Decked out in light blue caps and gowns, YANG Jiaqi Stephanie and MA Wai-shan Gloria attended the graduation ceremony of the School of General Studies (GS) at Columbia University on 14 May 2018 with exhilaration and excitement. They were the second batch of students in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) graduated from the Joint Bachelor’s Degree Program between City University of Hong Kong (CityU) and Columbia University. Professor Hon S CHAN, Assistant Dean (Internationalisation) of CLASS, congratulated the students on their accomplishment and successful completion of the joint program at Columbia University.
Friendship with GS students a treasure to be cherished by Jiaqi.
“Studying with fellow GS students from diverse backgrounds is impressive! They have helped me gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted society and enriched my study and life in innumerable ways. GS will forever be a part of my life,” said Stephanie who was the first graduate of Applied Sociology in the joint program. Outside the campus, she was fascinated by the metropolitan culture of New York City. “The professors of my Art Humanity courses frequently move the class out of campus to experience the cultural atmosphere in museums, galleries and theatres, or discover different architectures which are interesting and amazing. New York City provides students with abundant resources and opportunities to learn and broaden their horizons,” she said. “The two years of studying at Columbia University is a great journey, challenging but rewarding.”
The most unforgettable experience at Columbia to Gloria, the second psychology graduate of CLASS from the joint program at Columbia, was conducting her first independent research. “I am for the very first time in charge of the whole research process, from designing an experimental study from scratch to presenting data in public conferences. I have learnt a lot from class and lab discussions. My teachers, classmates, and lab colleagues have provided me with stimulating insights into new perspectives. I would like to thank them all for their kind assistance and valuable advice,” said Gloria. “Academically, I have come to know more about the research process and the life of a scholar. I have also become an independent, resourceful person,” she said. Gloria is deeply thankful to her parents for always backing her up in the pursuit of her dream. She has planned to start her master’s degree in cognitive psychology at the University College London this September and will apply for a PhD degree next year to realise her dream of becoming a professor of psychology.
Gloria celebrates her graduation at Columbia University with family members.
Stephanie and Gloria have shared their learning experiences of the Joint Bachelor’s Degree Programe between CityU and Columbia University on a radio interview programme aired on Metro Broadcast. Recording will be available on the College website: www.cityu.edu.hk/class/media_events/ug_majors_showcase.aspx.
In the coming 2018-19 academic year, four students majoring in Asian and International Studies, Public Policy and Politics as well as Psychology in CLASS will embark on their journeys at Columbia University for the Joint Bachelor’s Degree Program.
