"I couldn't have made it to Oxford without UIC," says Yang Jianing, a recent UIC graduate who is heading to Oxford University to study comparative social policy for his Master's degree. Looking back, Yang entered UIC four years ago with little idea of the transformative journey that lay ahead.
Yang Jianing, Class of 2024, Department of Social Sciences
After graduating from high school, Yang set out to redefine himself. Aiming for a 3.5 GPA or higher to earn a scholarship at UIC, his strategy was simple but effective: Attend every class attentively. This translated into disciplined behaviour, such as sitting in the front row, actively engaging with teachers and consulting them with academic questions during office hours.
"As long as you concentrate in class or spend time studying before exams, you can remember many important points," he said.
Yang Jianing in Hong Kong with UIC's teachers and students for a field study
Benefiting from UIC's liberal arts education and active student-teacher interactions, Yang not only completed his undergraduate studies with a GPA of 3.91 but also won multiple scholarships, including the President's Honour Award, First Class Award, and Mr Fung Sun Kwan Scholarship of Excellence.
Yang Jianing at UIC's scholarship presentation ceremony
When Yang first started university, further study had never been an option for him. But the turning point came in his second year, after listening to UIC's senior students share their experiences.
In his third year, when he heard that his senior, Yang Xiaoman, had been offered a place at Oxford, Yang was inspired. Despite the study pressure he had suffered, he decided to summon up the courage and strength to pave his way to Oxford.
Yang Jianing on social work internship
His dedication and hard work paid off. After a long wait, he finally received an email from Oxford in August 2024, with the starting word: Congratulations.
Yang credited his growth to the influence and companionship of his teachers and his supportive peers and senior students at UIC. "Every teacher I met at UIC is the best teacher I have ever seen," he said, "and the Mentor Caring Programme really helps me adapt to new life with helpful guidance from the senior students." Yang is particularly grateful to his thesis supervisor, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and Associate Professor Tang Mei-Kit, who cared not only about students' academic performance, but also mental and physical health.
Yang Jianing at the 65th Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) Commencement - UIC Sessions
In June 2024, Yang was appointed as UIC Alumni Ambassador, connecting alumni with the university and promoting liberal arts education. "I serve as an alumni ambassador because I genuinely believe that UIC is a good school, and I truly love UIC," he said.
Having transformed at UIC, Yang is ready to embark on his new journey at Oxford, carrying with him the knowledge, experiences, and love he has gained from UIC.
From MPRO
Reporter: Cecilia Yu
Photos provided by the interviewees
Editor: Deen He
