Living a Vibrant U-Life:
Melody Poon Writes Her Life Symphony
“Last week, we wandered to the New Territories,
My friend said, ‘Let’s find a hidden paradise…'”
This was the opening line of a jingle created by Melody Poon during her sophomore year as part of a class assignment. Melody’s life has been deeply intertwined with music and creativity throughout her college journey. Over the past three years, she has competed in campus singing contests and taken part in internships related to creative work. Looking ahead, she plans to pursue a career in music and multimedia production. Reflecting on her vibrant university journey, Melody’s excitement is palpable. Rather than simply immersing herself in creative pursuits, it’s more apt to say she is crafting her own life story—composing a bright and dynamic symphony.
Melody is a Year 4 Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) student, studying for a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Creative Advertising and Media Design. She traces her passion for creativity back to high school.
“I was part of the Student Union, responsible for creating promotional materials and short videos. I really enjoyed communicating ideas, persuading people, and inspiring others,” she shared. At HKMU, her creative spark blossomed and grew. “Studying here allows me to learn and experiment with various channels and methods to express my ideas and creativity—whether through graphic design, website development, coding, microfilms, voiceovers, or videography. In my third year, I worked in the School’s green screen studio, simulating the production of a real television show. Using professional-grade equipment and tools was a fresh and exciting experience.”
Melody lights up as she reflects on her university projects, particularly a memorable assignment from her sophomore year. Tasked with creating a hiking safety campaign, she and her classmates collaborated on a catchy jingle titled Safe Hiking Folk Tune. “The goal was to make it appealing and memorable for all ages,” she explained. “I composed the music while we worked together on the lyrics. After recording the song, we produced a promotional video and even designed a mascot. It was an unforgettable experience, and I cherished every moment of working as a team!”
Harmonize Interests and Academics
Melody is deeply involved in campus life, yet she strongly focuses on her academic development. She has been on the Dean’s List of the School of Arts and Social Sciences three times and was awarded the Outstanding Student Scholarship. “Time management is the key—balancing study, rest, and leisure. But when you are doing something you love, you set goals and achieve them without feeling burdened,” she explained. Over the summer, Melody created a personal portfolio website and pursued internships, securing projects like promotional videos and advertising boards for university programmes. She also gained valuable real-world experience in the marketing department of an advertising company.
Thanks to her excellent academic performance, Melody successfully applied for scholarships from the university and the government through the Student Affairs Office, totaling over HKD50,000. She highlighted that HKMU offers numerous funding opportunities and chances for students to broaden their horizons. “Last summer, I also received a HKD10,000 scholarship and participated in a 10-day study tour to Germany, Austria, and Hungary.”
Looking ahead, Melody is considering further studies and aspires to work in the music industry, with a focus on multimedia projects. “For now, I want to cherish my final year of U-life, exploring the world as a student, connecting with more creative companies, and engaging with the industry.”
Forge Bonds and Expand Horizons
Music is another avenue for Melody to channel her creativity and express herself. After enrolling at HKMU, she joined the Music Society’s orientation camp, where she met like-minded peers—a turning point in her life. “Beyond bonding over music and busking, we shared life experiences and philosophies. Their support and encouragement guided me during challenging times,” she said.
For three consecutive years, Melody participated in the HKMU Singing Contest, trying duet, rap, and solo performances.. Along the way, she forged lasting friendships and won the titles of group champion and individual second runner-up. “I love being on stage—those few minutes are completely mine,” she shared. To ensure the best stage presence, she also applied her knowledge of colour theory from her coursework, carefully selecting outfits that matched the vibes of each song.
Melody Poon
