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Tableof CONTENTS
5 14 17 27
Message from Editor
About Us 5 Our Motto 6 Our Executive Committee Members
Reminiscence
Myths about English Society and BA Creative Writing Competition 2016 30 First Place “Merry Go Round” Lesley Cheung 33 Second Place “Passion” Emma Tsoi 35 Honorable Mentions
Message from Editor People say that I’m decisive, and I suppose I am. Although it’s in part due to a general intolerance of inefficiency, I rarely have trouble making choices and enjoy making informed decisions. Joining English Society, however, was the one exception: once I heard about the post of Publication Secretary, there was a feeling in my gut that I had to follow, and it was the first time in many years that I made a blind decision. At first, it felt like a poor choice—not being a particularly social or artsy person was a huge obstacle I had to overcome, as I was helpless with the layout designs of our publications, and I hadn’t really connected with any of my fellow Executive Committee members. I was lost and lonely, and trusting my gut seemed to be the worst thing I could have done. With time, however, our cabinet grew closer, and my experience with layouts had advanced to the stage where I started not to second-guess myself and just put myself into my work. Instead of agonizing over designs, I tried to feel out the placing of content and asked my fellow cabinet members for advice, all the while beginning to experience that sense of belonging that had previously eluded me. Maybe it wasn’t so bad after all. I can now say with confidence that it has been the best decision I’ve made since graduating from secondary school. In the past year, we’ve all had our ups and downs, but with bitterness and conflict comes the sweetness of knowing that you’re a family, and the joy of working with one heart towards one goal. This Annual Journal is a true testament to the blood, sweat, and tears that each one of us has put into our work. I invite you to witness the growth that we have gone through in the past year, and celebrate in the process with us. Apart from sharing in our reflections, don’t forget to see what our budding writers have in store for you. Featured in our Annual Journal are the top two winners of this year’s Annual Creative Writing Competition 2016, as well as three honorable mentions, which are the recipients of our Editor’s Choice Award. All the entries have something special to say about the theme of “Passion”. Lastly, we would like to thank Dr. Page Richards from the School of English for her help as our judge for the Annual Creative Writing Competition 2016. The event wouldn’t have been as great a success without her precious insight and generous support. Editor Bonnie Kwong
- 4 ENGLISH SOCIETY, A.A.H.K.U.S.U., SESSION 2015-2016
ABOUT US
About Us
Our motto “The mind triumphs over the skies, wildfires no match for blazing eyes” Different from our predecessors, our motto this year was not a quote from famous figures or literary sources. Rather, we believed that the only way to truly represent our session and what we stood for would be to create our own motto. The mind triumphing over the skies represents how we attempt to make rational decisions which we believe are best for our members, while our blazing eyes represent the passion that we hold for the Society as well as its members. With imagery of skies and wildfires brought in, we hope to illustrate how we rise above and beyond our physical limits, our force and strength rivaling that of nature. The twelve of us are united in heart and spirit, and what we may lack in physical strength, we make up for in intelligence, passion, and will. We strive to ignite our members’ passion for English with our own passion in everything we do. Standing on the shoulders of the giants of the past, we are armed with the invaluable knowledge that allows us to rise above and look to the future. We are twelve girls with one goal. We are English Society, A.A.H.K.U.S.U., Session 20152016, and we will continue to strive for the best. - 5 THE MIND TRIUMPHS OVER THE SKIES, WILDFIRES NO MATCH FOR BLAZING EYES
Our Executive Committee Members Each session has its own unique members that play different roles within the cabinet, allowing it to function as a well-oiled machine. Before we delve into the activities that we’ve held, let’s take a little time to get to know the people behind Session 2015-2016!
Ivy Fung Chairperson Prospective Major: English Studies Hobbies: Photography, listening to music, perfecting my skincare routine, shopping, sleeping, jogging, and browsing Facebook and 9GAG A book you can’t live without: Error 404 Not Found
Personality type: ENFP (The Campaigner) 3 quirks: Ditching carbs in my meals, drinking hot water even if it’s summer, and randomly reading about philosophy when I’m bored 3 things that make you happy: Hanging out with friends or simply “hea-ing”, productive Sunday mornings, and fulfilling dreams Fun facts: I’m both a perfectionist and a procrastinator to the extreme (guess you could still call me a perfectionist in this regard). Nothing beats Shabu Shabu in Yoshinoya as my favourite food, I could have it for seven days in a row and still not be bored. I don’t find cockroaches or insects intimidating: it’s not that I’m brave; rather, I’m just too lazy to scream. - 6 ENGLISH SOCIETY, A.A.H.K.U.S.U., SESSION 2015-2016
ABOUT US
Suki Lou External Vice-chairperson Prospective Major: Language and Communication Hobbies: Listening to music, chilling at cafés with friends, running anime/ Japanese soap opera marathons, and collecting memes A book you can’t live without: I prefer movie adaptations to reading books... Personality type: ESFP (The Entertainer) 3 quirks: I have a soft spot for sweet scented candles and, weirdly enough, paint thinner. I’m that one friend who doesn’t understand the concept of personal space, and you can always find a sanitation survival kit in my bag 3 things that make you happy: Wandering around without planning; waking up early in the morning to enjoy breakfast with a hot latte (although 99% of the time I can only get up in time for lunch); and Shiba Inus, owls, and foxes Fun facts: When I feel relaxed at home, I love to vacuum the floor.
Erica Cheung Internal Vice-chairperson Prospective Major: English Studies and Comparative Literature Hobbies: Listening to music, drawing, shopping, and scrolling through photos of delicious food on my phone A book you can’t live without: For One More Day by Mitch Albom; it soothes my soul when I’m feeling low Personality type: ESFJ (The Consul) - 7 THE MIND TRIUMPHS OVER THE SKIES, WILDFIRES NO MATCH FOR BLAZING EYES
3 quirks: I pull a really long face and don’t speak at all when I’m displeased; I can get touched and teary easily (though most of the time the reason I cry is because of Korean soap operas); and I tend to have weird verbal stops and add a lot of unnecessary connectives when I speak 3 things that make you happy: Any matcha-flavoured food/ drinks, cute animals (especially dogs), and good singers singing well-composed songs Fun facts: I don’t eat candies, and I chew incredibly slowly, so do be patient when you eat with me.
