The past three years in the PhD program felt like the shortest three years in my life. Speed, however, does not equate haste. It was a rich and sometimes intense experience, blending the painstaking, day-to-day training in the nuts and bolts of conducting research with the occasional pleasant realization of managing to see just a little further and clearer. As I recall, passing time was only palpable when the milestones woven into our training approached, which also served as reminders of what (should) have been done, and what lies ahead, and how time flies.

Like any worthwhile endeavour, the program challenged its takers to make the most out of what it can offer. Fortunately, I didn't have to handle the challenge alone. The coursework laid out the methodological groundwork to complement and anchor our own research inquiries, which can feel adrift at the outset. Experienced faculty members, and supportive coursemates and labmates, never shied away from offering direction and support. Resources and opportunities abound within the department and beyond for us to get acquainted with cutting-edge and multi-disciplinary research. Furthermore, our training benefited tremendously from the remarkable camaraderie among talented and dedicated colleagues in different pockets within the department. It was evident that many thoughts and sensibilities were built into the program to promote our professional development.

Completing the program marks an end and a beginning. Looking ahead, my training was a preparation that I could not have done without, and would definitely revisit in the future.

[Fang Yang is currently the Postdoctoral Fellow at The CUHK Jockey Club Institute of Ageing.]

The past three years in the PhD program felt like the shortest three years in my life. Speed, however, does not equate haste. It was a rich and sometimes intense experience, blending the painstaking, day-to-day training in the nuts and bolts of conducting research with the occasional pleasant realization of managing to see just a little further and clearer. As I recall, passing time was only palpable when the milestones woven into our training approached, which also served as reminders of what (should) have been done, and what lies ahead, and how time flies.

Like any worthwhile endeavour, the program challenged its takers to make the most out of what it can offer. Fortunately, I didn't have to handle the challenge alone. The coursework laid out the methodological groundwork to complement and anchor our own research inquiries, which can feel adrift at the outset. Experienced faculty members, and supportive coursemates and labmates, never shied away from offering direction and support. Resources and opportunities abound within the department and beyond for us to get acquainted with cutting-edge and multi-disciplinary research. Furthermore, our training benefited tremendously from the remarkable camaraderie among talented and dedicated colleagues in different pockets within the department. It was evident that many thoughts and sensibilities were built into the program to promote our professional development.

Completing the program marks an end and a beginning. Looking ahead, my training was a preparation that I could not have done without, and would definitely revisit in the future.

[Fang Yang is currently the Postdoctoral Fellow at The CUHK Jockey Club Institute of Ageing.]

What I cherish most about the undergraduate psychology program of CUHK are its strong academic reputation, world class faculty, interdisciplinary curriculum, and excellent opportunities for students’ professional career development. After my graduation, I often miss the joyful, warm, and enriching moments at the Department of Psychology.

Since my undergraduate days at CUHK, I have been impressed by the dedicated faculty members for their enthusiasm to teach and share scientific knowledge, research skills, and practical experience in the field of psychology. They have always been supportive of my study and research plans, as well as scholarship and job applications. Their passion and perseveration in research set the best role model for me. I am greatly appreciative of their unfailing guidance and support, and all the academic sharing and ideas input that have been very useful for my studies.

Over the years, the psychology program has connected me to a fantastic network of very supportive alumni, as well as to an extremely talented cohort of fellow classmates. I have been impressed with and inspired by the caliber of my classmates, which has created intellectually stimulating class discussions and motivated me to think in new perspectives. We have also made friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. It is certainly my talented and friendly classmates whom I study with, learn from, and grow together with that make my academic journey truly fruitful.

These have all become important and treasurable moments of my life.

[Kevin is working as an Assistant Professor at the Education University of Hong Kong.]