Valuing the learning process and diverse experiences that the Common Core curriculum offers, Tsz Ki chose to study music, decision-making, communication, and Chinese culture, as a contrast to her major. Through HLTH 1010, she became keen on sports, joining Wing Chun Martial Arts Society and moving from little interest to a member of the Shaolin Martial Arts Society, a regular in the lion dancing troupe, and eventually President of the Society. Inspired by the decision-making course, MGMT 1130, Tsz Ki transformed from an ordinary biased individual who would easily get into companies’ biased traps to someone aware of her “default mode” as a human. HUMA 2107 on electronic music composition proved an additional life-changing encounter. Here, Tsz Ki flourished in acquiring detailed technical capabilities. So engaged and confident in the course, she is now thinking of becoming an audio engineer. Tsz Ki serves as a wonderful example of the turning-point impact of Common Core studies in uncovering personal potential and strengthening future career aspirations.

In a remarkable demonstration of an impactful Common Core learning journey, Gloria not only enjoyed a refreshing break from her major, but clearly took the opportunity to productively open her mind to the wider world. Diving into Buddhism, history, cultures and identity, civil engineering, Hong Kong contemporary society, languages, poverty, and psychology, the adventurous seeker of know-how fueled her passion for learning, emerging a “more well-rounded person as a result”, she noted. For Gloria, ENVR 1170, encompassing big history, sustainability, and climate change, proved a particular eye-opener, reigniting her childhood curiosity and inspiring a desire to acquire knowledge for herself rather than seeing learning as just an educational requirement. Interdisciplinary classmates were another source of fresh vision, raising awareness of the importance of listening to different perspectives and the benefits of discussion. Importantly, she herself has recognized how her Common Core experience enabled her to tap into her potential by uncovering new interests. “For that, I am truly grateful” she said.

Melody has shown significant personal development and understanding following her Common Core studies, ranging from a deeper appreciation of subjects she already relished, such as music (HUMA 2104) and art (HUMA 1650), to new global insights and increased commitment to sustainability (SUST 1000). The many different types of learning employed in such courses, including group video projects, interactive games, and a case competition, were a further source of rewarding growth, fostering teamwork, communication skills, and a problem-solving mindset. Such development came together most effectively for Melody through exploring entrepreneurship and managing an online business together with students from local and overseas universities in ENTR 1001. Indeed, it inspired her to enroll in entrepreneurship as one of her minors. Now having integrated all these broadening perspectives into her outlook, Melody is looking forward to embarking on a meaningful career, seeking “to pursue world-changing innovations to solve environmental pollution and waste reduction, or alternatively become an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) consultant” she said.

Winsome’s four-year encounter with the Common Core curriculum has spanned business, humanities, society, sustainability, and arts, successfully boosted her critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills as well as achieved a better understanding of how her major connects to other aspects of life. A favorite course was HUMA 1156, focusing on Chinese calligraphy and bringing a satisfying new skill. Beyond writing, Winsome found the course fostered greater awareness of history and culture, sparking interest and motivation to keep learning beyond the classroom. It also helped develop personal qualities that drive forward excellence, such as patience and precision, as there is no way back from mistakes with calligraphy, she noted. Winsome further explored different fields by taking more than the required 36 credits of Common Core courses. All in all, Winsome has shown her wide-ranging Common Core experience to have been a transformational voyage of discovery, equipping her with much broader experiences, skills, and insights, and effectively preparing her academically, socially, and personally for a contributive, high-achieving post-graduation life.