My Passion Projects
As a school leader, maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential. Each year, I initiate 2-3 passion projects that ignite my interests and allow me to delve into what I truly love. These projects not only enhance my personal growth but also invigorate my leadership approach, fostering a positive environment for both staff and students. Embracing my passions helps me lead with enthusiasm and purpose.
2024-2025 School Year
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Start practicing piano again weekly after work.
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Explore the use of social media platforms in China (WeChat, XiaoHongShu)
As I jumped into the fun world of Xiaohongshu, I was immediately drawn in by its awesome blend of social media. It’s all about sharing genuine experiences, product reviews, and lifestyle tips. The welcoming and interactive community inspired me to discover new ideas and connect with others who share my interests. I’m just kicking off journey on Xiaohongshu, and I can’t wait to share my thoughts and findings with everyone!
After a busy day at work, I've started playing the piano again every week. It’s a great way for me to express myself and unwind while diving into music. I used to play at church, and now I've teamed up with two retired HK teachers in my school to form a band. We even entered a teacher talent show "ASJ Got Talent" at school and ended up winning! I really love creating music together with them.
2023-2024 School Year
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Explore the Guangzhou and Foshan area. Look for nice cafes and vegetarian restaurants.
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Practice mindfulness daily in the morning and have at least a 45-min walk after work everyday.
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Mingle with the locals & expats in Guangzhou once every two months.
Starting a new journey in a K-12 school outside Hong Kong, with a different setting, is an exciting chance for growth. This role allows me to embrace new challenges and learn about the unique culture of the community around. Each day offers opportunities to expand my understanding of education and its impact on lives.
This journey is not just about work; it's also about exploring diverse experiences and building connections with individuals from various backgrounds.
I really love the vibe around here. The mountains and trees are such a great reminder of my days in New Zealand and the fresh air is a breath of fresh air! I've gotten into the habit of enjoying delicious food and chilling out in quiet little cafes in the local community. My family is totally into my new life too; they come visit often, and we have a blast exploring Guangzhou and Foshan together.
Moving to this new place has really changed things for me. The space and the beautiful nature around make me feel calm and relaxed. I love just hanging out and watching the sports outside my dorm, or grabbing a cup of coffee and chilling outside the library. These little moments become my favourite part of the day, helping me feel more at home.
With the peace and quiet, I actually have time to think about why I chose to become a teacher and a school leader. I’ve been diving into books that really help me figure things out, and honestly, I feel more empowered and energized than ever. This new chapter is all about self-discovery and staying focused on what really matters to me in my career.
2022-2023 School Year
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Advocate the importance of teachers' wellbeing. Start a weekly sharing session on Youtube.
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Complete the Culinary Art Therapy Course online, in order to help myself, as well as my colleagues and students, to express emotions through cooking.
Starting my YouTube journey was a way to share my thoughts and life while also exploring the platform as a tool for advocacy. 4 series with 85 videos were uploaded on the platform. The encouragement and questions from fellow educators and viewers inspire me to keep going. Through this process, I have gained a deeper understanding of myself as a teacher and leader. By taking care of myself, I ensure that I have the energy to support my students and colleagues effectively.
Teaching and leading a school is an exciting adventure, full of challenges and wonderful rewards! It’s easy to become overwhelmed and forget to prioritize our own needs, yet the difference we make in our students' lives and the community is incredibly motivating. By sharing my journey on YouTube, I can connect with others who are navigating a similar path! By continuing to share, I not only inspire those around you but also highlight the importance of self-care in this remarkable profession!
The Four Series:
Cooking has always been my passion and talent, which I officially embraced in 2012 when I began my journey as a culinary artist. My love for food led me to take nutrition courses, share on social media platforms and travel to various countries, where I learned diverse culinary techniques and traditions. In 2019, I proudly completed the international certification in French Cooking with The Disciples of Escoffier, further solidifying my commitment to the culinary arts.
Since July 2022, I have been immersed in a Culinary Art Therapy Course online from the US. This year-long experience has been transformative, allowing me to discover the inner peace that cooking brings me. I've valuable skills in using culinary art as a therapeutic technique, which I hope to incorporate into my daily teaching. Cooking is not only a way to express creativity but a wonderful mindfulness activity that helps calm the mind and nurture the spirit.