Muse Coffee Chat Season Two

Episode One: Dr. Glen K.C. Hui (Uncle Hui)

When asked about the way to deal with pressure, Dr. HUI replied with a smile: “I don’t have stress.” His optimism brought students a new living attitude.

Dr. HUI shared his experience in this 1.5-hour coffee chat. He answered our questions in detail. Also, he expressed his obsession with TV programs in a straight forward way. He remained a young state of mind as he said ’stress is something I don’t have’. He shared his study and working experiences in The Chinese University of Hong Kong and University of British Columbia in Canada. He attributed his accomplishments to a stroke of luck, saying: ‘I am a lucky person.’ However, I still regard his study life in a foreign land as a testament to the resilience of an industrious student. Dr. HUI broke my stereotype about professors remaining cold and distant, instead, he often cracked us up as he gave a number of punchlines. He also recommended us popular food in Hong Kong. I really enjoyed the coffee chat with Dr. HUI.

--From: YANG Xinhao, a freshman of 2017, from Schools of Science and Engineering

Episode Two: Ms. ZHANG Ping

In this episode, Ms. ZHANG Ping talked about volleyball and more with students. In students’ euphoria, they saw the Olympic champion in person. The coffee chat also offered student a chance to know about her in a different perspective.

Thanks to coffee chat, I had a chance to talk with Ms. ZHANG Ping. Although she is a celebrity in sports world, she is amiable. She communicated with us in a rather natural way. She is engaging through her plain words about ups and downs in her volleyball career. I was encouraged by her experiences.

--From: HUANG Jing, a freshman of 2017, from School of Management and Economics

Episode Three: Prof. BAO Zhiming, master of Muse College

In the U.S., students often take part-time jobs regardless of their family financial circumstances. I received no scholarship in summer holiday, so I helped mow the lawn and acted as receptionist at the dormitory’s front desk as part-time jobs.

I applied for a part-time job at the school office related to programming, but didn’t have a clue what was programming. I bought a book and learned it myself, and it turned out that I earned 800 yuan a month. Try your utmost to utilize current resources to your advantage to enhance your ability if you are afraid you are not good enough to handle the task.

As Prof. BAO shared his study experiences, students meditated on Prof. BAO’s words and their own future.

The setting sun, round tables, coffee, pastries, teachers, and peers: these elements made up Muse Coffee Chat. In this episode, I got to know master’s live stories by sitting next to him. He also mentioned the sharp contrast between the past and now and regional differences. We are situated in the best of times with economic and culture prosperity. Time waits no man. In order to make the best of ourselves, we should make sure every step counts. Also, we covered the topic on college lives. I felt the bond between me and Muse College.

--From: ZHENG Li, freshman of 2017, from School of Science and Engineering

Episode Four: Prof. SUN Zhenglong

One thing that remains in your mind about university life may not be some specific subject knowledge, but some punchlines in class.

Find what you are passionate about and dedicate to it. Do not be afraid of making mistakes. If things do not work out, think of other alternatives, and keep trying.

Prof. SUN’s study experiences inspired students to think about their future planning.

I was inspired by Prof. SUN’s study life in Singapore. We covered a number of topics, including university and life planning, and whether we should further our study to attain a doctor’s degree. To me, those questions were worthy of much consideration. Prof. SUN said it was fine that students were bewildered. It was just a matter of time. He also suggest students developing interests and participating social activities. In this coffee chat, I received guidance on study and life.

--From: YAN Chenxi, a freshman of 2017, from School of Management and Economics

Episode Five: Prof. WANG Yakun

New York City was as busy as Hong Kong. At first, I did not enjoying living there. Then I bumped into interesting people, got to know the city’s historical background and enjoyed the resources it provided, and I fell in love with New York.

Your university lives share a lot of similarities with students’ campus lives in the States. It’s normal that you feel somewhat fatigued while others are enjoying their lives in universities. But your efforts will pay off when applying for a job or considering further your study. Do remember ‘no pain, no gain’ since you are facing fierce competition in society. Make the most of every minute, also learn to reduce your stress and keep relaxed.

We talked a lot with Prof. WANG while enjoying the pastries and coffee. He shared his study and life experiences with us, including his confusion in freshman year, after-school activities, and learning experience aboard. I still remember some of his words. “I missed the food in China.” “Your university lives share a lot of similarities with campus lives in the States.” “It’s fine if a student is already smarter than you, but it’s spooky when you realize s/he also works harder than you.” “I came up with a new project idea, but I found someone already had touched the same topic six months earlier, then I had to seize the time to think out other alternatives.” “In the middle of my project, it suddenly struck me that I would have a quiz on Tuesday and the assignment would be due on Thursday.”…And that’s life at university.

--From: ZHAO Yuan, a freshman of 2017, from School of Management and Economics

Episode Six: Prof. ZHU Xi

In this coffee chat, Prof. ZHU Xi covered a number of topics related to gravitational force, Chinese philosophy Taoism, Chinese history, and social development.

Your efforts will pay off if you dedicate to your work.

It is surprising that Prof. ZHU is an expert on Chinese philosophy and history. He posed some revealing questions. Is what I pursue what I really want? Is it because that I am disciplined by society? How to define virtue? Will efforts really pay off? This coffee chat offered me a great chance for brainstorming. Instead of talking about study and life experiences, Prof. ZHU went off the beaten path and turned the coffee chat into a lecture. It was a fun and educational coffee chat. Now I see the similarities shared by him and the ancient philosopher also named ‘ZHU Xi’. 

--From: SONG Leyi, a freshman of 2017, from Schools of Management and Economics

Episode Seven: Prof. Stella Lai-man So, Associate Master of Muse College

Prof. Stella Lai-man So shared her experiences of major selecting, business model competition, and internships.

Follow your interest and what you really want to be for your future career. Don't just follow others' choices or choose what is profitable. Don’t be too short sighted.

There is no one perfect solution, and that's business. And that’s why business is interesting.

It was an informative coffee chat. Stella gave detailed information about major selecting, business model competition, and internships. She also shared her life experiences and personal philosophy. Her punchlines also evoked our laughter. I hope she will be the guest of Muse Coffee Chat again. It was an educational, relaxing, and productive coffee chat.

--From SONG Leyi, a freshman of 2017, from School of Management and Economics

In Muse Coffee Chat, students and teachers take their times to talk about their life experiences. They slow down their paces, and gear up for a new challenge. In Muse Coffee Chat, take your time to let your soul catch up.

Muse, always with you.