Clara Leung General Secretary Prospective Major: English Studies and Sociology Hobbies: Listening to music and watching movies A book you can’t live without: It’s Kind of A Funny Story by Ned Vizzini Personality type: INFJ (The Advocate) 3 quirks: I like to be alone in a crowd, I tend to always embarrass myself in front of people, and I must wash my hair before going out 3 things that make you happy: Chocolate, Gudetama, and hanging out with my friends Fun facts: If I haven’t replied your messages, it’s probably because I’m sleeping (YES, I sleep all the time).
Jasmine Chan Financial Secretary Prospective Major: Language and Communication Hobbies: Trying good food and travelling A book you can’t live without: The dictionary - 8 ENGLISH SOCIETY, A.A.H.K.U.S.U., SESSION 2015-2016
ABOUT US
Personality type: ESFP (The Entertainer) 3 quirks: I can’t stand an odd number GPA, I can’t leave the house if my phone isn’t 100% charged, and I dislike tomatoes and ketchup but somehow, I’m good with spaghetti Bolognese 3 things that make you happy: Food, sunny days, and food on a sunny day Fun facts: People mix me up with Suki Lou, or they always complain about my displeased face (I’m actually just sleepy or hungry. I’m always hungry).
Annie Cheung Promotion Secretary Prospective Major: English Studies and Linguistics Hobbies: Reading, writing, doodling, drama, listening to music, and sleeping A book you can’t live without: Do I really have to choose? Personality type: ENFJ (The Protagonist) 3 quirks: Feeling really bad for saying no to people, no matter how ridiculous their requests are; lying in bed after waking up, doing nothing for at least half an hour; and thinking about the best way to die when things get really tough sometimes 3 things that make you happy: People who genuinely care, good dramas/ movies/ books, and hugs or cuddles Fun facts: Whenever I get emotional, I like to sit in the corner of my bed with my laptop and write whatever comes to mind. I secretly write letters to people about things that I could never tell them. You must be curious now, but they will never be seen unless I die and you are smart enough to know where I’ve hidden them all. - 9 THE MIND TRIUMPHS OVER THE SKIES, WILDFIRES NO MATCH FOR BLAZING EYES
Naomi Chan Promotion Secretary Prospective Major: English Studies and Fine Arts Hobbies: Listening to music (mostly Taiwanese artists), watching TV dramas, drawing, and working with Photoshop A book you can’t live without: Ermm… I wish I could find one Personality type: INFP (The Mediator) 3 quirks: I don’t like to tidy up or organise things as I feel that there is order within chaos, I don’t like using Google Maps and would rather find the way with my instincts, and I love covering my head with the blanket when sleeping 3 things that make you happy: Spontaneous travel, riding bicycles when the weather is not too hot, and JJ Lin Fun facts: I am an extremely extreme person: I sometimes sleep super early but occasionally turn in super late, I can eat a lot but there are times when I barely have an appetite, and I can be really focused on work but do nothing constructive afterwards for a whole week.
Bonnie Kwong Publication Secretary Prospective Major: English Studies Hobbies: Reading, writing, listening to music, and browsing Tumblr and Spotify A book you can’t live without: The Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas is one of my new favourites with its realistic portrayal of depression, despite being a YA fantasy book (if you haven’t noticed, YA books are one of my obsessions) - 10 ENGLISH SOCIETY, A.A.H.K.U.S.U., SESSION 2015-2016
ABOUT US
Personality type: INFJ (The Advocate) 3 quirks: Humming songs when I’m uncomfortable or bored; sticking out my pinky when holding cups; and writing out particular scenes because a song, phrase, scent, or picture gets stuck in my head 3 things that make you happy: Feeling my cats’ warmth against me while I’m cozy in bed, runner’s high after a jog, and reading phrases that resonate with me Fun facts: I’m on an eternal mission to finish writing my many short stories. I collect perfumes with the scent of rain, sunshine, or the sea. The ebb and flow of live orchestras make me tear up. My lipstick collection is so huge my friends have physically stopped me from buying more. I would also not be averse to getting to know an ENTP.
Sarah Lau Academic Secretary Prospective Major: English Studies, Linguistics, and/ or Psychology Hobbies: Writing poetry, singing, shopping, and eating A book you can’t live without: Any of Franz Wright’s poetry collections Personality type: INFP (The Mediator) 3 quirks: Notoriously bad handwriting, being constantly in consultation with my stomach to figure out if I’m hungry or just bored, and trying to Snapchat everything 3 things that make you happy: Perfect weather—sunny with a slight breeze; modern art museums; and time to myself after a long day, curled in bed with a face mask and some mindless television Fun facts: My friends hate eating with me because I adjust table settings, stand up to get shots from a bird’s eye view, and force them to relocate so they don’t appear in the background of my pictures. If you look through my camera roll you will basically see 50 versions of the same photo that I will stubbornly insist are very different. - 11 THE MIND TRIUMPHS OVER THE SKIES, WILDFIRES NO MATCH FOR BLAZING EYES
Martha Chow Social Secretary Prospective Major: English Studies Hobbies: Eating and listening to music A book you can’t live without: Tuesdays with Morrie Personality type: ESFP (The Entertainer) 3 quirks: I enjoy chatting with stuffed toys (especially my lovely Winnie the Pooh), I collect plastic HK$10 notes, and I’m a snackaholic 3 things that make you happy: Winnie the Pooh, FOOD (especially anything with matcha, hazelnut, or peanut butter!), and meeting my friends Fun facts: I trip easily, even when on flat ground.
Floris Cheung Programme Secretary Prospective Major: English Studies/ Comparative Literature Hobbies: Reading, painting, watching dramas, and playing my Dizi (Chinese flute) A book you can’t live without: How about some inspiring novels like The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom? It seems we need more optimism and hope nowadays Personality type: INFP (The Mediator) - 12 ENGLISH SOCIETY, A.A.H.K.U.S.U., SESSION 2015-2016
ABOUT US
3 quirks: Keeping my bedroom and desk in a chaotic mess to help me think; always keeping stuff from ages ago (I still have my test papers from primary school); and enjoying food with a chewy and sticky texture like gummy bears, mochi, and konjac 3 things that make you happy: Enjoying the serenity that comes with being near nature; a cup of refreshing, fruity frozen yogurt on a hot summer day and a cup of steaming hot chocolate with marshmallows on a freezing winter night; and the bliss of waking up naturally Fun facts: I can’t recognize roads, directions, and people’s faces. I eat a lot, more than you can imagine.
