Endeavour Scholarship

I am Carmen Lam, a first-year student majoring in Counselling and Psychology at Hong Kong Shue Yan University.  I am very honoured to have received the Endeavour Scholarship and would like to express my sincere gratitude to the assessment panel.   With the scholarship, I will be able to acquire assistive learning equipment, such as a Braille display device and computer, to facilitate my studies.  I can also pay for piano lessons, which will aid me in attaining a Grade 8 piano qualification.

Looking back, I experienced numerous setbacks during my senior secondary school years after transferring from Ebenezer School to a mainstream school.  To prepare for the HKDSE Examination, all students had to keep up with the intensive curriculum by familiarising themselves with the content of each subject in a short period of time.  As a visually impaired student, I faced even greater challenges, particularly in subjects that involved graphs and diagrams, such as Mathematics and Economics.  I had to spend a considerable amount of time reading tactile graphics and learning how to draw graphs and diagrams.  Although it was frustrating at times, I persisted in my efforts and eventually overcame the obstacles.

I have come to understand that, with persistent effort and dedication, even people with special educational needs can play to their strengths.  With this in mind, I aspire to become a counsellor to help those in need and inspire others with my own story.  Taking this opportunity, I would like to encourage fellow SEN students: Your future holds infinite possibilities, so do not limit yourselves or think of yourselves as inferior.  Have faith in your abilities and forge ahead to achieve your goals.   

Lastly, I would like to thank everyone for their encouragement and support, which has given me the courage to confront challenges and made me believe that those who hold on to hope for the future and strive for continuous improvement will eventually fulfil their dreams.