Seize the days in university for bettering yourselves

While the browns were coming as a comforting quilt to the earth, the University of Macau ushered a new cohort of students. They have started their golden time of university life which will fly like an arrow. What will they attain in addition to a degree?

Winnie CHONG, who is a bachelor graduate of the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) in 2020, becomes a new PhD student of FHS. As a native of Macao, Winnie has never thought that academic research was her ultimate goal. However, her own life took a turn for a change after she was so blessed to have met dedicated teachers who guided her to explore knowledge and gradually stimulated her interest in biomedical sciences during her undergraduate study. Eventually, she has set her goal to embark upon academic research by pursuing a doctorate.

Winnie has a roll call of brilliant teachers to whom she feels indebted, and FHS Associate Professor Chris Koon Ho WONG is one of them. Prof. Wong gave her autonomy in the research work but inspired and motivated her through all stages of work, particularly when she has lost her direction. “High school teachers keep repeating the keys of the lessons for strengthening our knowledge. Unlike high schools, a teacher in a university is a guide and mentor to direct and inspire students, not an encyclopedia or a self-help book. They steer students towards the research objectives with academic freedom. Attendance in universities is autonomous. You will no longer be forced to attend classes. Thus, we should build our motivation and active participation to learn, explore and practice.” Winnie emphasized that one should take the initiative in approaching the teachers. She added, “You can learn from everyone, your supervisor and all other professors, the postgraduate students and even your own classmates, who are the sources of knowledge. Teachers are all around you.”

Recalling the past four years, Winnie describes her undergraduate life in one word “vibrant”. She enjoyed a busy and meaningful campus life through the participation of various activities organized by colleges and the Faculty. She fostered her soft skills through meeting and partnering with a variety of diverse people from different majors and backgrounds. In her spare time, Winnie also took part in the science promotion activities held by the Association for Promotion of Science and Technology Macau to pass on her knowledge by delivering lectures on experiments of biomedical sciences to the local high school students.

Winnie thought that it was important for the undergraduate students to identify research interests at the early stage of their studies, and take the initiative to approach professors for joining the research projects about which they are passionate. She has this tip for freshmen, “Cherish the university life in which you can become a better version of yourselves. You only get one shot, try to scream out no regrets in your graduation.”