Finding Personal Purpose By Caring for Others

For Tayyibah Anzal, a typical day starts at around 5am when she wakes up for prayer and her morning rituals. After that, she goes for a morning walk, which helps to clear her mind, before dropping her sibling off at school and assisting her mother with chores. Only then does she prepare herself for her life as an 18-year-old student in the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), admitted through the School Nominations Direct Admission Scheme, and pursuing a Bachelor of Arts and Science in Global Health and Development.

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Tayyibah has had a lifelong dream of studying in the medical field. “Ever since I was a kid,” she says, “I felt a strong desire to help others, especially in my low-income neighbourhood.” However, whenever she shared her goals, she faced constant judgments and stereotypes about her background. Many people, including some relatives, told her that her aspirations were unrealistic, since neither of her parents had the opportunity to pursue higher education.

However instead of discouraging her, these challenges fuelled Tayyibah ‘s determination to prove that nothing was impossible. “I entered a sort of ‘monk mode’, dedicating myself to my studies during my Form 6 year while also engaging in extracurricular activities,” she recalls. “This intense focus helped me excel academically and strive for outstanding results. The experience really taught me the power of resilience and the importance of believing in myself, regardless of others’ opinions.”

Tayyibah was drawn to HKU primarily because of its strong reputation as a world-class university. “The extensive resources and numerous opportunities it provides, such as internships, exchange programs, research initiatives, and dual degrees really appeals to me. I believe these opportunities will enhance my academic studies and prepare me for my career,” she says. She noted that HKU’s diverse and vibrant environment gave her the chance to study alongside like-minded individuals and engage with people from around the world – an intercultural exchange that will enrich her overall university life and promote personal growth.

The Global Health and Development programme was perfect for her because she had always aspired to be a change agent for someone else. “From a young age, I became aware of the pressing issues in our world, such as poverty, infectious diseases, and obesity, and I felt a strong desire to contribute to meaningful solutions,” she says.

“What drew me to this Bachelor of Arts and Sciences programme was its interdisciplinary learning approach, which provides a comprehensive understanding of the complex factors influencing global health,” she says, adding, “I expect to broaden and expand my knowledge across various disciplines, and I’m particularly eager to nurture my critical thinking skills by integrating insights from different fields and applying them in different contexts. In addition to all this, I’m interested in seeing how different disciplines such as the social sciences, science, and the arts use the knowledge from their own discipline and influence one another.”

Furthermore, the six-month placement in NGOs offers invaluable real-world experience, allowing students to engage directly with these issues. This combination of interdisciplinary knowledge and practical exposure will help equip her with the skills necessary to address critical global health issues effectively in the future.

Tayyibah is looking forward to networking with students from different disciplines and engaging with professors and institutions. “I believe that participating in meaningful discussions will not only broaden my perspective but also help me explore my future career pathways and capabilities,” she says. “I’m also excited about the opportunities to push myself further, such as participating in exchange programmes. These experiences will allow me to immerse myself in different learning environments and connect my academic studies with the real-life world.” She’s also looking forward to participating in workshops and seminars offered by various disciplines within the University, such as talks organised by professors from different institutions, and biotech and research workshops.

For someone who spends time daily nurturing and supporting others, as well as building connections within her family and the university community, it is not surprising that her outlook is also about contributing to global communities. “I do have a personal mission that resonates deeply with me,” she says. “I am passionate about devoting my life to helping individuals in regions such as the Middle East and East Asia. My focus is on addressing serious global issues that affect us all and providing the support these communities need. I want to be a voice for those who may not have one, advocating for their well-being and making a positive impact in their lives.”

When asked why this should matter to her, she replies, “Because of my upbringing, my parents always emphasised the importance of helping others and giving back to the community.” This also made her believe that everyone, regardless of their background, has the right to access basic survival resources like health, education, shelter, and food. She adds, “In my culture, there’s a saying that ‘whoever saves one life has saved all of humanity.’ This belief inspires me to pursue a career as a public health consultant in underserved regions. Of course, it will be nice to make my parents proud of me, and to feel the pride of making a meaningful contribution,” she says, adding, “But most importantly, it truly gives my life purpose.”