Angel Yip Marketing Secretary Prospective Major: English Studies and Comparative Literature Hobbies: Reading, listening to songs, singing, making handicrafts, and writing English poetry and Chinese prose A book you can’t live without: My schedule book (Or to be serious: Left Neglected by Lisa Genova) Personality type: ENFJ (The Protagonist) 3 quirks: Tidying my hair (especially my fringe), scratching my skin (my body is constantly itchy mainly because of eczema), and pushing my glasses up my nose 3 things that make you happy: Recognition from others, adorable cartoon characters (especially Rilakkuma and the Minions), and FOOD (especially cheese, chicken, fish, and chocolate) Fun facts: I have a twin sister studying Chinese in CUHK. I can be extremely long-winded, but please don’t get too annoyed. My appetite is among the greatest in our jong. Many friends misspell my name as “Angle”, which has become my nickname. - 13 THE MIND TRIUMPHS OVER THE SKIES, WILDFIRES NO MATCH FOR BLAZING EYES
Reminiscence
You’ve taken a look at our cabinet this year and gotten to know each individual Executive Commitee member—now it’s time for the events we held during our term of session!
25th November, 2015
Inauguration Ceremony
Our Inauguration Ceremony, which marked the official commencement of our session, also marked the beginning of our journey full of unknown challenges, surprises, and laughter. This year, we were honoured to have Dr. Dirk Noël as our guest speaker, as well as different representatives from HKU and other institutes of higher education celebrate the occasion with us.
18th January, 2016-5th February, 2016
- 14 ENGLISH SOCIETY, A.A.H.K.U.S.U.
Annual Bazaar
REMINISCENCE
The theme of our Bazaar this year was “Neverland”, and we sold a large variety of products, including exquisite handmade accessories, stationery, and nature-themed products, along with our society products. There was also a weekly lucky draw session, and customers who had made over $500 in purchases were invited to participate. The prizes differed from week to week. Although tiring, the Bazaar was truly a bonding experience for the twelve of us—what more could you ask for than a jongyau’s cheerful smile to greet you after a long day of class?
1st February, 2016-5th February, 2016
Welfare Week
In acknowledgment of our members’ support of the Society, our Welfare Week was held to provide them with various benefits in the form of three hundred welfare packs. These packs included a wide variety of sponsored products, all of which were generously provided to us by over twenty companies. A limited supply of early bird surprises were also given out to the first few members each day. It was rewarding to know members appreciated our welfare packs, and it was our pleasure to benefit them through this event! - 15 THE MIND TRIUMPHS OVER THE SKIES, WILDFIRES NO MATCH FOR BLAZING EYES
19th March, 2016
Joint-University Spring Ball
Our Joint-University Spring Ball, themed “A Great Gatsby Night”, was held on a moonlit evening on the Rooftop Garden of D2 Place. Over a hundred participants from the English Societies of CityU, CUHK, and HKSYU joined us as we went back in time for a night of dancing and live music in the Roaring Twenties, and a magical night was had by all.
21st March, 2016-8th April, 2016
English Festival
Our English Festival, with the theme of “The Written Asian: Postcolonial and Diaspora Literature”, kicked off with the first of four events: our Book Fair, where we sold both firsthand and secondhand books from Swindon and BookSmart, followed by our Writing Workshop with guest Dr. Jason S. Polley. Our third event was the Academic Talk with guest Dr. Christopher Patterson, and our last event was the Academic Dialogue with guests Dr. Otto Heim and Dr. Eddie Tay. It was an enlightening experience and a rare chance to broaden the mind outside of the classroom. - 16 ENGLISH SOCIETY, A.A.H.K.U.S.U., SESSION 2015-2016
M YT H S A B O U T EN G LI S H S O C IE T Y A N D BA
Myths about English Society and BA You’ve met our Executive Committee members, and heard about our events. What’s next is to hear about life as a prospective English Studies major, and what it means to be an Exco for English Society!
Is it hard to get to know new people in ENGL and LCOM lectures? Bonnie Kwong
This may sound sad, as I think I’ve only made one new friend in the ENGL lectures I’ve taken so far. But if a shy person like me can do it, so can you!
Angel Yip
Making new friends is undeniably harder than in secondary school. I’d advise you to sit beside students who look equally desperate. Most freshmen probably feel the same as you!
Floris Cheung
Small group discussions and working on projects give you great opportunities to discover like-minded peers. Be courageous and start a conversation! They may be your potential buddies!
Martha Chow
Purely meeting new people is not that hard because you can get to know them through class discussion. However, making friends is hard because you don’t really have the time to build up friendship with your classmates.
Ivy Fung
It’s not difficult at all! If you attend lectures. - 17 THE MIND TRIUMPHS OVER THE SKIES, WILDFIRES NO MATCH FOR BLAZING EYES
How do you get to know new people in BA? Jasmine Chan
Similar to my jongyaus, my friends at HKU are usually Exco members from other academic societies. I met a few others through lectures and projects from other courses.
Naomi Chan
Through seung jong! But if you are not planning to seung jong, attending courses with a smaller class size is another good way. For example, the size of language courses is relatively smaller and you will see your classmates more frequently.
Annie Cheung
The key is to be confident and to get out of your comfort zone. The opportunities to meet new friends are everywhere as long as you are willing to grasp them! Seung jong is a good way to know some life-long friends, but you can always take the initiative to talk to the one sitting next to you during lectures or tutorials. Or simply join activities held by different societies! And trust me, our Orientation Programme and High Table Dinner are definitely great ways for you to get to know new people.
Suki Lou
I am usually the first to initiate conversation when meeting new people. However, I would also say that seung jong is the best way to encounter new people in BA. It opens up opportunities to meet a variety of students who are interested in different society events and for socializing with Exco from other Arts Association societies.
- 18 ENGLISH SOCIETY, A.A.H.K.U.S.U., SESSION 2015-2016
M YT H S A B O U T EN G LI S H S O C IE T Y A N D BA
Will your GPA suffer if you’re an Exco?
Ivy Fung
Yes for some, but for the resourceful others, they make an exception by networking. I formed study groups with other Exco, we shared resources (and intel) with each other, so we could thrive as one.
