As a windsurfing athlete, it's hard to find a balance between sports and academics. I keep telling myself never give up when facing challenges. Tackle all the challenges and difficulties and you will have a wonderful time in HKU SPACE CC.

在港大附屬學院修讀工程學副學士課程，擴闊了我的視野，穩固了我的基礎，教我獲益良多。而在港大附屬學院這兩年我學會了堅持，白天為學業而拼命，夜晚為生活而奔馳。最重要的是為作業提前定好一個限期，提前把作業做好自己再檢閲一遍，因爲時間管理也是一門學問，你把時間管理好了這兩年會輕鬆不少。雖然學習的路上難免遇到各種波折與糾紛，但只要自己不怕吃虧、不怕辛勞、不怕獨自面對組員帶給你的各種天災人禍，你定能為自己殺出一條血路。他朝一日你也能一步步的邁向成功。

兩年前，公開試成績不似如期，無意中選讀了港大附屬學院的工程副學士。直到學期開始，我才發現課程內容是圍繞電腦的，與我本來想讀的土木工程有很大分別，但也只好硬着頭皮讀下去。本身並沒有任何相關電腦知識，因此學期初常感到焦慮。但幸好有各導師的悉心教導並不厭其煩地為我們指點迷津，也培養了我對電腦科學的興趣。除此之外，導師們也關心我們升學上的煩惱和疑惑，常與每位學生一對一地交談解惑。在港大附屬學院努力過後，成功捉緊機會，重升大學。最後收錄的大學甚至比文憑試預計進入的大學更好。非常感謝港大附屬學院給予這個二次的機會！

時光飛逝，兩年過去，而我亦順利從副學位畢業。回望兩年，香港大學附屬學院可謂給予我一次復活的機會，令我能繼續在學術道路上追尋自己的夢想。

大專教育跟中學「填鴨式」教育不同，擁有完全不一樣的學習風格，着重對知識的理解和擴闊自己的視野，而不是一味只靠補習和盲目努力而成功的。此外，大專教育給予自己更大的自由度，能自由追求不同的知識，做自己喜歡的事，向自己所定下的目標發展，唯須注意時間管理和自我安排。另外，選擇自己感興趣的學科，能夠結識一班志同道合的戰友，互相交流，共同進退。再者，大專教育有更優良、更有教學熱誠的講師，着重同學是否學懂知識而不是分數和教學進度，為同學一視同仁地指點迷津，除授予知識外更傳授「學習的方法」，亦會分享自己的經驗，比起中學教育更能激發學生的學習動機。自己亦能在該制度下，發揮所長，展現自我，得到很多中學無法給予我的東西。

我修讀了電子工程學，該課程令我學習到各方面的專門知識，例如電腦架構、程式設計和電路知識等，軟硬件的運用以及互相之關係，最後綜合各方面的知識，製造出不同的實驗作品，例如模型車、智能鎖和手機應用程式等。因此，同時喜歡電腦軟件和硬件的同學，絕對不要錯過這個學科。另一方面，在通識教育中，學生能在文化、藝術、歷史等不同範疇自由選擇自己有興趣的科目作全人發展，而不是專注一項知識。與高級文憑的實用向課程相比，副學士更著重學術教育，亦即外界所謂的「與大學頭兩年相似」，為大學課程打好基礎，使我在未來入讀大學時更得心應手。

總括而言，中學和大專兩者皆需要付出，才有收穫，惟相比起中學「不知為何而忙」，自己更享受在大專中「為自己喜歡的事而忙」的模式。因此，自問飽受中學教育制度所摧殘，不適合中學教育制度的同學，或許你能跟我一樣，在大專教育下脫胎換骨，重新出發，但大前提是：「你還沒有放棄。」所以不要停下來，向目標進發吧！

時光荏苒, 在港大附屬學院的兩年學習轉瞬即逝。在港大附屬學院的兩年讓我相信只要付出努力，總有一日能靠近自己的理想。 「海不辭水，故成其大」，只要同學一點點增值自己，在這裡增加工程的專業知識，總有一日有足夠實力升回大學。在這裡的日子充實又忙碌，壓力是一定會有的，但不甘平凡的心使我前進，為升讀大學作好準備。同學們，即使現在的才華不足以令你實現夢想也請別放棄，因為人只要努力總能變強。願各同學終能成為大海，實現目標！

Studying at SPACE CC did not only grant me knowledge or provide me a second path for progression, but also letting me to understand my interest, strength and weakness. Two years ago, when I just started the semester, I worried that I could not cope with the courses as I never knew programming or M2. Meanwhile, if you are willing to raise questions, do more practices and find some useful materials online, they are not as difficult as you thought. I am thankful for the nice and professional lecturers who always concern our studies and future development, so that I could learn a lot here and prepare well for university. Lastly, I must say a big thank you to all my friends I knew here. Without your urge and encourage, I must not have this enjoyable school life and let’s go further together!

