Age no barrier for yoga instructor who put new twist on education during pandemic

Yu Wing Chan

In the midst of the pandemic, a yoga instructor in her 50s, Kim Chung Lin-sze, embarked on a journey of tertiary education.

Obtaining an overseas degree from the University of Northumbria at Newcastle under HKU SPACE International College, Kim is set to graduate with first-class honors this year.

Kim enrolled in a higher diploma course in sports coaching in the fall of 2021, when the turbulent times of the pandemic reigned.

"I thought I should make good use of the time," Kim said.

She had previously put her college ambitions on hold as she did not get enough points in the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination.

"I was determined to break through any challenges," she said.

Due to her outstanding academic achievements and past experience, Kim was accepted into the HKU SPACE IC program in 2022, putting her ahead of the typical two-year timeline. She began pursuing a bachelor of science (honors) in sport coaching after the completion of a bridging course.

As a yoga instructor for more than two decades, Kim found herself enrolling in hands-on courses to further her skillset.

Her passion for learning was not dampened by the technical struggles she experienced in her academic journey. "I had to learn how to use Microsoft Word and PowerPoint," she said, adding that she had difficulties submitting assignments online.

Kim recalled being briefly discouraged due to gaining 50 marks in her first assignment for a course called "Practical Sports Skill Training."

She then asked for feedback and addressed her technical troubles head-on by attending external computer courses, and got 90 marks at the end of the course.

Kim's learning attitude has since won her six scholarships and a Continuing Education Fund, amounting to a grand total of HK$100,000, which she put towards exchange programs and tuition fees.

"I visited many cities, such as London, Mexico City, and Tulum while I was on exchange," she said, adding it changed her worldview.

Kim has also recognized the career benefits of a higher education certification. "After my degree, I am eligible to train trainers."

She said: "I wish to say exams and results do not mean the door is closed. There are many pathways now, all of them rewarding, and I believe in moving beyond the comfort zone."

HKU SPACE International College offers a diverse range of recognized programs with overseas universities.

Students can benefit from the scholarships and participate in the exchange and extracurricular opportunities.