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Saturday, Feb 22, 2025
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Autistic student with ADHD wins Jockey Club scholarship
Benita Wong Pui-ting, who overcame her obstacles after she was diagnosed with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is among 45 awarded with the Hong Kong Jockey Club Scholarship this year for her outstanding academic performance and commitment to serve the community.
Since 1998, the Hong Kong Jockey Club Scholarships have been awarded to more than 800 outstanding students, contributing some HK$640 million.
Wong, a year three Chinese medicine student at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said she might use the scholarship to apply to an overseas master program in neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience or cognitive psychology.
She said the insights she gained from being one of the club's scholars provided her with opportunities to visit places such as sheltered workshops, and serve people from all walks of life.
"These opportunities are too precious that you cannot buy with money," she said.
Having been diagnosed with special educational needs at senior primary school, Wong said she has to spend more time and effort than her classmates in schoolwork and examinations.
"For others they can finish the exam paper within the time limit. I can only complete 80 percent of it," she said.
But this did not stop her as she has found a way to enjoy learning, such as making her notes in rainbow colors, which helps her memorize and recall points for exams.
She eventually got 28 points for her best five subjects in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, with a 5** for geography.
"I believe that everyone should have the right to fully unleash their potential to attain the stage of self-actualization," Wong said, adding that she is currently a certified special educational needs student tutor who hopes to use her expertise to help more students.
Another awardee, Jabez Lam Kin-ngai, wants to become a social worker, especially for those with mental health issues and special educational needs.
Lam, who is a year three student in social work at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, said his secondary school friend, who suffered from depression and eventually had to quit school, inspired him to become a social worker as he felt so helpless.
Meanwhile, Doris Wong Mei-yue, a year three civil engineering student at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and an assistant netball coach, is determined to give back to society by using her knowledge in civil engineering.
Citing her experience in developing computer games for students with limited mobility in special schools, she said: "I want to put myself in their shoes and help the needy ones with what I've learnt, such as helping the elderly by designing better roads and facilities."
Wong, a year three Chinese medicine student at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said she might use the scholarship to apply to an overseas master program in neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience or cognitive psychology.
She said the insights she gained from being one of the club's scholars provided her with opportunities to visit places such as sheltered workshops, and serve people from all walks of life.
"These opportunities are too precious that you cannot buy with money," she said.
Having been diagnosed with special educational needs at senior primary school, Wong said she has to spend more time and effort than her classmates in schoolwork and examinations.
"For others they can finish the exam paper within the time limit. I can only complete 80 percent of it," she said.
But this did not stop her as she has found a way to enjoy learning, such as making her notes in rainbow colors, which helps her memorize and recall points for exams.
She eventually got 28 points for her best five subjects in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, with a 5** for geography.
"I believe that everyone should have the right to fully unleash their potential to attain the stage of self-actualization," Wong said, adding that she is currently a certified special educational needs student tutor who hopes to use her expertise to help more students.
Another awardee, Jabez Lam Kin-ngai, wants to become a social worker, especially for those with mental health issues and special educational needs.
Lam, who is a year three student in social work at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, said his secondary school friend, who suffered from depression and eventually had to quit school, inspired him to become a social worker as he felt so helpless.
Meanwhile, Doris Wong Mei-yue, a year three civil engineering student at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and an assistant netball coach, is determined to give back to society by using her knowledge in civil engineering.
Citing her experience in developing computer games for students with limited mobility in special schools, she said: "I want to put myself in their shoes and help the needy ones with what I've learnt, such as helping the elderly by designing better roads and facilities."
