effectively navigate the dynamic landscape of modern communication.
Moreover, the School of Journalism and Communication has a professional and excellent teaching team including domain experts who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom. Their insights and expertise have provided me with a deeper understanding of the industry and helped me tackle future challenges. Their training and assignments are excellent practice in real-world scenario, and their feedback is incredibly valuable. Minoring in this programme not only enhanced my academic experience but also prepared me for a career in communication.
Why I Chose to Minor in Japanese Language | IP, Tiffany
I developed a passion for Japanese dramas, music, and movies during high school and wanted to learn the language to better understand the culture. When I entered CUHK, I was thrilled to take Japanese language classes as my elective alongside my major studies in Medicine.
One of the highlights of this minor programme is that the variety of courses offered by the Department of Japanese Studies after completing the basics. These courses have significantly enhanced my language skills. Starting as a complete beginner in Year 1, I mastered the basics and communicated in Japanese throughout the three-year minor programme. Additionally, I participated in Department’s short-term exchanges to Japan, which provided immersive language and cultural experiences.
The courses offered numerous opportunities to explore my interests and practice my language skills, broadening my horizons and deepening my cultural understanding. These experiences are incredibly memorable, and I am grateful for the chance to engage in another field beyond my major study. This journey has helped me see the world from a different perspective and unwind during my studies.
Why I Chose to Minor in Urban Studies | LIANG, Chung Yat
My group project in Urban Sustainability (URSP2100) has been a pivotal experience in my minor in Urban Studies. We focused on enhancing walkability on the CUHK campus by proposing several themed routes that cater to diverse user needs, promoting leisure walking for physical and mental health, and carbon emission reduction from on-campus traffic.
We created a Ghost Stories Route, intertwining campus history with engaging narratives and making walks both educational and entertaining. The Physical Inclusiveness Route was designed specifically to cater to the needs of visitors with disabilities, ensuring accessibility while showcasing the campus’s beauty. We also developed a Family-Friendly Route, promoting cross-generational interaction between young children and the elderly through safe, enjoyable walking paths. Additionally, our Environmentally-Friendly Route emphasizes natural conservation, guiding users through green spaces while educating them about local flora and fauna. Lastly, the Architectural Route compares different building styles across eras, highlighting the campus’s rich architectural heritage.
This project not only enhanced my understanding of urban sustainability but also fostered teamwork and innovation. It provided me with practical skills in urban planning and a deeper appreciation for creating inclusive, engaging spaces. Ultimately, this experience solidified my commitment to improving urban environments and inspired my future career aspirations in sustainable urban development.
Overall, pursuing a minor in Urban Studies has profoundly enriched my major in Geography and Resource Management. This interdisciplinary approach allows me to delve into the intricate dynamics of urban environments, examining critical aspects such as spatial planning, sustainability, and community engagement. By integrating the theoretical foundations of geography with practical insights from urban studies, I have gained a comprehensive understanding of how cities operate and transform. This synergy not only enhances my academic experience but also equips me with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to sustainable urban development, shaping vibrant, inclusive communities for the future.
Why I Chose to Minor in Korean | LEUNG, Wing Yan
I decided to minor in Korean for a very straightforward reason: the lecturer was excellent at teaching and made learning enjoyable. Many people worry that learning a new language may impact their GPA. However, I found that if you are passionate about something, you will pick it up and achieve a great result.
Learning Korean has changed me significantly. While minoring in Korean at CUHK, I had numerous opportunities to immerse myself in the language. For instance, I entered a Korean speech contest on my lecturer’s recommendation. As an introvert, this was an amazing and valuable experience. Learning Korean has boosted my confidence, making me eager to try new things and share my passions with others.
In addition, I had the privilege of participating in an exchange programme in South Korea. This opportunity allowed me to immerse myself in a dynamic language exchange environment, significantly enhancing my linguistic skills and cultural understanding. The semester I spent there was undoubtedly the most memorable experience of my university life. Minoring in this field helped me discover my hobbies in Korean learning and provided a clearer direction for my future development. I hope to work for a Korean company after learning Korean.
Why I Chose to Minor in Hong Kong Sign Language | SO, Tsz Yau Elissa
I am grateful that CUHK offers students a wide range of minor options, particularly Hong Kong Sign Language, which has fascinated me since childhood. Studying this programme has been a joy, as it emphasizes face-to-face interaction, a crucial element in Deaf culture. Most of the teachers are Deaf, providing me with the most direct way to improve my signing skills.
The sign language curriculum has taught me about the manners and nuances of Deaf culture, including how they receive information and the challenges they face in society. This has given me remarkable insights into how we can build a more inclusive environment for them.
Additionally, I have developed a greater interest in attending exhibitions and dramas involving Deaf communities and culture to gain deeper insights. This programme and experience have also opened up a potential career path for me as a Hong Kong Sign Language translator, allowing me to become a bridge between hearing and Deaf people in Hong Kong.
Why I Chose to Minor in Philosophy and Psychology | WONG, Wan Chi
As a Computer Science student, I have a strong interest in acquiring interdisciplinary knowledge in Humanities and Social Sciences. This led me to pursue double minors in Philosophy and Psychology at CUHK. So far, I have completed five courses in Philosophy and two in Psychology. My fascination with Philosophy has inspired me to plan for more courses during my exchange programme in the UK.
Philosophy differs from my major and Psychology minor as it requires deep thinking and understanding of complex concepts. It took me about a year to learn how to study Philosophy effectively, which has significantly enhanced my critical thinking skills.
During Term 2 of my second year, I enrolled in “Introduction to Philosophy” (PHIL1110). The professor encouraged me to pursue an MA in Philosophy and advised me to read extensively during my undergraduate studies. This encouragement strengthened my determination to study Philosophy at the postgraduate level.
In addition to Philosophy, I am passionate about understanding the human mind and behaviour, that is why I chose Psychology as my second minor. I am particularly interested in social psychology, personality psychology, and positive psychology. Studying this minor has broadened my knowledge and horizons.
