Jealdrin MADRID

Mark Twain wrote that, “the two most important days in life are the day you were born and the day you discover the reason why.” It did not help that I was rejected by my top three goal universities; my journey to discovery was thrown off its course. 

Lingnan University however placed me back on a path. I found professors who made a true impression on me, namely Prof. Paul Whitla whose iconic phrase still rings in my head - ‘trade is good,’ and the escape that Marshall Moore’s creative writing classes provided. It was also the institution’s focus on liberal arts and service-learning via the W.T. Chan Fellowship Program that sparked my current passion for social impact. Finally, it was the small yet intimate campus space that helped me make authentic connections, under the Skylight, which I continue to treasure today. 

My time at Lingnan reminded me that the path doesn’t require you to get into the best spaces, but that you make every space work the best for you. 

Trade is good - but I wouldn’t trade my time at Lingnan with any another.