Nathan’s Molecular Mission:
A Student’s Guide to Learning with Purpose, Grit and Humility
In the bustling academic halls of CUHK, Nathan stands out for his grounded mindset and relentless curiosity. As a Dean’s List awardee of the Faculty of Science, his journey is a testament to how passion, discipline, and humility can transform the way we learn and live. For students seeking not just better grades, Nathan’s story offers a blueprint for excellence.
Values That Shape a Scholar
Nathan’s academic compass is guided by three core values:
- Curiosity: To explore beyond the syllabus and learn for the sake of learning.
- Resilience: To face challenges head-on, even when they feel insurmountable.
- Humility: To recognise that growth comes through asking for advice.
A Passion Rooted in Life Itself
Nathan’s fascination with living beings began long before university. From medicine and agriculture to neural networks and aircraft design, he sees the fingerprints of biology everywhere. This awe for the “erudite library of life” led him to Molecular Biotechnology. His choice wasn’t just academic—it was visionary. “I want to learn how we can benefit from life’s design,” he says. It’s this sense of purpose that fuels his studies and keeps him grounded when the going gets tough.
Study Smarter, Not Just Harder
Nathan’s study strategies are refreshingly practical and deeply effective:
- Attend and engage: He focuses during lectures, only taking notes when something isn’t covered or sparks his interest.
- Revise twice: Each topic gets at least two rounds of review.
- Ask and answer: He’s not shy about asking questions—and he values answering others’ questions. “Explaining helps me clarify my own understanding.” he says.
Time Management That Works
Nathan doesn’t rely on rigid schedules. Instead, he builds habits that support productivity, including sleeping before midnight and doing coursework ahead of time prevent burnout and build momentum. His approach to saving time is simple but powerful: prioritise the day, protect your energy, and stay ahead of the curve.
Nathan’s wisdom for juniors tackling quizzes and examinations is also clear:- Cut distractions: “Stop scrolling and gaming during lectures. I’ve seen too many people zone out—including myself.”
- Build habits early: “Start reading, stay productive, and don’t procrastinate.”
- Help others learn: “Answering questions helps you learn too.”