In these two years, I collaborated with different students to complete course projects, gaining hands-on experience related to the subject.  Examples included building a website for a travel agent and programming a mobile game application. We spent hours of work on those projects, even working on them overnight. I have confidence that most sub-degree students are more competitive.

想起當初文憑試放榜的時候，當時因為中文成績不如意而選擇了港大附屬學院升學，真正感受到何謂第二次機會。 當時是比較對電腦科學有興趣，所以就選擇了工程副學士，想透過副學士入大學，繼續我的夢想。就讀副學士的時候發現學習模式與中學不同，雖然比較辛苦但很容易上手。 再加上有很多老師會提供無論是學業或升學的幫助，釋除了學業上不少的疑慮。老師也會帶學生到大學參觀，對自己心儀的大學增加認識。 在港大附屬學院努力過後， 成功捉緊這個第二次的機會，重新升讀大學。 到最後收錄的大學甚至是比文憑試預計進入的大學更好。 非常感謝港大附屬學院給予這個第二次的機會！

不知不覺我已經在這裡讀了兩年書了。在讀asso期間也並不是一帆風順，充斥著各種不同的問題難關。遇到各種的隊友，各種的老師，可能到最後因為拿不到自己期望的分數而挫敗十分。你們在將來可能會面對跟我不一樣的困難，逆境。但是你們一定要相信自己！相信自己可以，可以做到自己定下既目標。無論係合格，上番大學定係爆四都好，要加油阿！

Don't give up even you get unsatisfactory DSE result. Everything could be possible if you work hard!

As a guy who has a high estimation from the peers and teacher in Secondary Second, I have never thought that one day my strength and ability can be used again when I suffer in the failure in DSE. Fortunately, I have learnt from the failure and I have grown in HKU SPACE Community College. But it is still a hard time for us as we have to study in a completely different environment.

Luckily, my first transcript here is pretty good. However, I have even stepped further in the next semester. This all thanks to not only my lecturers but also my "comrade". Lecturers here is passionate in education for both our knowledge and attitudes and my "comrade", they have provided me much help and we have been succeeding in many projects together. Without neither one of them, I will not be able to have such result.

Now, I have already received two offers from HKU and HKUST and one interview from CUHK. Every step here will become my experience in the future. Failure is not a monster, instead, it pushes you to become more hard-working. Although it might be difficult, it will be a good time when you study in HKU SPACE Community College. And I hope everyone of you can achieve your dream here.

In semester one, I felt puzzled and frustrated because I was not familiar with the new subjects and the new environment at HKU SPACE Community College. Thus, my exam result in semester one was far away from what I expected. Luckily, I met a lot of friends and lecturers here. They motivated me to work hard and help me to get across the difficulties.

I got an excellent result in the following two semesters under this positive learning atmosphere. Meanwhile, I received two interviews from CUHK and HKUST, followed by two conditional offers two weeks after the interview. I was excited when I received both offers from CUHK and HKUST, and I can’t wait to start my university life.

Failure is the key to success. Associate degree may be a good choice for you to get back into university and I wish all of you have a wonderful life in HKU SPACE CC. Keep your eyes on the goal and just keep taking the next step towards completing it.

本以為入大學「夢完」，皆因香港中學文憑試考得非常差，但幸好有港大附屬學院，重新給予我入讀大學的機會，希望正在閱讀這段分享的你都可以繼續努力，不要因一時的失敗而放棄，正所謂「失敗乃成功之母」。在港大附屬學院不但提供良好的學習環境和氣氛，還有一眾良師良友，一同共同進退。今年，我慶幸獲得香港科技大學及香港中文大學的取錄，當然世界沒有免費午餐，想入大學的確要加倍付出。

在此希望大家能在港大附屬學院找到自己的理想，並達到自己的目標。

Because of the failure in HKDSE Chinese subject, I have chosen HKU SPACE Community College to continue my studies. I chose to study Engineering is because I had studied Physics and M2 during secondary school. In year 1 semester 1, I was learning the basic knowledge for the engineering subjects. In year 1 semester 2, I started thinking what I want to choose for the engineering subjects; electronic engineering, computer science or computer engineering. In year 2 semester 1, I started to apply the universities and attend interviews.