Clara Leung
I think being an Exco is not really a factor in determining your GPA. I think the rumour of getting bad grades when you seung jong is merely an excuse for those who don’t work hard enough. Time management is very important in your university life because you get to control your timetable for the first time, and there is no one to guide you. As long as you can manage your time well and make an effort, I’m sure your GPA won’t suffer.
Sarah Lau
While being an Exco is a significant commitment that requires a lot of time and effort, it is completely and totally possible to balance academics and jong life as long as you plan well and work hard. Know when you’ll be busiest with jong events and when the deadlines for your courses are, and make sure to get work done in advance. More than anything, choosing courses wisely is the key to a good GPA, so make sure you ask around about the reputation of certain courses and professors before you sign-up. - 19 THE MIND TRIUMPHS OVER THE SKIES, WILDFIRES NO MATCH FOR BLAZING EYES
Will you be able to “chut pool” after seung jong?
Erica Cheung
That is totally untrue. Just joking. Again, it really depends. I can assure you that you will meet more new people from other societies and fields after becoming an Exco. Some might be able to find their partners, but that is not always the case—developing relationships takes time and effort.
Naomi Chan
Definitely a no for me. I was quite disappointed when I found out that my jong was a whole girl jong (just kidding). Well, “chut pool” should not be the only reason for you to seung jong though.
Clara Leung
Not in my case, but it might happen for you!
Suki Lou
My IV always questions the above, and I think that seung jong does not directly enable you to “chut pool”, but if you want to “chut pool”, you may consider becoming an Exco (I know this is a bit contradictory). You’ll gain a wider social network if you’re enthusiastic about meeting new people through jong duties. - 20 ENGLISH SOCIETY, A.A.H.K.U.S.U., SESSION 2015-2016
M YT H S A B O U T EN G LI S H S O C IE T Y A N D BA
How has it been so far for you as an Exco? Ivy Fung
It was intimidating at first—being unfamiliar with the people you work with and the work itself. But I learnt uncertainties are a must in life so I just decided to live with them. I also started to believe in teamwork. I know this sounds cliché, but individual effort doesn’t always guarantee success. I used to be a lone wolf and tried to avoid asking people for help. But this doesn’t work when it comes to organizing events for the Society. There is just simply too much for one to handle—bookings, helper recruitment, financing, publicity, and admin work. Cooperation is key. Being an Exco is tough, but I made the most out of it. Ample opportunities arose during my serving period. I made friends with a lot of amazing people and I learnt a lot about HKU from an Exco’s perspective (to say the least, I would never visit Fong Shu Chuen Amenities Centre if not for being an Exco). Most importantly, I crossed paths with 11 brilliant girls, who might have been complete strangers to me if I weren’t an Exco. My freshman life wouldn’t be complete without them.
Suki Lou
It has been an awesome journey so far. Imagine a group of 12 scattered individuals who had never met before, and finally reached the same destination of happiness. Nobody said it was easy; it’s such a shame for us to part. The way was never easy and sometimes planning an event could be unimaginably chaotic and complicated. Embracing the difficulties caused by misunderstandings, however, is the beauty of understanding what it means to work as a team, as a jong. - 21 THE MIND TRIUMPHS OVER THE SKIES, WILDFIRES NO MATCH FOR BLAZING EYES
Realizing that you have to adapt to and appreciate others’ working style, and treating your jongyaus as not only teammates, but also pals, are also the precious lessons I learned as an Exco. I love you girls so much!
Erica Cheung
The best part of being an Exco for me has been making new friends. Exco members were the first bunch of friends I made in university and they have been very supportive. If you’re concerned with this problem, up ‘til now, my GPA has still been fine. Good time management skills are essential, as you spend a lot of time on things other than academics. Sometimes you might even have to skip lessons in order to do jong affairs. But overall, my experience as an Exco has certainly been enjoyable.
Clara Leung
[Disclaimer: 100% honest opinion] I think being an Exco is one of the (rare) best decisions I’ve made in my university life. I got to know 11 “jongbaes” and I wouldn’t trade a thing in the world for the memories we shared. I honestly cannot imagine how dull my university life would be if I hadn’t become an Exco. There must be some sacrifices though, such as having less time spent with your friends and family. Still, I’m glad I decided to seung jong.
Jasmine Chan
As a financial secretary, i.e. not the Exco with the most workload, I can already say that society work is somewhat time-consuming. It will definitely take up your time for studying, as well as other things going on in your life. - 22 ENGLISH SOCIETY, A.A.H.K.U.S.U., SESSION 2015-2016
M YT H S A B O U T EN G LI S H S O C IE T Y A N D BA
But one very important thing I’ve learnt this year is teamwork, and the importance of having loving jongyaus (or “jongbaes”, I should say) around you during your emotional moments. With that being said, I think that joining a society as an Exco was one of the best choices I’ve made during freshmen year.
Naomi Chan
It has been the best part of my university life ‘til now. I can’t imagine how my life would be like if I hadn’t seung jong. It’s nice to have met a group of jongyaus who work hard and play hard together. Having your jongyaus there to save you a seat in class and to kill time together in Chi Wah between classes became the trivial yet most memorable parts of my Year 1 life.
Annie Cheung
Never have I regretted the decision to be an Exco of English Society, A.A.H.K.U.S.U. Not only have I met 11 gorgeous and amazing girls who I call my ‘‘jongbaes,” but I also had many unforgettable experiences and made many memories. Some may think that being an Exco is exhausting and that it takes away a lot of leisure time, but I would say that it has so far made my first year of university life very fruitful, by filling each moment with laughter. Though sometimes things can get really tough, like having tons of essays and jong work to deal with simultaneously, I am able to look back and witness my growth. Because of this, I feel honoured and grateful to be an Exco. - 23 THE MIND TRIUMPHS OVER THE SKIES, WILDFIRES NO MATCH FOR BLAZING EYES
Bonnie Kwong
To be honest, I was pretty scared at the beginning of our term of session. As a somewhat awkward person, I was very worried about being unable to get along with others. It had been a few months since I first started university, and I was lonely and scared. I was also worried about being unable to juggle my priorities and work. However, now that the end of our session is near, I’m proud to say that I haven’t regretted my decision one bit. Sure, there may have been ups and downs, and I won’t lie, there is major pressure, but I believe in the rewards that come with challenging oneself, and the gains have been aplenty. Apart from being more familiar with magazine layouts and printing (my dream is to work in publishing), I’ve also gotten to know a bunch of people who have definitely made my first year at HKU a memorable and pleasant transition from secondary school! And let’s not mention how nice it feels to have your jongyaus sitting with you in lectures, instead of being alone with strangers...
