Going through the dark days

Long story short, my journey with HKU and Hong Kong was wonderful. However, there’s another side to my story that few know. I want to share it as a reflection and acknowledgement of those who supported me during tough times.

Context:

Like many students, I experienced cultural shock when I first arrived in Hong Kong. Despite being just a 3-hour flight from my city, everything felt completely different. The environment was packed and fast-paced, and the cost of living was high. I expected a more international environment, but the 2019 protests and COVID-19 changed that landscape.

HKU was also a disappointment. Although it was named the most international university (according to THE), 94% of my classmates were from the mainland. Outside of lectures, most students spoke Mandarin, which I needed help to understand, and some of them still struggled with English. This made it hard to connect. Even TAs, staff, and professors sometimes use Mandarin to let other classmates understand better, making me feel even more alienated.

Adding to the stress, I had a demanding remote job. I was mentally and physically exhausted, struggling with sleepless nights and obsessive thoughts. Overcoming my mental struggles and bouncing back in a few months was a remarkable journey. I couldn’t have done it without some important people and inspiring materials.

Important People:

• QL: I am very fortunate to have QL, as my HKU advisor. When he heard about our unpleasant experiences, he simply said, “Hang in there,” and reached out to various program directors to help us. Until now, he still checks in with me to ensure I am doing good.
• PL: PL, my mental counsellor at HKU, has been a beacon of support. Each time we met, she helped me reflect and improve my emotional management skills. Her guidance was instrumental in navigating my emotions.
• TP: My dear sister, T, was the first person to advise me to drop out of HKU. Don't get me wrong—she supported me tremendously throughout my journey, offering a blend of practical advice and emotional backing that kept me grounded.
• D & P: Words cannot fully capture how much I cherish D and P. They are more than long-term close friends; they are my pillars of strength. D regularly checked in on me during that period, cheering me up and even offering financial support if I failed any courses. P created a support group on Telegram and bought me a Kindle for "healing" books. Their combined efforts made me feel incredibly supported and loved.
• T-N: T-N is not only my undergraduate advisor but also like a brother to me. He witnessed all my ups and downs at HKU and always trusted me, even when I doubted myself. Without his unwavering belief in me, I wouldn’t have found the motivation to study and excel. He truly deserves a separate post, but I'm too lazy to write it XD.
• QB: Q was my study companion, joining me in many online courses at HKU. Since most classmates didn't speak English, Q's presence was invaluable. I feel incredibly lucky to have such a kind and talented friend who provided me with the resources and confidence to tackle assignments and exams.
• DH: DH was the first professor to visit me in HK. He went above and beyond, convincing me not to drop out during our hiking trip to the peak. He even supported me with my final project in the hotel lobby at 10:30 pm. His dedication paid off when I received an A+ for the big data course.
• GJL: GJL was the first professor I spoke with at HKU. Though we no longer keep in touch, he significantly helped me adapt to HKU and learn econometrics, both in person and via email.

Helpful Materials:

• Dr.Nguyen Chi Hieu’s words for me: “Application often seems hard, but much harder is how you will study once admitted.”
• Hieu TV Podcast: Two important episodes, “Kien Tri Trong Gian Nan” and “Di Qua Nhung Khoang Toi Cuoc Doi.”
• The Last Lecture (Randy Pausch): I watched the whole video three or four times. It refreshed my mind every single time.
• Books: "The Cafe on the Edge of the World" and "The Things You Can Only See When You Slow Down."
• Blog: You can't reach the brain through the ears - Adam Mastroianni (Experimental History). Thanks my sister TP for sending such wonderful writing.
• Others: "The Cambridge Professor Who Learned To Read At 18", "Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance", and "Người Việt có một kỹ năng giỏi hơn đất nước khác? - GS. Trương Nguyện Thành"