2025 Graduate Story | Hank: Be you. Be Unwavering.

Every city has its own unique character. Hank, who grew up in Hong Kong, describes the city's essence as being similar to his own: efficient, pragmatic, vibrant, and never tiring. Believing in the significance of location to a person, he made the city his top consideration when selecting a school.

In the 2025 application season, Hank not only secured an offer from the University of Hong Kong, his top choice, but also received additional offers from the University of Edinburgh, the University of Manchester, and City University of Hong Kong. Ultimately, he chose to return to this vibrant city, drawn by HKU’s outstanding academic reputation and world-class faculty.

Behind the impressive admissions results, the process was far from easy. Hank admits that it was "a tug-of-war between anticipation and anxiety." He clearly remembers the sleepless nights, the constant checking of his inbox, and the distraction from his studies caused by obsessing over his application status.

After watching the film Darkest Hour, Hank found himself deeply resonating with Winston Churchill's journey, particularly the famous quote: "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." This phrase became his mantra, igniting a lasting drive for self-improvement. From that moment on, Hank resolved never to give up before the final outcome arrived.

Thus, an offer from the University of Hong Kong alone does not fully reveal the depth and determination of this young man. It is merely a small piece of his story, marking the beginning of an important life phase.

From his early interest in economics upon arriving at Wellington College Education (China) - Hangzhou to the systematic planning that followed, Hank’s progress never stagnated. With the support of his university counselors and subject teachers, every decision during the application season was like a cog in a well-oiled machine, driving him towards his success.

His A-Level results included all A grades in the AS stage, with predicted A* grades in three subjects, and an A in the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). He also won a silver medal with his team at the National Economics Challenge (NEC) China Finals. While these academic achievements significantly bolstered his application, Hank downplays them, instead highlighting the invaluable industry-related experience and perspectives he gained through the competitions and studies.

When discussing the NEC competition, Hank particularly thanked Wellington College Education (China) - Hangzhou's economics teacher, Chloe, for her dedicated guidance: “Chloe gave us immense support, offering timely advice when we faced challenges and valuable feedback during the creation of our presentations. Ultimately, our team advanced to the national finals and won a silver medal.”

The NEC competition notably enhanced Hank's teamwork, collaborative problem-solving, and communication skills. During the preparation, he and his teammates exchanged feedback and helped each other, not only deepening their understanding of the subject but also strengthening their camaraderie.

Furthermore, Hank deeply appreciated the rigorous academic approach of his chemistry teacher, Rabia, and the Chinese teacher's interpretation of traditional culture, both of which left a lasting impact on him and instilled a strong work ethic.

Reflecting on his journey, Hank shared some heartfelt advice for younger pupils about to face the application season. He emphasised the importance of taking deep breaths and staying calm. He pointed out that, during the uncertain waiting period, the key strategy is to focus all energy on preparing for the upcoming A-Level exams. "Fortune favours the prepared," he says, adding that while conditional offers from universities might arrive at any moment, pupils must ensure their academic performance meets the required standards and stay ready.

He specifically reminds younger students not to let the anxiety of not yet receiving an offer from their dream school become an excuse for losing focus or motivation in their studies.

“Imagine if the much-awaited offer finally arrives, but due to anxiety or disappointment causing a loss of concentration, you fail to meet the academic requirements. That would be a huge regret.”

Hank urged his peers to maintain high levels of focus and wholeheartedly devote themselves to the upcoming exams. He firmly believes that every bit of effort now will be deeply appreciated by his future self.

At Wellington College Education (China) - Hangzhou, Hank not only excelled academically but also made a name for himself in sports. As captain of the basketball team and a key player on the rugby team, competitive sports have not only shaped his physical strength but also honed his resilience.

One of his most memorable moments was last year's basketball season final, when Wellington College Education (China) - Hangzhou faced off against other schools. In the pursuit of victory, the whole team came together with a shared determination. Hank, filled with passion, threw himself into defence, grabbed rebounds, and created assist opportunities for his teammates, while cheering from the sidelines until his voice was hoarse. The intensity of the atmosphere meant that everyone was fully invested.

"When the final whistle blew, even though we lost by a narrow margin, no one was downhearted because we knew that, from the group stage to the final, everyone had given 100% effort."

Sports not only taught Hank physical endurance and perseverance but also how to lead a team under pressure, adapt humbly to role changes, communicate without words, and turn failure into resilience. These lessons in teamwork and trust have become the foundation for him, both after the match and for life.

The structured training with the school teams and the opportunities to compete in external events ignited Hank's competitive spirit. His strong desire to bring honour to the school has continuously driven him to improve his sporting skills and fitness. Wellington College Education (China) - Hangzhou's professional sports facilities – high-quality basketball courts and well-equipped gyms – provided an excellent environment for his training. These resources, combined with the competition opportunities, deepened his love for sport.

Off the court, Hank is a master of time management. He noted that excessive immersion in one area can lead to diminishing returns, but sports training provides a crucial mental break, allowing him to return to his studies with renewed energy. By seeking balance between training and study, his time management and discipline have improved significantly. For example, on training days, he would complete all his academic tasks in advance and efficiently use commuting time to revise. This dual-track approach helped him achieve outstanding results both academically and in sports.

The "Changemakers Week" trip organized by the Senior School at Wellington College Education (China) - Hangzhou opened up a new perspective for Hank to understand the world. He recalls that last year's journey to Thailand with his classmates was especially unforgettable.

In his journal, Hank wrote:

It was Hank's first time observing such a foreign land with his own eyes. As they ventured into the remote areas, he witnessed the simple lives of the local children, which made him deeply appreciate his own living conditions. This experience also strengthened his resolve to engage more in volunteer work and support those in need.

The overseas study tour made Hank realise that true learning should not be confined to the classroom; it is about going out into society, connecting with nature, and growing through hands-on experiences.

"Learning shouldn't just be about books; it's about learning how to become a well-rounded person. Such travel experiences prevent us from becoming isolated bookworms, disconnected from society. They strengthen our connection to nature and the broader world, helping us better understand the world and grow as more well-rounded individuals."

During the trip, Hank shared a room with new classmates. He recalls some challenges they faced together, such as when a classmate fell ill with a fever. Everyone supported and cared for one another. They also shared many joyful moments, like playing games in their room when the teachers weren't looking or holding hands to help each other climb steep mountain paths. All these small moments became treasured memories that deepened their friendships.

The long-awaited summer holidays have arrived, but the boy, known by his teachers for his self-discipline and clear goals, has not relaxed in the slightest with his University of Hong Kong acceptance letter in hand. He says he will start preparing for university courses early to enhance his ability to learn at the university level.

Hank's ideal vision of university life is one that is rich and fulfilling: riding his bike to and from class, focusing on academics, making the most of Hong Kong's urban resources to find suitable internships, working out in his spare time, joining sports clubs and other extracurricular activities, developing diverse skills, travelling to different places, and enriching his life through varied experiences.

But the future, for him, is much more than that.

Sports, reading, music, internships, and travel – all filled with small details and steadily climbing goals – are what he envisions for his ideal life, one that is just beginning.