Helping Others is Also Fulfilling Oneself:
Suki Tam Discovers the Meaning of Growth Through Service
Helping others may seem like an act of giving, but often, it brings even greater rewards. Suki Tam, a Year 4 student in the Bachelor of Social Sciences with Honours in Psychology and Mental Health at Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU), has come to embrace this truth firsthand. Through active participation in a range of service-learning programmes at HKMU, she discovered her strengths, uncovered new dimensions of her personality, and found the meaning of growth. “If you're willing to try, you'll break through your limits and unlock infinite possibilities,” she said.
From her very first year, Suki joined the Student Affairs Office (SAO)'s Mental Health Ambassador (MHA) Programme with the hope of putting her studies into practice, by spreading awareness and promoting emotional well-being at school. Each year, she and her team designed different themed campaigns to engage fellow students in creative and approachable ways.
One of her most memorable events focused on sleep and mental health. “We used aromatherapy candles to help participants relax and taught them to weave dreamcatchers to hang above their beds,” she said. “I didn't expect so many people to be so fascinated by the craft itself.” The event drew students from various departments, many of whom had never met before. It not only built awareness but also created friendships, and Suki herself left with a few new ones.
In addition to serving as an MHA, Suki also joined the SAO’s SENsitivity Buddies Programme, where she interacted with students with Special Educational Needs (SEN). Through inclusive service projects, the programme encourages mutual understanding and connection between SEN and non-SEN students.
A standout memory was a partnership with the Hong Kong Physically Handicapped and Able-Bodied (PHAB) Association to host a wheelchair experience event. Participants navigated the campus in wheelchairs to experience firsthand the challenges of physical disability. “What normally takes one or two minutes on foot took over five in a wheelchair,” Suki recalled. “It was exhausting just pushing the chair, and turning corners was especially tough.”
The experience, she said, made everyone reflect on the importance of accessible facilities and the need to keep them available for those who truly depend on them. “We shouldn't occupy these spaces casually,” she added, “because doing so limits the rights and access of others.”
Working side by side with SEN students challenged and ultimately changed Suki's perceptions. “Textbooks can describe types of SEN and their symptoms, but they don't show you the people behind the labels,” she said.
Through her experience, she came to appreciate the unique strengths many SEN students possess. She recalled working with a student on the autism spectrum disorder whose organisational skills and artistic talents were outstanding. “With the right support,” Suki said, “they can thrive and shine with confidence.”
True inclusion, she believes, isn't about forcing change on others. “It's about understanding their needs, walking with them, and helping them carve out a path that's right for them.”
Taking the First Step: And Discovering a New Self
Suki describes her journey through service as a process of self-discovery. “I used to be quiet and shy, and rarely joined extracurricular activities in secondary school.” That changed when she was invited to join a service team. Organising events gave her a surprising sense of joy and a growing confidence in her ability to lead and connect. “With each project, I became more certain of my own abilities,” she said.
“It turns out, the first step is everything. Don't worry about the outcome. Just try, and you'll discover possibilities you never expected.”
From Bullseye to Life Philosophy: Focus on the Moment
As a committee member of HKMU's Traditional Chinese Archery Society, she has travelled to compete with teams from other regions and learn about the cultural traditions behind the sport.
“Archery demands both mental clarity and physical discipline,” she explained. “You must focus entirely on each movement. Our coach often says, 'You can see a person's character through how they shoot.'”
This philosophy became a personal mantra. “Before you act, settle your emotions and mindset. And if you miss the target, don't blame others. Reflect on yourself first.” Over time, that approach began to shape how she lived her life beyond the archery range.
When asked about her time at HKMU, Suki smiled and described it as “a journey filled with growth.” She encourages future students to seize every opportunity to explore and expand their limits. “There's so much to discover if you step outside your comfort zone,” she said.
After graduation, she hopes to work in the non-profit organisation, where she can apply her skills in event planning or counselling to support others, just as she was once supported.
Suki Tam
