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Staff members have heard stories of a girl who once convinced President Ng to attend an event on campus, but President Ng would not mention her name, so they called her “The Legendary Girl”.

When Chen Ting, who is known by her English name, Irin, was a Year 3 student, she organised the very first ’Appreciate Ceremony’ at UIC, in which students show respect to teachers. There was speculation that not many people would show up to this event and other staff members considered cancelling it. Still, through her hard work and determination, Irin got President Ng Ching-Fai to attend. Recently, UIC just held its 5^th annual ‘Appreciate Ceremony’, also organised by Irin and her team.

The 1st Appreciate Ceremony

Irin is from Chaozhou, which is a region located in Guangdong province, China. She described her high school years as boring, as there were little to no opportunities for her to grow, plus there were no student interest clubs or activities for her to participate in. However, she was the ‘leader’ in her English class. While her high school didn’t present her with growth opportunities, her teachers were very supportive of her and often complimented her as a role-model student.

Irin elaborated on how passionate she is about learning English and how UIC’s English environment, along with encouragement from family members and friends of the family, compelled her to apply for the college. She graduated with a Bachelor’s in Social Work in 2016. She describes UIC as colourful and a place that is full of opportunities.

After she graduated, President Ng asked her what’s next. She replied that she was not sure, so President Ng suggested she should apply to come and work at UIC. Irin applied for a position at UIC, which led to her working in the Four-Point Education Coordination Office (FPECO).

Irin currently works in the Whole Person Education Office (WPEO) as a facilitator for the youth voluntary service course and oversees 48 student clubs on campus. Irin stated that when others believe in her, she can then believe in herself. This very same idea gives her the drive to instil confidence in her students. She says “When students are feeling low, I want to help”. She believes that when young people are given suitable guidance, they can develop in a better way.

Irin helping students

Irin has volunteered in China and abroad. She helped supply aid in Ludian county, Yunnan province after an earthquake struck the area in 2014. During 2017, she worked with children in Cambodia and participated in voluntary farming work in Thailand in 2018.

Irin's voluntary service in Cambodia in 2017

Irin helping with farmwork in Thailand in 2018

Travelling is one of Irin’s great passions, and she enjoys doing so alone. She has been to many different places, with Tibet, Taiwan, and Beijing being her favourites.

Irin's travelling adventures

Her advice to students is to “Believe in yourself and keep a watchful eye for opportunities in UIC.” She also stressed the importance of time management for students. “Family backgrounds and attitude of others, you cannot change, but you can change yourself”.