[Scotland] Building Bridges Across Cultures and Generations

(left) Mentee Ceci Cheng meeting up with Mentor Professor Sally Steward (right) and her godson Brian (middle) in Aberdeen

Ceci Cheng (BSocSc) “Exchanging in Aberdeen is my first time being alone in a foreign country, which is both exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. Fortunately, my nervousness was eased by having an overseas mentor who is a local Scot. I had been looking forward to meeting Professor Stewart long before my departure, which prompted me to send her an early greeting. It was my pleasure to meet her and her godson, Brian, in Aberdeen on a lovely Sunday and to show them around the University of Aberdeen, my host university.

During our conversation, I learnt that the Stewart family had deep ties with politics. Professor Stewart’s son served in the British Parliament, hosts a podcast “the Rest is Politics”, and her husband was a colonial officer in Hong Kong! Meeting Professor Stewart gave me an appreciation for the poise and wisdom of intellectuals, and I witnessed a fantastic student-teacher connection between Professor Steward and Brian, as Brian’s father was the student of Professor Stewart.

Despite leaving Hong Kong more than two decades ago, Professor Stewart’s has continued to participate in the HKU overseas mentorship program, preserving her connection with HKU. I am motivated by her selflessness in educating and guiding the younger generation, and I aspire to reach her heights one day.“

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