Learning to Grow at HKUST(GZ)
Beginning my studies at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) marked more than a change of environment. It was the beginning of a gradual transition toward becoming a more independent student, researcher, and person.
HKUST(GZ) has a strong academic atmosphere. At first, adapting to an English-medium environment and the unfamiliar rhythm of research was challenging. Over time, however, I began to understand that research is not simply about producing results. It starts with learning how to ask worthwhile questions, read critically, and remain patient when an answer does not immediately appear.
I have also been fortunate to meet a supportive supervisor who has guided me through my first steps in academic research. I am gradually learning how to navigate the literature, identify the assumptions behind a paper, and follow the latest developments without being distracted by every new trend. In a field that changes so quickly, I believe staying at the frontier requires not only speed, but also judgment: the ability to distinguish lasting ideas from temporary excitement.
My growth here has not taken place only in laboratories or seminar rooms. The university’s excellent facilities have made campus life comfortable, while my roommates have brought companionship and warmth to my daily routine. I enjoy the conversations and shared experiences that come with living among others, but I have also learned to appreciate time alone. Independence, I have discovered, does not have to mean isolation. It can mean enjoying a quiet walk, organizing one’s own day, or preparing a simple meal after hours of study.
Learning to cook has become one of the small pleasures of this new chapter. Research and cooking are surprisingly similar: both involve experimentation, occasional failure, and gradual improvement. More importantly, both remind me that a meaningful life is built not only through ambitious goals, but also through attention to ordinary moments.
My time at HKUST(GZ) is still at an early stage. I do not yet know exactly where this path will lead, but I am learning how to move forward—with curiosity in research, openness toward others, and enthusiasm for life beyond my desk.