For Our Future Scholarship awardee Cynthia So: Brave like a wolf to explore the world
If Cynthia So Sin-fai (Chinese, Year 4) were to describe herself as an animal, she would choose a wolf - courageous and unafraid of challenges. Her outstanding academic achievements and unwavering dedication to community service stood out in the highly competitive prestigious For Our Future Scholarship field, where she was one of only 16 awardees across Hong Kong.
Cynthia embraces risk with open arms. In her second year at Lingnan, she was thrilled to be selected for the Lingnan Foundation W.T. Chan Fellowships Program. She took a semester off from her studies, and views this opportunity as an exciting adventure, one she approached without any regrets.
In California, Cynthia completed an internship and went to seminars on various social issues. She volunteered at a non-profit educational organisation, teaching mathematics to young immigrant children mainly from Latin America, and, aware of their limited English, she decided to learn basic Spanish, enabling her to help them better. Remembering this transformative experience, she said "Seeing the children’s smiles brought me an indescribable sense of fulfilment." This experience not only helped her recognise her own goals, but also ignited a passion for giving back to society through education.
Her academic path is enriched by a deep appreciation for literature and culture, and, inspired by the works of Franz Kafka, Cynthia chose to study sinology at a university in Prague. She treasures the many exchange opportunities offered by Lingnan University, which have allowed her to immerse herself in the diverse cultures of Europe and America, and describes her time in Prague as unforgettable: "The city feels like a living cultural heritage site, exuding a literary atmosphere from every corner. Studying in Prague was an extraordinary experience."
A pivotal moment came when Cynthia decided to switch her major from Cultural Studies to Chinese in her second year, a turning point in her quest to follow her dreams. She discovered her true passion for Chinese and for education, which give her immense satisfaction, and says gratefully “This journey of self-discovery wouldn’t have been possible without the diverse opportunities Lingnan offers. I was encouraged to explore different fields bravely. I had the freedom to change my major and received invaluable guidance from many caring professors, which touched me deeply. "
Only by facing difficulties can you truly unlock your hidden potential.
Approaching every challenge with curiosity and dedication, Cynthia’s meticulously organised revision notes reflect her commitment to learning. Her philosophy in studying is "I’m not someone who simply memorises information. I prefer using a self-questioning approach to consolidate knowledge and clarify my thinking." Beyond her studies, she participates in leadership training and wilderness survival activities. When asked why she enjoys such demanding outdoorsmanship, she explained "It’s an opportunity to discover myself. Only by facing difficulties can you truly unlock your hidden potential."
"Follow your heart," she advises her peers, encouraging them not to rely solely on other peoples’ opinions but to trust their own instincts in decision-making. Looking ahead, Cynthia aspires to become a primary school teacher as she is eager to share her knowledge and enthusiasm with the next generation. She firmly believes that fortune favours the bold, and that taking courageous steps will lead to valuable experiences, regardless of the outcome. With the determination of a wolf, Cynthia is poised to embrace future challenges and make a meaningful impact on education.