Hong Kong’s spoon-feeding education has long been controversial as people from all walks of life show a contrary stance viewing that it hinders juveniles’ potentials. Keith Ho and Windie Tsoi, defiant teenagers, chose to give up their academic but their dreams.
Tang Yiu Kiu
Keith Ho currently works as a salesperson at a retail shop. Everyday he spends more than three hours to practice dance moves, no matter sun bashing hard to sweat or heavy rain drops pelting on his body. Two years ago, Keith flew to Taiwan for the “ World Street Dance Competition”, and his effort bore fruit wining as third runner-up.
After such a great achievement, he returned to Hong Kong. “I could no longer bear the education system in Hong Kong, so I decided to quit my schooling,” said Keith, “The mechanism limits every child, making them fear to be different.”
It is said that the current education system in Hong Kong, dictates the wrong way to the students by telling them academic results mean everything, and getting admitted to the best university will make them a better person. Unfortunately, it recklessly shatters every dream a student once may have dreamed.
Keith’s family took a totally opposite stance at the very beginning, threatening if he stopped studying they would no longer welcome him home again. “Dancing won’t make a living!” That is what his parents have said to him buried deeply in his mind. Pursuing dreams is not an easy task with no support from the family, and that would make Keith’s way to success event more challenging.
Keith’s persistence for his dancing dream lets nothing knock him down. He said he didn’t and wouldn’t feel regretful for giving up his study as gaining more time to practice dancing is vitally important. “I won’t give up my dream but keep participating in different dancing competitions in the future.”
In the scores-focus schools, being deprived of the privilege of thinking independently and critically. Students have been told to observe. They slowly forget and give up their dreams. We all need to think about education should never let that happen.
Keith is not alone. A same, if not more, defiant teenager Windie Choi fought her way to be a chef against all odds.
Windie when studing at Polytechnic University was an intern but now a part-time cook at Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Hong Kong.
After graduating from secondary school, she was first enrolled to an Associated Degree Programme majoring in Hospitality and Event Management for 2 years. She worked hard during her internship at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, and finally she was offered a part-time job from the demanding employer.
“Although I work five days a week, 12 hours a day, I still have no regret and that’s why I insist to work instead of studying,” she said.
At the same time, she is a part-time coordinator of “Foodie”, which is a well-known food magazine specialize in glamourous food in Hong Kong. By coordinating various events held by “Foodie”, she gains experience which is later converted into her dream of becoming a home chef to hold private events.
“If you can dream it, you can do it. Its my favourite motto of Walt Disney.” Windie works hard and then gets the chance to learn from the Michelin Star Chefs in a MO Kitchen. She said that was the greatest opportunity she ever had, and she felt excited about stepping closer to her dreams.
“I work quite a long time at the kitchen, but as soon as I put on the hat and the jacket, it gives me satisfaction and delight,” she laughed joyfully.
“You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one,” Keith and Windie both said.
