HKUST Alumni News 2015
13
Insight
Why did you choose Global China Studies?
Vanessa:
China is rising, so I wanted to learn more about the
country – increased knowledge enables more doors to open, in
terms of opportunities.
How did you come to attend Catholic University of America?
Vanessa:
My mentor at the School encouraged me to try out a
new program run by the Catholic University of America, rather
than go to one of the big West Coast universities. Because of
its proximity to DC, it is close to the politics hub – I didn’t know
I would become so interested in politics but UST gave me this
opportunity and it has been a turning point for me. CUA is a
theology-based institute with a conservative approach. It is a
beautiful campus, too.
What were your expectations before you went?
Vanessa:
I hoped to absorb things that I could not experience
in Hong Kong. Both academically and personally, the experience
exceeded those expectations. Academically it resonated with
me in that I learned
about Congress and
government. It was a
great experience that
opened up a lot of
thoughts for me – to
have the opportunity
to talk with people in
the congressman’s office and hear what they have to say, that
was very valuable. The professors at CUA gave me a lot of advice,
invited me to conferences and I owe them a lot.
I was homesick at first, and there were not many Asians at
CUA, but I got to make a lot of new friends, including a couple of
Power
African-Americans, while my roommate was Mexican-American –
all different cultures, so I got to learn a lot.
How was it working in the Congressman’s office?
What were your duties as an intern?
Vanessa:
The background and profile of the congressman
resonated with me. Congressman Bobby Rush is a strong advocate
for equality, and he participated in the civil rights movement in the
1960s. I mainly served as the front-desk assistant – I took care of
phone calls, visitors and mail; I visited the House [of Representatives]
to collect or deliver documents, and I attended some hearings.
What did you gain from the experience?
Vanessa:
When I look back, there were all these [important]
things happening and I was a part of it – a lot of the goings on
in the Congressman’s office were related to healthcare and the
Trans-Pacific Partnership trade and investment treaty. Also, I learnt
interpersonal skills – there were plenty of unexpected visitors to the
office and I had to deal with them – including saying “no” in the nicest
possible way. It was out of my comfort zone but I got the hang of it!
What advice do you have for students who wish to go on
exchange-out?
Vanessa:
Base your choice of university on your interests. If
you are tech-based, then choose a West Coast university, but if
like me you are interested in politics then DC is the best choice.
Don’t feel the need to go where your friends are. You may be
homesick at the beginning, but it will pass. If
you take the initiative and have an adventurous
approach, then your experience will encourage
personal growth and prepare you for the next
stage in your life.
At the Seat of
Vanessa Lau was among the second batch of students on the Global China Studies
undergraduate program of the School of Humanities and Social Science. She took part in
an exchange-out to Catholic University of America (CUA) in Washington, DC in 2014 – and
worked as an intern in the office of Chicago Democrat Congressman Bobby Rush.
Find out more about
Global China Studies