Sarah Lau
I heard so many terrifying stories about seung jong before becoming an Exco— bloodthirsty seung jongs, hallucination-inducing AGMs, dropping GPAs, and yearlong sleep deprivation. Even after passing mock campaign and AGMs, I wondered if I would really be able to make it (in one piece) to the end of my jong session. To be fair, there were a lot of times I felt exhausted, stressed, and wondered why I had chosen to inflict this torture on myself. This was particularly true during the entire process of English Festival... but in the end, I pulled through, and achieved something I didn’t think was possible. On the whole, this past academic year has been so rewarding because of my Exco experience. - 24 ENGLISH SOCIETY, A.A.H.K.U.S.U., SESSION 2015-2016
M YT H S A B O U T EN G LI S H S O C IE T Y A N D BA
Through being an Exco, I have made invaluable friends; pushed myself both physically and mentally; sharpened my communication, leadership, and organization skills; and become involved in university life beyond studies. Given the option to choose again, I would still willingly walk down this path.
Martha Chow
In the beginning, I was quite worried that it might be difficult for 12 of us to become friends. As you know, different people have different personalities, which might cause friction.
That’s why I’m really glad that we all get along well, and that we have become good friends who support each other in both playing and working hard. Also, being an Exco offered me a chance to have new experiences, like finding sponsorships and organising a bazaar. All these moments have become wonderful memories in my Year 1 life.
Floris Cheung
Yes, there were times of stress and tears, but the moments that stand out in my memory are the ones filled with laughter and cheers after holding every single event successfully. I doubted my competence as the Programme Secretary, as I get very scared and - 25 THE MIND TRIUMPHS OVER THE SKIES, WILDFIRES NO MATCH FOR BLAZING EYES
indecisive easily (and freaked out every time I called the campsites.) Then, things got smoother as I found my strengths in designing activities. Not only did I gain invaluable experience by taking up the post, but I also found a deeper understanding of myself. Holding events as an Exco is like taking up an experimental project in preparation for the ones in the real and cruel warfield of society. You strive for your dream and test your limits. You make mistakes, and learn from them. It’s priceless, especially when your lovely jongyaus accompany you on hikes and treat you to sweets when you are feeling down and pressured.
Angel Yip
- 26 ENGLISH SOCIETY, A.A.H.K.U.S.U., SESSION 2015-2016
I admit to facing difficulties in time management, especially when our Society events clashed with my assessments or deadlines. Fortunately, it hasn’t particularly jeopardised my studies. As Marketing Secretary, I’ve acquired the skill of communicating with sponsors. Apart from promoting personal growth, seeking a sense of affiliation and making a stable group of friends were two of my objectives when deciding to seung jong. Here comes the last quarter of our session, and I’m proud to tell you: I belong to English Society, A.A.H.K.U.S.U., along with all my lovely jongyaus!
REMINISCENCE
Creative Writing Competition 2016
WINNING ENTRIES
- 27 THE MIND TRIUMPHS OVER THE SKIES, WILDFIRES NO MATCH FOR BLAZING EYES
An Interview with the Champion Our Annual Creative Writing Competition, which was held from the 22nd of February, 2016, to the 9th of May, 2016, had the theme of “Passion”. But before we move on the winning entries, let us first take a look at what champion Lesley Cheung has to tell us! Lesley is a final-year student at the Faculty of Arts, and was deeply inspired by a creative writing course taught by Dr. P.K. Richards, who is also our judge for this event. As a first-time winner of a creative writing competition, she has experience with writing and tips for budding writers. B: First of all, I’d like to ask about your inspiration for the piece. I see an interesting resistance against parental authority here, and I’ve had a strict upbringing, so I was wondering if there was anything similar that inspired you. L: This story was actually part of my coursework in the English Studies creative writing class. I was prompted by my teacher to write about an episode of personal history. I’ve always been very interested in this topic, and the implications of a certain upbringing and meeting certain people. I believe they all are signs, such as in Coelho’s The Alchemist, so I wanted to make this a soul-searching exercise of my own history. The story is based on an actual experience, one in which I renewed my relationship with an old acquaintance. It was quite a struggle at that time, but only because of a cultural difference—I was in Hong Kong and had returned from an exchange in the Netherlands, where spending a night out wasn’t a problem at all. However, my family didn’t see it that way. B: Many of my stories also come from personal inspiration, and if they’re not inspired by something I felt or something I’ve been through, there are usually bits of myself or other people I know in the characters. Your response about the topic of personal history really stuck a chord. I’d also like to ask about your underlying message, and its connection with our theme, ”Passion”. Is there any specific form of passion that you would like to bring out? L: While on exchange, I became close with an old acquaintance. A moment of passion nudged me to think that our relationship could be something more, but once triggered, this passion turned into something else and the relationship began to evolve in ways I didn’t like. That night in the playground, I accompanied him simply out of a naïve resistance against home, as well as the need to perform in front of him. - 28 ENGLISH SOCIETY, A.A.H.K.U.S.U., SESSION 2015-2016
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As for the kind of passion I want to bring out... I suppose passion isn’t passion once we assign it a name? It comes into being in spite of itself, but efforts to capture it properly will only distort it. It’s somewhat like inspiration for the act of writing, in that it doesn’t always come when you are prepared to sit down and write. It might be ages until something satisfactory comes out. The beauty of writing lies in translating experience and emotion into written word that outlives the moment, but without gripping and bending it so much as to crush it. B: Lastly, I would just like to invite you to share any tips with budding writers. Writing for me is more of an emotional outlet and experience. Does writing serve a similar function for you? What would you recommend for writers out there to get started? L: Writing is an emotional outlet for me too, and I usually write short pieces of creative non-fiction on my blog. People have very different styles and habits when it comes to creative work, be it writing or painting, so there isn’t a general rule of success that applies to everyone. For my friends who write and sometimes experience bouts of frustration, I just encourage them to keep writing and keep creating. I believe a writer isn’t a writer until he/she writes, so just focus on letting out what is in your mind. Then, at least you have the material to build greater work. If the well of inspiration is dry at the moment, it just means a deep enough chord hasn’t struck in you yet. Don’t be impatient, but continue to live hard and love hard. I also think it’s important to review your own work from time to time. Editing is one thing, but by revisiting your past writings, you may discover more about yourself. It may be a recurring symbol you use, a phrase that comes up often, or a particular scene you conjure. These patterns can be portals to an inner self you haven’t been aware of. Such knowledge may inform your later work, or sharpen your self-awareness. Even if you aren’t thinking of something as big as self-discovery, it is encouraging to compile a little anthology of your previous works. It is something you can feel proud of and share with others. B: It might be a good idea to go back and read my work from an earlier stage then, and rework the material I already have. I do have small anthologies of works that I sort according to theme, but I haven’t visited them in a while. Thank you, Lesley, for sharing with us your thoughts! L: You’re welcome! My special thanks to Dr. Richards, as well as your Exco team for putting this interview together!
