K-pop and video dreams put two back on uni path

Two students who failed to get into university after their Diploma of Secondary Education exams are back on track after studying for an associate degree at HKU Space.

Fifi Cheung Mung-fei, 23, failed to meet the minimum requirements for university admission but received an offer from HKU Space so she could continue to pursue her dream of becoming a Korean translator.

Cheung, a Korean enthusiast since secondary school, is a year-two associate degree student with a major in Korean studies.

"I was so into the South Korean boy band Big Bang at that time, and I wished to understand those lyrics," she said.

Cheung knew that she would need a degree in order to follow her dreams, but her lack of a strong academic background offered limited options.

She did not continue her studies after the DSE exams, but tough times at work inspired her to go back to studies.

"I was exhausted everyday when I was off from work," Cheung said, adding that it propelled her to go back to study at 21.

Cheung saved money for school and sharpened her oral skills by working as a full time saleswoman, while practicing Korean in her spare time.

She has receivged undergraduate degree offers from City and Baptist universities and plans to go to South Korea.

Cheung said her parents were uncertain and worried about her prospects.

"Life is like a video game, there are always ups and downs, so never regret what you have done," Cheung suggested.

Lai Fai, 20, who has just graduated from HKU Space, is now a third year student at HKU with a major in global creative studies and hopes to join the advertising industry.

He barely met the minimum requirement for the associate degree as he failed the DSE Chinese writing exam, but he was admitted after appealing his results to the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority.

Lai realized that he was interested in video- and documentary making but did not find such subjects in secondary school.

However, he was delighted to be able to study for an associate degree as he got to learn and practice what interests him.

"You might be at a loss when you choose what to study, but always let your interests [guide you]," Lai said.

The studies, according to Lai, made him feel like he was a duck taking to water, as it led him to bachelor studies.

"The DSE doesn't mean everything, so don't think it is all gone if you cannot make it," Lai advised.