A defining moment for me was the opportunity to produce an extended essay within the American Studies Programme at The University of Hong Kong. Under supervision, I conducted research on the early cultural history of classical music radio broadcasts in the United States of America; this help me contextualize and better understand the musical training I received in my youth. The experience of researching and writing, in depth, on a topic of interest helped me realize both my passion for academic research and an exciting new career path: that of a library assistant.

Now, I provide reference services to college students and researches likewise pursuing in depth study on a variety of topics. The HKU American Studies Programme is where I truly felt I was able to flourish as a scholar. The opportunity to pursue innovative thinking in an inclusive environment is what I treasure the most from the American Studies Programme.

After I graduated from HKU, I began working as a Human Resources Assistant at Sidley Austin LLP, a United States law firm with a branch in Hong Kong; after two years I accepted the position of Human Resources Coordinator at a Canadian bank, the Bank of Montreal Hong Kong Branch. Now, I am pursuing my Master of Science (MSc) Degree in Management at University College London (UCL).

My coursework in American Studies at HKU introduced me to the “work culture” of the United States and the wider North American continent, providing me with a competitive edge on the job market. Of particular consequence was my internship capstone course that allowed me to work at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida for a summer. I also learned about the importance of diversity and inclusion within the American workplace, and my familiarity with these practices was greatly appreciated by both of my employers after graduation. American Studies trains one to think globally; and it is this broad cultural perspective that has been of great benefit as I continue my post-graduate studies in London.

The classes and readings in the American Studies Programme were some of my favorites at HKU. The professors encouraged me to consider subjects both thoughtfully and critically; and they cultivated an inclusive and open-minded environment. This inspired me to pursue an academic and research career with an interest in the areas of gender representation, body empowerment, and disability studies.

I went on to complete both a Master of Arts (MA) in Literary and Cultural Studies at The University of Hong Kong (HKU), and a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Multi-disciplinary Gender Studies at the University of Cambridge (Cantab), where I wrote dissertations that considered the experiences of marginalized groups. Outside of the university environment, and within my role as a high school history teacher, I have used my training in the discourses and theories of American Studies to foster a transpacific perspective when discussing contemporary Asian history.