I am now studying in HKU SPACE Community College, Associate of Engineering year 2. I believed that most student in this College wanted to get a high GPA in order to get into university. I think the key to success is that you need to be hard working, cooperating with others during group projects, as well as seeking help from the lecturers. Since group projects accounted a big percentage in many lectures, so you need to cooperate with others and find group mates carefully as some may be free-riders.

The lecturers in the College, especially in the Engineering department, are willing to help and provide suitable guidance.  I think the lecturers in the Engineering department is really different from my previous school teachers, they are always enthusiastic to help us, not only academic problems, but also about our careers. They will also bring you to visit different universities and find professors to give us talks, also finding students that had studied in the college to give us sharing.

After two years of hard work in HKU SPACE Community College, I got three conditional offers from HKUST and CUHK. I am really delighted that I had made the right decision at the very beginning which is continuing my studies in this College. If you want to continue your studies but your marks is not enough to get into the universities, I would suggest you to apply associate degree programmes in HKU SPACE Community College.

After the failure of the HKDSE, I have chosen HKU SPACE Community College to continue my studies. Fortunately, I have received two offers from two universities after two years of studying in College. There is no denying that hard working is the paramount key to surviving in this competitive environment. Everyone in this college is trying to score a high GPA to get into university, thus, I needed to be proactive and hard working. Actually, I was not a hard-working person when I was studying in secondary school and everything changed after attending classes in the college. I realize that I need to work hard and change my studying attitudes and methods. The key to success is not only hard work, but also seeking help from the lecturers. Whenever I faced challenges in learning the subject content and I would consult my lecturer after the lessons and they are willing to help and provide guidance to overcome complex issues. Maintaining a strong understanding of the knowledge gained and received in class and getting advice from lecturers is beneficial to working hard and learning how to apply theory and knowledge into individual and group assignments.

I am Michael Lam and I am currently a year 2 student studying Associate of Engineering in Electronic Engineering. I chose to study Engineering as it offers mathematical and computational knowledge and it is a subject which helps to create an array of different products including smartphones and other products we use in daily life. HKU SPACE Community College (CC) is a good place to improve yourself in all areas and to learn about something you love to do and study. I understood that CC was my last chance to get into the university. I tried to change myself. I learned to pay more in what, including academic and interpersonal relationship, I was weak at. I have become more all-round than before and this is the most important thing aside from a place in university that I have gained from HKU SPACE CC.

I studied Computer Science at HKU SPACE Community College where I took different programming courses which are a major component in Engineering. No matter whether you have studied programming or not, it requires a lot of self-learning, especially in both individual and group projects. To make achievements in programming projects, I always consider about the user's view and further usage of the product. Our programming lectures provide basic theories and knowledge which have been extremely useful in applying to programming applications but sometimes challenging. Apart from academics, I am also an IVP of the IT Society, which have held software courses for students' need. It is fun to hold events for society members, like mass games for freshmen. Being an IVP has enhanced my leadership and communication skills, which are valuable in studies and working life. Therefore, I encourage fellow students to take part in societies' activities and services. Hope all of you enjoy studying at HKU SPACE CC.

This year, I have experienced the most unforgettable time in my life. Standing up from the place that I have fallen down is never easy. I still remember the day when I registered in HKU SPACE CC. I felt helpless and the dream of entering university was lost. I didn’t know what I should do next. Luckily, I meet nice lecturers here. They are always ready to help students, no matter academically or psychologically. They always share useful information with us which is extremely useful in pursuing further studies. Without their help, I wouldn't have passed through the hard times. Besides lecturers, my classmates are also equally important in my study life. We work hard together and strive for the common goal. Our positive attitude has motivated us to study harder. When I think of the past, I realize studying in HKU SPACE CC is the right choice. It provides me a stepping stone to be well-prepared for studying in university. Academically, I can learn university-level knowledge prepare me to study in university. Psychologically, HKU SPACE CC is a place for me to adapt the flexible studying style, which I now am also experiencing. Most of you may think studying in associate degree means failure. However, if you can put down your sadness, try your best and never give up, you can finally succeed! Wish all of you can achieve your dreams!

Because I didn't do well enough in HKDSE, I was frustrated and decided to go to CC before applying to a university. Not only academic knowledge, lecturers are always enthusiastic to help us about our careers. Besides, my classmates are friendly and all of us have the same goal which is getting a degree in the university. This positive learning atmosphere definitely motivates me to work harder and achieve excellent results in examinations. After two years of hard work, I got degree offers from CUHK and HKUST. I then realized that I had made the right decision at the very beginning. If you think you and HKDSE do not get along, associate degree programmes may be another path for you.

