Tang Jing'en

Graduated from High School Affiliated To Nanjing Normal University, Jiangning

Now admitted into the MA Program in Visual Culture Studies of CUHK

The biggest turning point in her four-year university life was when Tang Jing'en decided to study media for graduate studies after returning from the Netherlands in the third year at university. Tang Jing'en, currently majored in Finance and Business Administration, has already applied for media-related majors of three universities in Hong Kong.

Why would she make such a swerve in her course of study? Her answer is: interest.

When she returned from the Netherlands, she had a lot of finance and business courses to catch up with. The workload was overwhelming. At that time, she realized, instead of laboring over economics, which she did not really enjoy, it would be better to try to learn something that she really likes. Even if the future might unfold unimagined difficulties, I could ultimately chart my own course with what I learn.

When asked whether it has ever crossed her mind that studying both subject areas would make her an expert in neither, she replied: “Even if I continued to study business, without a clear direction for future research, what I have learned would be of little value in the real world. For business-major students, it is necessary to get involved in practical work and accumulate experience.” Jing’en's parents still want her to go for further study, then it is better to choose a major that she really likes. In that case, she can hope to acquire some practical skills.

"The four years at university is a process of continuous exploration and constant adjustment of direction."

When I first entered CUHK-Shenzhen, only economics-related majors were available, and that was exactly the major my family wanted me to study. So I chose Finance and Business Administration at that time. But my real interest lies in drawing, watching movies, listening to music, and editing videos. So in the first two years at CUHK-Shenzhen, I worked in a movie club and ACG club, and my IT score has always been the best; I also took pictures for CPR, exercising all kinds of skills beyond study. In my sophomore year, I went to Cambridge for a summer course, during which I took Behavioral Economics, Fine Arts, Films, etc. When I became a senior student, I took courses from CSC, which I believe would be helpful for web design. Along the way, I have become increasingly certain of my interest, increasingly prepared for media studies, and thus have the confidence to choose according to my interest.

"Support from my family makes me more courageous to make my own choice."

Although my father wants me to study finance, he respects my choices; my mother has always supported all my decisions, listened to my problems in my studies, and strengthened me when I get low.

"In the future, I want to do what I like to do."

In the summer of my third year, I had an internship for three months. I worked as a multimedia editor at Klook. After graduating, I hope to integrate media and business. My combined experience in both business and media professions shall enable me to contribute either to the business sector of media companies or the media sector of enterprises in general.

"We grow with CUHK-Shenzhen. Our university forges ahead with steady vigor, and will surely be even better in the years to come.

The activities run by each college, as well as the systems of the university has made tremendous progress over the past four years. I am glad that I have made good use of the resources provided by CUHK-Shenzhen. I have been actively involved in club activities, participated in oversea exchange programmes and summer courses. These four years has been spent in a way worthy of my time and youth. 

"I hope my fellow schoolmates can truly be independent individuals."

At university, we all need to learn to manage life on our own, to take initiative in our study. Yet what matters more is to constantly think and reflect on our study, as well as on our future path. The road ahead is one that ever stretches forward, and we should never stop learning, thinking, and navigating.  

Interviewer: Yuan Jieni