Adam is an international student from South Africa, currently in his third year of the BSc Computational Finance and Financial Technology at CityUHK. As a leisure runner, he has always found joy in the rhythm of his footsteps on the pavement. This year, he had the incredible opportunity to participate in the HK Standard Chartered Marathon for the first time. Let’s hear his sharing about the run, and the vibrant atmosphere created by his fellow CityUHK community.
Participating in the HK Standard Chartered Marathon 2025 was an exhilarating experience for me, alongside approximately 750 members from CityUHK. As a student, I was thrilled to join this vibrant delegation, which included fellow students, staff, alumni, and supportive units like Student Development Services.
From South Africa to success
As a South African international student, I have been fortunate to receive the Top Scholarship for International Students at the College of Business (CB). I am proud to be on the Dean’s list every year. My journey also included receiving the Explorer Grant and the Special Fund for non-local students, which allowed me to study abroad during my Year 2 Semester B at the Indian Institute of Technology. That exchange trip was transformative; I often liken it to a marathon, filled with challenges and rewards as I immersed myself in a different academic and cultural environment.
Adam received the Explorer Grant and the Special Fund for non-local students to support his studies abroad at the Indian Institute of Technology.
Adam met 10K runner Angie, a member of CB’s internationalisation team, at the CityUHK booth after completed his 20K run.
Running for joy
Running has always been a way for me to de-stress, and while I consider myself a leisurely runner, I felt determined to participate in this marathon after missing the HK half-marathon 2024 due to my exchange. The experience was incredible! The CityUHK delegation rallied to support us runners, cheering us on at the bridges in West Kowloon and towards the end of the race. Their encouragement made the run even more enjoyable.
On the day of the marathon, I relished every moment. Regardless of any hiccups or unexpected incidents, I welcomed them as part of my learning journey. CB has always encouraged us to step outside our comfort zones, like with the Student Exchange Programme. I previously might have doubted that I would live in India for half a year or run a half-marathon. Still, I cherished both experiences and am grateful to CityUHK for their unwavering support.
Looking ahead, I am excited about future adventures—travelling to more locations for CB summer programmes or tackling a full marathon. My time at CityUHK has truly opened doors for me.
Marathon mindset
Studying abroad is like running a marathon: it demands a solid plan and thorough preparation. With these elements in place, I feel confident embarking on this journey and am ready to embrace every experience to the fullest!
(February 2025)
