To Pause, Relax, Observe and Appreciate –Sharing of a HKUSTour Docent
Having spent seven enriching years immersed in the academic and professional environment at HKUST, I've been nurtured by the people I've encountered and captivated by the picturesque mountain and sea views that embrace our campus. This experience has fostered a profound sense of belonging that I am eager to share with my peers and family. In August 2024, I was accepted into the docent training program of HKUSTour – Nature Edition. This initiative provided a unique platform for me to introduce HKUST to others from a non-academic perspective.
The training, conducted by GECO and Kaifong Tour, exceeded my expectations, equipped us docents with skillsets including route planning and storytelling techniques aimed at not only entertaining and educating but also fostering a deep connection between our participants and the natural surroundings of HKUST.
The tour's pinnacle was witnessing the participants' eyes light up as we explored the plant nursery and grass lawn at LG7, followed by a mini forest bathing session where we engaged our senses to connect with nature and momentarily detach from the digital realm. In my role as a docent, I discovered that I was not merely teaching but also learning alongside the group, reaffirming that there is always more to uncover when we slow down and observe closely.
While I had the opportunity to lead only one tour in September 2024, the experience left me eager to guide many more in the future. I found immense joy in sharing my knowledge and passion for HKUST's natural spaces and sustainability initiatives with others, particularly those from the public who may be unfamiliar with our university. This encounter not only deepened my personal connection with HKUST's natural environment but also highlighted the sense of community that thrives among staff, students, alumni, and the public.
In the bustling pace of Hong Kong life, I would encourage everyone to take a moment to pause, relax, and observe, so we can collectively uncover and be amazed by the hidden beauty within the community and nature that we may think to be familiar with but have yet to fully appreciate it.
~Written by Michael Lee, from Sustainability/Net-Zero Office