- 29 THE MIND TRIUMPHS OVER THE SKIES, WILDFIRES NO MATCH FOR BLAZING EYES
First Place
Lesley Cheung
Merry Go Round We’re captive on the carousel of time. — Circle Game, Joni Mitchell
We smile awkwardly as we adjust our bodies to sit comfortably on the narrow triangular landing at the top of the children’s slide. Our bags are deserted on the side. Our legs dangle crookedly along the iron steps. We struggle to lean close nevertheless, and let wild streams of consciousness unravel in the sticky, dusty air. Ivan is pointing at and describing a particularly radiant star in the depths of the cosmos that I cannot see, and I am recounting my solitary journeys in Russia three months ago. With him, my broken lines of keen speech—about being unguarded and lonely in a vacuum of time—can meet and suddenly form sensible, infinite shapes. Ivan pulls out a tissue from his backpack and sneezes. My watch says 11:17pm. Behind the hedge, traffic along Boundary Street quietens. Flashes melt into nudges against our eardrums. Those who have a home have long left the playground. Two security guards emerge from public washrooms in the shelter at the far end. Vagrants begin to claim their own refuge under the trees or around the ping-pong table. A dozen teenagers in round caps, tank tops, and flip-flops gather around a seesaw, competing for the lower seat to be thrown and forgotten by the world at the millisecond of anti-gravity. My phone keeps ringing. Ivan’s company is beyond explanation. My thumb stings from swiping the green button to the right. I am standing in this park, protesting an invisible authority at home. “So you think you’re a grown-up? Don’t need to come home? Think you’re living in a hostel?” A sulphuric spurt blasts my ears and fires my guilt. Why am I here? Where else can I be? My last drop of reason compels me to explain myself. I didn’t mean to stay out all night—just an hour more to two—but my mother for sure will not understand or accept this. Running away is nothing like my little rebellions before of coming home late or sleeping at a friend’s place. - 30 ENGLISH SOCIETY, A.A.H.K.U.S.U., SESSION 2015-2016
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I didn’t mean to stay out all night—just an hour more to two—but my mother for sure will not understand or accept this. Running away is nothing like my little rebellions before of coming home late or sleeping at a friend’s place. I wrestle with a childhood of shy and obedient restraint, battling away the deviant impulse to no avail. My rumble lowers to an uneasy moan, “I’m with a friend. She is in trouble now and needs my help. Just give me another hour.” My weak feet drag me to a shade. I turn around to check if Ivan is following. “Tell her you have to go. How hard is that? You can’t go on like this. Have you ever stayed with me when I’m sad?” Now is not the time to tell her and argue over how much I dislike home. “All right. I know. I can decide. I will be back.” Peace. “One o’clock,” Ivan decides for me, “We’ll sit until one and go home.” We crack open the third cherry beer. A graceful stillness returns to our share of the playground like a vacated stage having sent ballerinas back to their restroom. The void after drama settles upon our silly, secretive universe, blanketing us. Our eyes may be getting used to the dark now. Contours of the leaves and railings, wrinkles on wood and carvings on metal plates thicken and rise from their surfaces, inviting me to a new tactile language, our braille. Around us, the cloudless night sky, dark canopies and weather-beaten frame of the swing pulsate in roaring rhythm. Another sneeze. Winds get chillier, dispersing the saturated lethargy of late summer, and coating this low-rise neighbourhood with sharp unfriendliness. Aggravating his cold and making him take a sick leave the day after is the last thing I want to do. I point to the shelter at the far end, “Let’s sit there.” The long conversation has drained our energy. We wish for somewhere comfortable and easy to stay, but there is something abominable about parks in Hong Kong. There are separators on benches to prevent people from sitting comfortably or lying down. In the shelter there are only bad benches and stone tables with chessboards printed on top for old men.
- 31 THE MIND TRIUMPHS OVER THE SKIES, WILDFIRES NO MATCH FOR BLAZING EYES
I grab his arm and leave the park. This area is one of the few places I can claim to be thoroughly familiar with. The park stands between my home and my school. I know Kowloon City within walking distance inside out. I remember a covered area next to St Teresa’s Church, a five-minute walk away from the park. We climb the footbridge and stroll on Boundary Street, but only to find that the parish has been gated. How couldn’t I have expected that? I rummage my memory for anywhere else safe. There is a lounge nearby. “Do you live here?” The security guard approaches us with a look of intimidating nonchalance. We say nothing more and back away apologetically. At the unwelcome doorway, there we are, me and him, and a city sound asleep. “No worries, we can head back to the park,” Ivan calms me with a sick voice. After all the hassle, the best place to stay is where we departed. Planted around us are residential blocks, lights off and curtains drawn, where happy families live with their puppies. We have deliberately resisted our beds to walk a long way, ending up in a useless loop. Headlights approach from the bend a few blocks in front, severing the street in two. We keep clear of the roadside for fear that the beams will sweep across us and reveal our secrets. We summon our residual energy and cross the footbridge, arriving again at the shelter of bad benches in the park. It was almost three. Ivan and I, almost collapsing, sit across each other and bury our heads in our bags at one of those chess tables. The leafy freshness of morning blankets the park. Growing sunlight dilutes the dark blue of the sky, illuminating the shelter. The two security guards are circulating a morning spread on horse racing, bantering about their bets. More old men come in with bird cages and red bags of newly bought oranges. Buses wait and leave at the stop right outside the park like revolving lanterns. Ivan is awake, too. I gesture him to see the last, light-resistant star. He fumbles for his glasses sleepily and puts them on, “Yes I see it.”
