Curious and Multicultural:
The World Is Her Oyster

Celia, a 19-year-old with a diverse and multicultural background, began a voyage that reflects her insatiable curiosity and passion for learning. She was born in the United States, but raised in the Netherlands and France, and is fluent in English, French, Dutch, German, and Spanish, which may well explain her open-mindedness and respect for difference. “I try to not judge people just based on a cultural thing they do, even if it’s something that’s very completely strange and different from what I know,” she observes.  

One of Celia’s defining experiences was reconnecting with her Dutch-speaking grandfather, who grew up in Indonesia during Dutch colonial rule and endured the hardships of the Japanese-Indonesian war. Celia’s fluency in Dutch allowed her to engage with her grandfather on a profound level, learn about her family’s history, and strengthen their bond. “It was very important for me to understand his experience as someone who was raised in an Indonesian family,” she says. 

Her love for music is another testimony to her passion and dedication, as well as her ability to balance multiple interests. Celia’s musical journey began at the tender age of five when she fell in love with the harp, which she mastered over time, and subsequently learned to play the piano when she was ten. “Music is very important for me. So it just seemed obvious that I had to learn to play an instrument,” Celia explains. She also notes the versatility of the harp, adding, “It can do a lot more than people think.”  

Celia’s academic path took her to Hong Kong and Sciences Po, where she chose a dual degree in Politics and Public Administration, reflecting her desire to understand how the world works, particularly the intricate relationships within society and politics, and in big cities like Hong Kong. “In five years, I hope I’ll be in a position where I can have, or at least begin to make, an impact,” she says. 

Celia’s enriching time at HKU extends beyond her academic pursuits, revealing her vibrant engagement in campus life. Beyond being a dedicated student, Celia actively contributes to the vibrant community at HKU as a committed hall member in St. John’s College. “My life here is richer in every way than it was in France,” she declares. This richness is not solely derived from academic endeavours but also from the dynamic interactions within the St. John’s College community. Through her involvement, Celia has had the opportunity to meet a diverse array of individuals, sharing and exchanging ideas that inspire her. Her active participation in hall life exemplifies her commitment to creating a holistic university experience, embracing both academic and communal dimensions. 

After graduation, Celia envisions herself striving to bring about positive changes through her work. “The world is bursting with awesomeness, and it’s a shame not to check it out. Remember, we’re all human, with different backgrounds and cultures.” She wishes for a society that embraces kindness and supports one another in fighting social and gender inequalities. Reflecting on how she would measure her success in life, she says, “I hope I will have accomplished something that makes me happy, that makes me feel like I have actually done something for the world and made a positive difference.”