SOTY 22/23: Best Devotion to School winner talks about confidence and the importance of teamwork
- Leung Wai-sum, a former student at PAOC Ka Chi Secondary School, struggled with self-esteem due to a birthmark on her face
- Now studying at Baptist University, she spoke about sharing her life story with her classmates and her desire to work in sports psychology
Leung Wai-sum was last year’s SOTY Best Devotion to School winner. Photo: HandoutLeung Wai-sum struggled with confidence for a long time due to a prominent birthmark on her face.
“It made me self-conscious because it was very noticeable and large. I didn’t like how I looked and had very little confidence,” said the 18-year-old former student at PAOC Ka Chi Secondary School.
Wai-sum, currently studying for a Diploma of College Foundation Studies at Hong Kong Baptist University, wasn’t just a student in secondary school; she was a leader and a house captain who engaged with peers across grade levels and spearheaded activities that underscored unity and joy.
“Being a house captain taught me the importance of teamwork and harmony. These are crucial, alongside enjoying ourselves,” she said, explaining that her leadership experience was as enriching as it was enlightening.
Wai-sum’s vulnerability became her strength when she told her life story to her schoolmates and teachers. She described the impactful moment: “I shared the surgeries I underwent as a child and how I learned to smile at people who stared at me. This simple act made me happier and less concerned about others’ perceptions.”
This revelation was therapeutic for Wai-sum and transformative for her audience, fostering a sense of empathy and support within her school community.
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The aftermath of her surgeries, involving recovery periods where she couldn’t be exposed to the sun or attend school, significantly impacted her social life and academic performance. However, she found solace and faith through this adversity, noting, “It was through embracing my faith that I could see my worth, reducing the feelings of self-doubt and insecurity.”
Despite encountering academic setbacks in her Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination, Wai-sum’s reflection on this period shows a different aspect of her resilience.
“There was a time I felt down due to my examination results not meeting my expectations, making me question the efforts and financial resources spent.” This candid admission underscores the reality of her struggles, yet her narrative remains one of optimism and self-improvement.
Looking to the future, Wai-sum expressed a clear vision for her educational and career goals: “My goal is to study sports in university and work in sports psychology,” she stated. This ambition is not just about personal achievement; it reflects her commitment to contributing to others’ lives.
Wai-sum’s journey of overcoming personal and academic challenges culminated in receiving the Best Devotion to School Award at last year’s Student of the Year (SOTY) Awards. This recognition speaks volumes about her commitment, resilience, and positive influence within her school community.
Organised by the South China Morning Post and solely sponsored by The Hong Kong Jockey Club, the award underscores her exceptional contributions to her secondary school, setting a powerful example of perseverance and leadership and highlighting the importance of community support.