因為我跟朋友一起入讀CC，所以起初只跟自己的朋友玩樂及溫習，沒想過會認識到新朋友，後來，透過小組習作，認識了幾位朋友，假期時還一起踏單車。在CC，很容易認識新朋友，只要不是「free-rider」，組員都可以成為戰友。而且，CC的講師很友善，不論是學業或升學問題，他們都會細心分析及講解，就算下課以後，也可以找他們傾談，師友之間如朋友相處。今年，我慶幸獲得科技大學及中文大學的取錄，所謂塞翁失馬焉知非福，我相信DSE不會令我有機會入讀三大，但，CC就重新給予我入讀大學的機會，希望正在閱讀這段分享的你都可以努力加油，不要灰心。

在CC讀副學士只有短短兩年，時間並不長，但對我來說卻非常重要。我學到很多不同知識，亦認識了很多不同的人。 在CC，除了自己的主修外，還要學習其他科目的知識，例如藝術、歷史、社會科學等，達至全人教育。因此，我了解自己的能力和選科的重要性。就我而言，因我數理比較強，所以讀工程比較輕鬆，但其他科目則比較遜色。有些同學因選了不合適的科目，結果讀得非常辛苦，成積又不理常。所以選對了就事半功倍，反之則事倍功半。學習以外，我也認識了不少對工程很有熱誠的朋友，有些對程式很在行，有些則對硬件很了解。從他們身上我獲益良多。 在此希望大家亦能在CC獲得成功，找到自己的理想，並達到自己的目標。

My time in HKU SPACE CC has been an enlightening experience on multiple levels. While the courses here have provided me with vast amounts of contextual knowledge, I also picked up valuable habits which I am certain will be beneficial as I continue my academic endeavours. The greatest challenge that I had to overcome was adjusting to a new education system. In high school, teachers often – figuratively speaking – held student’s hands along the process. Students were expected to attend for about seven hours of schooling every day from Monday through Friday. The scheme in CC is completely different, teaching hours vary greatly and so time management was essential. I quickly realized that I had to improve my old lifestyle in order to prevent work from accumulating. I learned the importance of discipline and scheduling so I could effectively balance my studies, hobbies and social life. Experiencing this change is necessary for any scholar that wishes to further their academic career into the university level, as it will be the same then. Another welcoming gesture was that many lecturers willingly shared their personal experiences with students to prepare us for adversities we might face in the future. Despite having very busy schedules, lecturers excelled both inside and outside the classrooms. The many discussions I had with all my lecturers often proved very fruitful. Lecturers always provided insight not only on the course they taught but also on how that specific course related to Engineering or simply life as a whole. The new environment also served as a great means for cultural enrichment. Having graduated from an international school, I did not have much insight about local students, but after these past few months I have made various friendships which have exposed me to another side of Hong Kong. I re-established the respect that I have for education as I became aware of the trials and tribulations that others have to face and was reminded that I have to cherish the opportunities I have. HKU SPACE CC taught me that education at the post-secondary level is not mandatory, it is a voluntary decision and thus it is a commitment in which the amount of success one can enjoy is directly proportional to the amount of effort one puts in. It is this philosophy that gives me the courage and certainty to take my next step in life.

在這裏學習，最重要的就是自己的心態。謹記着以往公開試失敗的同時，也不能自悲，要相信自己的能力，保持一個積極自信的心態去迎接各項的挑戰。 另外，課程講師十分友善，除了專業授課外，還很關心同學。在課堂外，無論是學術或升學問題，講師們都很樂於傾聽及提供意見，我非常感激他們。 最後，學院的學習模式雖與中學不同，自由度較大，更講求同學的自侓性；但只要找到自己的興趣，自然就會學懂自侓。在此，希望大家都能重拾對知識的渴求。

I realized that I was not yet ready for university education after receiving my HKALE results. After seeking advice from my schoolmates and friends, I finally decided to apply to the AIT programme of HKU SPACE Community College as my first choice due to my interest in computing. The AIT programme has helped me to become an efficient learner, and allowed me to learn different skill sets in both IT and non-IT courses. I can seek help whenever I have difficulty in digesting the concepts or completing the tasks, because lecturers are always willing to respond to my questions. HKU SPACE CC has brought me invaluable experiences that the students who progressed directly from Form 7 to university education will not have. With my effort, I received an offer from HKU, and I can tell that I have not wasted any time in AIT Year 1. I must thank the College for all the help and support it has provided.