- 32 ENGLISH SOCIETY, A.A.H.K.U.S.U., SESSION 2015-2016
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Second Place
Emma Tsoi
Passion I. Five Years Before I feel so happy I could die. What could be better? The boy I love loves me back, and he said he knows he does. (What does that even mean? I think sometimes boys are weird. Most of the time.) So here I am, with a sickly, stupid smile stuck on my freckled face. I can’t help it. There’s been a spring to my step. Bliss emanates from my plain existence. Nothing can bring me down now. My head is fueled by happiness, my heart pumping. Yes, passion, that’s the word I was looking for. How it does encapsulate my energy in seven letters. It cannot be categorized because it is not like other things. It’s more than that, whatever that it is, yet it’s less than that. On some days I see it as the bearing on which my life paces itself ever so slowly but steadily. On worse days it is belittled to a quivering voice inside of me, an urge so quiet it could easily be overheard by reason. Who knew thoughts make noise as well? I like to think of it as temperature, filling up my insides, seeping through every nook and cranny, where I seemed to be lacking. It is a colour, quiet enough to be gentle, equally warm and fiery, yet falling short of an intensity to suffocate my senses altogether. It is a space, existing only in my dimension, only through my definition, morphing me while I contain it, as if I am a python swallowing a goat. Perhaps finding out the answer is no longer important, when I know that what has kept me awake till three in the morning under my covers last night, wide-eyed and light-headed, when the air was still and silent like a stone except for the occasional bark next door, was more than that energy contained in seven letters. - 33 THE MIND TRIUMPHS OVER THE SKIES, WILDFIRES NO MATCH FOR BLAZING EYES
Passion, I feel it for you and your heart. II. Five Years After I manage a glance at the office clock on the smooth white walls of the Resuscitation Room. It’s seven thirty. As much as the thought of breakfast awakens me, what I have left of my exhausted body seems to have shut down by itself, obediently surrendering to a yearning for sleep. One more hour and my shift is over. Thirty-five hours, and then you give up? You’re better than that. So I remember once again that I’m doing the last leg of a relay race and I cannot let the team or myself down with the baton in my hand. Beeps go off. “Um, doctor?” In a split second, I spring to my feet. The nurse who had just finished drawing blood from the young man’s cubital fossa is now shooting me a worried glance. A shattered pelvis, multiple sites of internal gut bleeding, a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 8, and a possible concussion. Friday morning. With renewed strength, I continue to work, in hopes of saving this young man’s soul and body and everything in between. He has a mother and a father. He probably has a fiancé. He’s going to have beautiful children like mine someday. And I am not ready to let all of this slip past him. I hear myself saying, “Pelvic X-ray. IV Noradrenaline. Two packs of serum for transfusion. Let’s do a CT scan when his GCS goes up.” And just like that, we are rolling again. It is tough to work in medicine, but I choose it with all my heart because of an inner calling to save and protect the lives of people just like you and me. I choose it with passion, and it comes back to me, even at the most unlikely times. - 34 ENGLISH SOCIETY, A.A.H.K.U.S.U., SESSION 2015-2016
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Editor’s Choice Although each of the entries in our Annual Creative Writing Competition has their own merit, we couldn’t award prizes to everyone. However, there are a few more that caught our attention, and we would like to award them the Editor’s Choice prize for their creativity.
Mak Sui Hin
Endless Navigation lost, but neglectable. Treasures ahead oft-dreamt. Call me crazy. passionate. a vatic archaeologist. Sleep relin-vanquished. Frantically run in the temple For a moment never-lasting. Moments of the race. over the verge. of the numismatic bling. And adrenaline that swayed, Due to demonic monkeys deranged. I dance forward not for them, As life equals everyday escapade: Moto perpertuo with time I’ve exchanged. Joy from within you never comprehend, With impetuous ferocious diesel-fired desire In the long nights, shall unearth The something which all histories transcend, And glory incessant till the pyre. - 35 -
THE MIND TRIUMPHS OVER THE SKIES, WILDFIRES NO MATCH FOR BLAZING EYES
Every corner swiftly reconnoitered. All outré obstacles leapt over. Turn around, and see How far I’ve already furthered My life as a reckless rover. Unrequited love makes me Flutter in the fragranceless fog, Sometimes in anger, sometimes in tears. So what? Still breathing. Unrequired passion mocks me Dashing chop-chop like a dog. Though I know ‘twill be worth the years… Still believing!
- 36 ENGLISH SOCIETY, A.A.H.K.U.S.U., SESSION 2015-2016
CREAT I VE W RI T I N G CO M PE T IT IO N 2 0 1 6
Kristy Tang
Passion
So close, yet so far away. He could not take his eyes off her—her flawless complexion, as white as the small flakes he saw outside the windows, times when he thought he would not see the daylight again. But he survived, day after day. He took another look at her. She was enveloped in a red coat, a colour that made her complexion even fairer. She always looked straight ahead, staring at the wall. She was emotionless, cold and indifferent to his passionate stare. How he longed to touch her, to envelop her in his warmth and brightness. Every time he reached out, trying to touch her red, velvety surface, something would stop him— some extraterrestrial force, reaching down from above. It pulled her away from him, and he sighed, huffing out a cloud of greyness. He knew his time was up. Sooner or later, he would be no more. Yet she would still be here, staring at that empty wall. He reached out one more time, the edge of his shining, golden-yellow sleeve nearly brushing the surface of her red coat. “Be careful!” Oh no—he heard that alien voice once more. Then he was pulled away, staring at her in desperation, as he felt part of his body melting; he knew he was wasting away slowly, bit by bit. Ever since he first saw the world, he knew that his body would chip away slowly. He thought it was not of great importance— as long as he could bring warmth and brightness to the world, it did not matter if he died in the process. But then he met her, the lady in the red coat. She was the alien’s latest guest, the fairest of her kind, draped in a red, velvety coat. It was classic, a dull shade of red, and near her shoulder were symbols written in gold. - 37 THE MIND TRIUMPHS OVER THE SKIES, WILDFIRES NO MATCH FOR BLAZING EYES
He had no idea what it meant—perhaps it was her name. He heard the alien once say, “Have you seen Madame Butterfly?” It had to be her name: “Madame Butterfly.” He didn’t know what a butterfly was, but if it was in her name, it had to be something beautiful. He could not remember how many times he had watched zealously as the alien unveiled her pale body under her red coat, caressing her inch by inch, only to fold her back into the coat and put her back into place. Oh, he wondered at the sensation of her skin. Would it last under his embrace? Or would it fade and crumble into pieces, just like him? Tiredness struck him suddenly, he realized he had not much time left: his strength was fading as he crumbled. The moon had been shining quietly for quite some time now, the stars gazed gently upon them through the window pane. It was now or never. Hopelessly, he stared at the one beside him. “My friend,” he whispered to the gentleman. “Brother, how can I help you?” His friend replied in a stern voice. “I am dying,” he said, staring at the red lady. “Would you pass on a message to the lady in red? Madame Butterfly?” “How would one do that?” “My dear friend, all that is required is touch. There is nothing more passionate than a warm touch.” “I highly doubt that, my friend. How much warmth do you have left?” The gentlemen rearranged his green coat. “You look dim.” “Promise me that you will help, before I burn myself out.” “Alright.” He took one last breath and touched the green coat of the man. Almost immediately, his friend’s coat brightened and turned into the colour of his golden sleeve.
