I was born into a modest family. I have an older sister and parents who worked to provide for the family. Hong Kong is the city that I grew up in. Hong Kong is a colourful city with a unique cultural identity. We celebrate western as well as Chinese holidays. I enjoy eating “Jung” during dragon boat festival, while happily devouring chocolate eggs during Easter. Growing up in this kind of environment, I see multiculturalism as a strength something to be proud of and something to be celebrated, which is why I think helped me to be openminded and curious toward other cultures.
That is one aspect of the city I lived in, however, there is another aspect where it is a bit more mundane. In Hong Kong everything is structured, controlled and planned out for you. It is the same kind of story for everyone growing up in Hong Kong. Anyone would tell you that if you become successful, study hard, go to a good university, get a good job, then you will have a good life. Everything has to go along this pattern. I felt there was more to my life than being like this for the rest my life. Of course, I am sure this doesn’t only happen to me, I am sure that many people around the world have the same feeling and I am forever thankful to my parents who gave me the opportunity to come to Australia to discover my passion and to pursue my dreams.
Ever since I’ve been in Australia, I have been able to experience a society and lifestyle that is vastly different to Hong Kong. I have met a lot of amazing people and created many unforgettable memories with them.
I kindled my passion for helping others while I was in university. It was during this time that I came to realise the amount of people who needed help in our society and even more so in this world. Since then, I eagerly wanted to be involved in volunteering work and dedicating myself to helping others. I started volunteering for HYPA (Helping Young People Achieve) as well as being involved in other community activities. I was responsible for organising activities for Wellbeing of Adelaide Youth for two years. These have been amazing opportunities to learn and grow as a person. I did many things that I never thought I would do. And on top of that, I have utilised my skills practically to help those who are in need. When I was volunteering in HYPA, I took an interest in helping young people because I still remember the struggles of being a youth.
Never giving up, I was unemployed for two years after graduating until I was able to secure a position at One Culture. I am currently a Support Worker and I work with children with disabilities. Through our football programs, we aim to help our clients to build an active lifestyle and help connecting them to our society.
Ultimately, I would like to work in the youth sector and potentially start my own organisation to raise awareness for issues surrounding young people. I will continue to work hard in my roles in order to achieve my dream.
I am very thankful for the opportunities I was given in Australia and I thank all the individuals I have met who helped me along the way.
There are many paths in life that will take you to different places, each one is unique in their own way, don’t be afraid to take the first step.