2022 Distinguished Alumni Visit: Alumni Cheung Hoi Yan
Years Attended: 2007-2012
Current Position: Teacher
If You Have the Will, You Can Do Anything
Have you ever wondered what kind of person you would become? The road to finding an ideal career is never easy, but alumnus Cheung Hoi Yan has managed to stay true to her educational aspirations, confront challenges, and continue to explore. Transitioning from a psychology student to a special school teacher, she not only became the person she aspired to be but also taught her students to believe in their ideas and find their direction through her inclusive teaching philosophy. As she aptly states: "Walk the path you choose, not the path that is easy to walk."
Before becoming a teacher, Cheung earned a bachelor's degree in psychology, aiming to become a psychologist. Although her career was progressing well, she felt a sense of disorientation as she realized this path was not her true calling. Reflecting on her past experiences as a leadership student and volunteer, she recognized her true goal was to educate others about their life choices. Once she chose her direction, she began to seek her ideal career. Starting as a university research assistant, she worked her way up to becoming a regular school teacher. However, she found that the conventional educational environment did not fulfill her desire to help others, prompting her to take on the challenge of teaching in a special school.
Her first year as a special school teacher was an unprecedented challenge. With no prior training in special education, she felt completely unprepared to work with students with special needs. One memorable experience involved a student with both autism and hyperactivity disorder. Cheung initially believed that the role of a teacher was to transmit knowledge directly. However, she soon realized that unilateral teaching without understanding the special needs of her students would be counterproductive. After facing setbacks, she recognized the importance of communication and learned to be inclusive, growing alongside her special students. Although the journey was difficult, she ultimately found her teaching path.
Cheung's teaching philosophy reflects her persistence. She believes in not requiring immediate outstanding results but rather in adapting her teaching to each student's needs, ensuring that everyone is treated equally. "Everyone is born with talents that can be used for a purpose." While teaching, she emphasizes the importance of dedicating time and patience to discover each student's potential, helping them achieve success in the future. As she puts it, "A teacher's purpose is to impart knowledge, offer guidance, and resolve doubts." Beyond imparting knowledge, teachers are responsible for instilling correct values in their students.
No one is without faults, and the most important aspect is one's attitude towards mistakes and the resolve to correct them. She once encountered a student who, during an exam, mistakenly wrote an answer in the wrong format. After much deliberation, Cheung decided not to award points, understanding that this was part of the broader evaluation of life. This experience taught her to take responsibility for the consequences of actions and stay true to her principles.
In life, we will inevitably face various paths, some leading to mistakes or detours, and others fraught with challenges. Cheung believes that regardless of the path you choose, perseverance is crucial. If you give up when faced with difficulties, you may miss out on the final results. "When you don’t persevere, you will never know what happens next." Her message to the younger generation is clear: "Take the path you choose, not the path that is easy to take." She encourages everyone to "do whatever you want to do and become who you want to be."