- 38 ENGLISH SOCIETY, A.A.H.K.U.S.U., SESSION 2015-2016
CREAT I VE W RI T I N G CO M PE T IT IO N 2 0 1 6
The golden flash leaped up the wooden pillar where she was leaning, and crept upwards. Finally, it reached her, his golden sleeve wrapping around her crimsoncoated shoulders. “Madame Butterfly.” He sighed in relief. “Finally, we meet.” “Who are you?” She asked, shocked by his golden presence. “I have been noticing you ever since you came, on the day the small white pieces began falling from the sky.” “Whatever you are doing, please stop.” She said painfully, and let out a moan. Her skin cracked and she whimpered. That was when he noticed her red coat was turning black, her skin sizzling, crumbling and wasting away like his body. “What is happening?” He turned and saw a trail of blazing light behind him; all those who assisted him had turned black and silent. He looked up front, and his brightness spread to the others, all of them shining, coated in his burnished light. “Am I hurting you?” Madame Butterfly said nothing as she crackled in his warmth. “No, no,” he tried to shake her, only to see the darkness shrouding her. What used to be her pale face began to darken and crumble in front of his very eyes. It slowly fell apart and vanished in his hands. “No!” He let out a desperate cry. He closed his eyes—he wanted this to stop, he wanted time to rewind, he wanted her back. “Oh my god!” He heard the alien’s voice, before feeling a splash on his face. Whatever it was, it was cold. It drained away his strength as he felt his warmth fading. Using his last drop of strength, he turned and looked for Madame Butterfly.
- 39 THE MIND TRIUMPHS OVER THE SKIES, WILDFIRES NO MATCH FOR BLAZING EYES
She was no more, the pale lady in the red coat was gone. Nothing was left but a trail of ashes. His passion had molded him into a monster, and melted her into nothingness. He wanted to shout, he wanted to repent, but his voice was taken from him. He closed his eyes, and was no more. The next day, on a small corner of a page in the local newspaper, was a short paragraph. “Candlelight and the flame of death—no one injured A fire broke out last night at a residential flat in Verona Gardens, Venice Road. Fortunately, no one was injured. Fire Department reports suggested that the fire was caused by a dying candle, burning the books placed next to it. Luckily, the residents quickly discovered the incident and put out the flames.”
- 40 ENGLISH SOCIETY, A.A.H.K.U.S.U., SESSION 2015-2016
CREAT I VE W RI T I N G CO M PE T IT IO N 2 0 1 6
Passion
Kevin So
Living without passion Is like a city in recession Killing its infrastructures Eventually fading without notification Fear itself is the greatest enemy Indefinitely hiding isn’t the strategy Reignite your spark and fuse and fuel Eliminate obstacles and be legendary Lying beyond the foggy mist Is a gigantic tasty feast Key to success, key to dreams: End your torture, conquer the beast Win the war and walk by will Aim for the goal: don’t stand still Take a step Explore your map Race yourself and ascend the hill Break the system and fight your way Utilize the time, it’s your day Reality tries to hit you hard Nevertheless, no dismay Ignore the spoon-feeding system Never kneel and reach momentum Gear up and defy the rules: that’s the wisdom
- 41 THE MIND TRIUMPHS OVER THE SKIES, WILDFIRES NO MATCH FOR BLAZING EYES
Feel the fierce fiery flame Live your life and don’t be lame Others will try to obstruct you Wave away, put them to shame Insist on your belief, your attitude Narrow down your potential aptitude Get started and get moving, it’s only the prelude Countless succeed in chasing their dreams On their faces are glorious beams Notice how they work out the way To achieve, to accomplish—these are no daydreams Imagine Shakespeare, too lazy to write No Romeo no Juliet, no famous playwright Undoubtedly unimaginable, hopelessly tragic Human literature will see light Stemming from the passion in your heart Step your feet out from the start Lead the village into a metropolis Yield your success and be smart
- 42 ENGLISH SOCIETY, A.A.H.K.U.S.U., SESSION 2015-2016
Glossary BA: Bachelor of Arts Exco: Executive Committee member Chut pool: Finding a romantic partner in university Jong: The cabinet of a Society, Association, etc. Jongbaes: Our own term of affection for our jongyaus Jongyau: Fellow Executive Committee members of your cabinet Seung jong: Becoming an Executive Committee member
Editor Bonnie Kwong bonnie.hkuengsoc@gmail.com Designers Naomi Chan naomi.hkuengsoc@gmail.com Annie Cheung annie.hkuengsoc@gmail.com Publisher English Society, A.A.H.K.U.S.U., Session 2015-2016 Email engsoc@hku.hk Facebook www.facebook.com/HKU.English Apart from our own original photos and posters, the graphics in this publication are in no way owned by English Society, A.A.H.K.U.S.U., and assumed to be of public domain.