Terng Juen

It's been over a year since I started my further studies at HKUST, and this journey has been filled with both challenges and triumphs. On my first day, I experienced profound culture shock. The Fall semester had just begun, and I was taken aback by how quickly students flocked to the libraries. As someone who rarely studied in a library, I felt out of place—like the Malay saying "seperti rusa masuk kampung," which is similar to "a fish out of water." This expression perfectly encapsulated my feelings of being in a foreign country, surrounded by the unfamiliar.

Fortunately, the friends I made at the SENG Orientation Day quickly helped me adjust. Gradually, I began to frequent the library, where I witnessed the incredible dedication of my peers. Their hard work inspired me to strive for improvement, not just academically but in all areas of my life.

Studying at HKUST has been a transformative experience—stressful in a good way and profoundly eye-opening. I look forward to continuing this journey of growth and discovery. One takeaway I'll leave with you is: "Don't be afraid when in unfamiliar environments, because these are what mold us into who we are or will become."