I arrived in Hong Kong on a stormy Sunday late afternoon. My secondary supervisor joked that I came “with the storm”. I do not know if this is a prophecy of sorts: storms are considered bad omens, at least in my province. But it can also mean changes that would sweep away my previous life.
My landing in HK was full of apprehensions. Although I have been to HK almost every year, this is the first time that I come not as a tourist, but as a student immigrant. I was granted a spot as a PhD research student at the Department of History at the University of Hong Kong. In addition, I was awarded a full scholarship that included a stipend for the dormitory, living expenses, etc. In many ways, this studentship was a dream come true.
And although I was excited, I was quite unsure of myself. Being given a full scholarship also meant high levels of expectations for research and productivity. After all, the University of Hong Kong is a top-notched research institution consistently on top of the regional and world rankings. I do not know how I will measure up with all the other intelligent students. Or if my research topic is any good. Again, apprehensions and insecurities.
On my second and third days in HK, I proceeded to meet a colleague, batchmate, and fellow PhD student in the university. Migoy was very helpful from the very start. He gave me so many tips on paperwork, practical matters, and other things to be observed on campus. I am equally delighted that I have a good friend to rely on, and someone I can disturb when I am bored with studying.
After my visit to Migoy, I proceeded to the department on the instructions of my primary supervisor who was on sabbatical. I met friendly postgrads working on interesting topics: Maurits was working on the history of dengue in East and Southeast Asia, David on the Bornean decolonization process, Beatrice on international humanitarianism after the Fukushima earthquake, Chichi on the British imagination of HK, and Rustam on Soviet power in Northeast Asia. At the back of my mind, I could only gape in awe with the theses they are all working on. How will my animals fare in this, I still do not know.
I was also able to meet my secondary supervisor, David, who was amazingly friendly, approachable, and accommodating. He introduced me to the resources of the department as well as to the other members of the faculty. His assurance of how the department is actually very open and friendly was enough to break some of my apprehensions concerning this PhD.
Today, I already met our department secretary, Andy, who is very cheerful and congenial. He was very eager to assist me in things such as enrollment, registration for subjects, among others. All the more that I miss the amazing staff back home.
After claiming my desk, I stared for a good ten minutes into the open space. I am still in shock with awe, gratitude, and magnificence. Everything was so surreal. And as soon as I got wind that other students were wondering why I was staring at the harbor of HK for a long time, I got back to work.
