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University students often hear about the “five must-dos in university”: studying, dating, living in dormitories, joining student societies and working part-time jobs. Some would argue that each of these five elements is essential for a graduation without regrets. But is this formula really the best one? Marco Lee, a recipient of the Link University Scholarship for two consecutive years, holds a different view. Drawing from his life experiences and aspirational story, he stresses that having the courage to step out of your comfort zone, choosing to pave your own path and unlocking your full potential are the true keys to enriching the university experience with success and fulfilment.
Marco, currently pursuing dentistry at The University of Hong Kong, faces the common perception that students entering this field are inherently well-mannered and academically outstanding. Being the first in his family to pursue higher education, did Marco experience pressure to continually meet his parents’ high expectations and excel academically?
Reflecting on his upbringing, Marco shares, “My parents have always maintained an open-minded approach towards my education. Their primary concern is my happiness.” Contrary to assumptions, Marco admits that his academic journey didn’t always showcase top-tier performance: “I vividly recall struggling with an English dictation in my first year of secondary school. It took me three attempts to pass, with only the teacher and myself remaining by the final try!”
Marco’s drive to excel academically began to flourish during his third year of secondary school when he joined the English debate team. “I looked up to the senior students in the team, who consistently ranked at the top of their classes,” he reminisces fondly.
However, it was the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic during his Form 4 year that truly cemented Marco’s determination. This period served as a pivotal moment, solidifying Marco’s commitment to rigorous academic pursuit. “Seeing the hardships faced by my classmates’ families – job suspensions, job losses and financial strains due to the pandemic – served as a wake-up call,” Marco reflects. While his own family remained financially stable, witnessing others’ struggles spurred him to contemplate the future. “I felt a responsibility to contribute and ease any potential financial burdens on my family,” he explains. “So, I immersed myself in my studies, striving to create more opportunities for myself and secure my family’s financial wellbeing.”
Before receiving his HKDSE results, Marco found himself torn between pursuing a medical-related major or delving into computer science. However, one individual played a significant role in shaping his life’s direction. “I’ve always had a passion for crafting and constructing models,” Marco shares. “But what truly fuelled my decision was the aspiration to set an example for my sister. By opting for a major with more stable career prospects, I aim to help provide my sister with the liberty to pursue her own interests without feeling constrained when selecting her university major. That’s why I ultimately chose to study dentistry,” Marco concludes.
As Marco fully engages in university life, he dedicates his spare time to volunteering, leveraging his professional expertise to benefit the community. Recounting his most memorable experience, Marco warmly recalls his involvement in an outreach event orchestrated by the student committee of the Society of Preventive Dentistry of Hong Kong: “My task was to educate the elderly on oral care practices. Initially, I underestimated the challenge – assuming it would merely involve teaching them proper brushing techniques and how to use interdental brushes. However, I soon realised that many of them had never received this vital information before.”
Reflecting on the ethos of social responsibility instilled during his dental school orientation camp, Marco’s enthusiasm shines through: “Dental students are deeply committed to serving society. I aspire to utilise my clinical skills and knowledge to disseminate oral care education in the community. Upon graduation and as a practicing dentist, I intend to follow in the footsteps of my predecessors by offering free dental check-ups on weekends for those in need.”
In addition to community service, Marco, who is now in his second year of university, is managing a rigorous dental curriculum while actively participating in extracurricular activities. Holding executive positions in three student societies, Marco acknowledges that effective time management presents his greatest hurdle: “Throughout my final years of secondary school, my focus was solely on academics. Upon entering university, I sought to broaden my horizons and embrace new challenges. With the coursework and internships ahead, I anticipate even greater responsibilities. Currently, balancing three demanding roles represents a significant leap beyond my comfort zone. However, I view it as an opportunity to explore uncharted territories and test my limits. It is through such endeavours that I can truly uncover my potential.”
Marco is utilising his HK$20,000 Link University Scholarship to support his sister’s education journey, stating, “Seeing my sister upset over unsatisfactory grades, I want to make her studies a bit easier and help her acquire more exam-taking skills. So, I’m using the scholarship to pay for her tutoring fees.”
The Link University Scholarship is an initiative that aims to alleviate the financial strain on outstanding local students in Hong Kong. It provides non-means-tested scholarships to individuals who represent the first in three generations of their families to pursue higher education at a local university. Application for the 2024/25 scholarship is now open to local students at 12 Hong Kong universities – eight funded by the University Grants Committee and four self-financing universities, including the newly upgraded Saint Francis University.
Marco encourages his fellow university peers to confidently apply for the scholarship opportunity, stating, “How can you know whether you’ll succeed if you don’t try? Believe in your abilities and bravely apply for the scholarship with the mindset to challenge yourself. The interview process is also a valuable experience. I personally enjoyed the opportunity to interact with peers from diverse backgrounds.
