In the vibrant corridors of The University of Hong Kong, Kwan Siu Ching Rachael served as a bridge of community for her HKU peers. 

Driven by a dedication to contributing to the university, Rachael balanced her academic pursuits with a strong commitment to leadership and peer connections, particularly through two transformative programmes —  “Lead for Life” and the “Peer Impact Network.” These experiences have profoundly shaped her perspectives on community service and education.

Rachael is grateful to Dr. Tsui for being her mentor during her first year in the Lead for Life programme.

“I hope I can apply what I have learned from these programmes not only to myself but to motivate and inspire other students”, said Rachael, a fourth-year English major double-majoring in German.

Rachael's involvement in “Lead for Life” began in her first year, and she has steadily refined her leadership skills over the past four years. “Lead for Life”, a programme focusing on cultivating transformational leadership in undergraduates by emphasising character as the driving force, has provided a Rachael platform not only to nurture her leadership qualities but also to prepare for her future. She particularly found the programme's distinction track remarkably meaningful, involving a wide range of group activities, volunteering sessions, and an academic course – “The Way to Success.” Such programme design allowed Rachael to reflect on her life goals, understand the basics of trust, and navigate group challenges.

“We tackled real-world challenges and learned about trust and teamwork,” she mentioned. “One of the most impactful activities was the job interview simulations. It guided me to reflect on my strengths and weaknesses.”

One of Rachael's most cherished experiences was a Christmas gathering with her mentors and mentees. “That evening felt so warm,” she recalled. “We shared stories, reflected on our experiences, even those outside of school, and built connections that I know will last a lifetime.” By spending time with different mentors throughout the four years, Rachael learned that the essence of leadership lies in these relationships. “It’s not just about leading; it’s about forming bonds and supporting each other,” she added, emphasising that leadership is about connection, not authority. “It’s about listening to others and being present,” she said thoughtfully.

Through the Peer Impact Network programme, Rachael forged new friendships that she treasures.

Additionally, Rachael has participated in the Peer Impact Network since her second year, dedicating her time to supporting other students at HKU, including non-local and disabled students. She has engaged in various projects, such as teaching non-local students in both Cantonese and English. Throughout the year, she has been available to help her tutees navigate challenges in their school life, acting as a buddy to connect them with the university.

“It’s so meaningful to build these connections with my tutees,” she shared. “I’ve seen them grow, not just academically, but personally. It’s like I’m part of their journey.” 

Rachael's active involvement in the Lead for Life programme earned her Distinction recognition.

Balancing multiple roles simultaneously was challenging for Rachael. She recalled instances where her tutees wanted to engage in conversations outside the programme's scope, while she needed to focus on academics. Although she sometimes felt burned out by schoolwork and extracurricular programmes, she found exceptional meaning in connecting with students within the school community, further motivating her to continue.

Rachael’s experiences have ignited a desire to pursue a career in education. In the short term, she hopes to assist in language teaching programmes. “I believe teaching should be meaningful and engaging.” Hoping to apply what she has learned in the programmes and at school, her long-term goal is to motivate and uplift students through innovative teaching methods, such as using games to make learning fun. “I envision creating an auction game that teaches valuable lessons,” she described.

Reflecting on her journey, Rachael has learned invaluable lessons – leadership is not just for a career; it can have a huge impact on our lives. Her message to her peers is clear: “Engage with programmes like those offered by CEDARS. You never know how much you’ll learn about yourself and how you can help others.”