Faustina Leonita

If you had told my past self that I would be pursuing a Bachelor’s in Engineering, she would have looked at you in disbelief and thought you had the wrong person.

Growing up, my heart belonged to the arts—literature, design, poetry—everything that sparked my creative spirit. I often found myself wondering why anyone would choose to study those rigid and structured fields compared to the fluidity and expression of the arts. What could possibly draw someone to a path where creativity appeared to take a backseat to formulas and calculations?

However, my perspective began to shift when I discovered Computer Science in middle school. I realized that this field offered a unique blend of logic and creativity. The idea that I could solve problems while still expressing my innovative side was exhilarating. Learning to code felt like unlocking a new medium for creativity—one where I could build, design, and create intricate web and mobile applications with interactive experiences.

Due to my unique interests, I decided to enroll as an Engineering student at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), as I wanted to be part of an international environment that encourages this fusion of disciplines through a primary major in Computer Science and an extended major in Digital Media and Creative Arts (DMCA). This program allows me to leverage my artistic inclinations while diving deep into the technical aspects of intricate algorithms and software engineering.

My journey at HKUST has further taught me that creativity and logic are not opposing forces but rather complementary elements that can lead to remarkable outcomes. As I continue my studies as an ESA, I hope to encourage more current and prospective engineers to explore their creative side through HKUST’s world-class Engineering program.