Aspiring to Be a Strict, Motivational Teacher

As a role model, a teacher must possess not only enthusiasm for teaching but also patience and compassion. By setting a positive example, they can effectively impart knowledge to future generations. Payton James Harmon (James) was admitted to HKU through the School Nominations Direct Admission Scheme, becoming a first-year student majoring in both Arts and Education BA&BEd(LangEd). He aspires to become a teacher and is eager to share his knowledge with others.

James has lived in Beijing and Shenzhen, attending local international schools and studying on his own from fourth to sixth grade. In secondary school, he saw many classmates miss out on university opportunities due to poor English, which he felt was a pity. He hopes to lend them a helping hand. His mother’s and grandmother’s teachings inspired him to become a strict, friendly, and approachable teacher. A Chinese saying they often shared, “Strictness embodies care, while leniency can lead to adverse consequences,” emphasising the importance of maintaining discipline and inspired James to pursue a career in education, determined to be both stern and friendly.

James fondly recalls his high school chemistry teacher, who was also strict. After forgetting the class schedule twice, his teacher warned him that if he missed it again, he would be removed from the class. A heartfelt message from the teacher, helped James understand the importance of discipline, and he never made the same mistake again. When the teacher learned that he had been admitted to HKU, he sent another long message to congratulate him and even used him as an example to teach other students. “Now, the teacher has become my friend, and I cherish this friendship,” James said.

As a freshman at HKU, James is not only committed to his academic pursuits but also hopes to participate in volunteer programmes to genuinely help disadvantaged communities. He recognises that many people need assistance, as his own family’s financial situation is less than ideal. James also plans to travel to Sri Lanka with friends during the summer break to explore the local education system and lay the foundation for his future teaching career.

Though it is too early to talk about success for James, he defines success as achieving goals at different stages of life. “For me, success is having a loving family and a stable income.” He cherishes being the first person in his family to attend university and appreciates the sacrifices his older siblings made for him. James expects to study subjects he is interested in during his university life, pursuing his dreams. At present, he does not foresee many difficulties in my upcoming university life. “Perhaps I am too naïve! In any case, I keep reminding myself to stay optimistic, look towards the future, and focus on my strengths and the tasks I need to accomplish, whilst striving to perform outstandingly in them all.” James also hopes to become more mature in a few years. “I would be very disappointed if I don’t change or make progress.”

James enjoys watching movies with his friends in his free time. He shyly asked in Mandarin, “Have you seen Our Times?” He likes the film for its humorous and touching storyline and is especially fond of its theme song, A Little Happiness. James used to dislike singing and his own voice, but now his confidence has grown and enjoys karaoke with friends. He’s a fan of 60s and 70s classics, jazz music and Jeremy Passion. He can sing Beyond’s Under A Vast Sky. Fluent in both Mandarin and Cantonese, James has no trouble singing Cantonese songs, although he isn’t a fan of the electronic feel of most modern Cantonese pop songs, as they don’t align with his musical taste.

James also revealed that he recently reconnected with a good friend he met in Beijing, and they would share their model-building experiences with each other. On the day of the shoot, James brought some models he had painted the night before and enthusiastically shared his unique painting techniques. A timely reminder that when a person is focussed on doing what they love – whether it be their hobbies, academics or careers – they become exceptionally engaged and on a sure path to success.