Public examination is a huge challenge for many secondary school students. In particular, repeaters undoubtedly face more stress. Rachel, who is 19 years old now, felt frustrated when she did not have a satisfactory result in DSE last year and could not be admitted to her favourite programme. When she was in despair and had much self-doubt, Rachel met social worker Jenny from NiteCat Online (Cyber Youth Support Team) of The Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs Association of Hong Kong (BGCA). She was then determined to sit for the examination again as a repeater.
Tiring to strike a balance between retaking exam and work
‘I know that I have sacrificed one year for this opportunity, so I will cherish it even more.’ Rachel spoke firmly and shared with us her story of sitting for DSE twice. Recalling the result release last year, Rachel could not enter business schools of universities. She was down in the dumps. She was reluctant to accept other offers and confused about her future. During a voluntary activity last summer, Rachel got to know our social worker Jenny. The two became close. After result release, Rachel talked to Jenny. From their conversation, Rachel made up her mind to retake DSE and joined the cyber youth service which supports the youth in need.
Jenny said Rachel left her a refreshing first impression, ‘she is mature and her manner is decent.’ Rachel, who is very independent, has plenty of work experience although she is only 19. She worked in a restaurant for half a year, and sent flyers on the streets in order to make a living. As her family is far from a well-off one, Rachel had to strike a balance between studying and work when she repeated. It was tiring for her. ‘I feel stressed when I have to squeeze time for work and doing revision.’
Due to the noisy environment at home, Rachel had to look for another study place. She travelled to NiteCat Online study room in Lai Chi Kok from Sha Tin every week. Jenny knew this and praised her for her perseverance. ‘She is really perseverant and I can feel her eagerness – she can do everything for retaking the exam.’
Social worker as her "second mom"
It is never easy to be a repeater. The NiteCat Online DSE Fight Club offers activities including exam skills workshops, mock exams and CV proofreading. They also set up study rooms, hoping to gather repeaters who support and encourage each other. As one of the members, Rachel has joined numerous activities. Apart from academic support, she also felt care and love from social workers and fellow members.
Rachel joked that Jenny is like her ‘second mom’. She tells Jenny everything, from family conflicts to academic stress. ‘Jenny warms my heart: she gave me daily necessities in person when my family was in shortage of those during the pandemic. She also sent me a packet of super sour candy which wakes me up.’
Beside care from social workers, Rachel was supported by peers. She recalled meeting many repeaters at the Christmas party at the centre last year. In spite of her tight schedule, she chatted and counted down with new friends, which made her day. She mentioned that she was not used to venting negative emotions, and NiteCat Online offers a platform for her to express her thoughts. ‘I find it a great experience to grow up and become better together.’ Rachel also recalled that someone sent her a piece of chocolate when she was studying. A candy may be insignificant, but it can become a driving force and add sweetness to her tedious life.
Learning that Rachel had gained much from the Club, Jenny felt relieved as she thinks repeaters of DSE may feel lonely easily and experience many ups and downs. They need support from people who share the same experience as them. Jenny said that a communication group of more than 70 students with different backgrounds had been set up by the Club members this year. They supported each other when preparing for DSE. She hopes to set up the Club next year as well and encourages Rachel to share with new members, inheriting the never-give-up spirit.
The hard work pays off – Rachel enrols in the Business School of HKUST and applies for scholarship for further studies
Gaining a remarkable result in her second attempt of DSE, Rachel enrols in the Business School of HKUST. In the future, she hopes to found a company which promotes green living. With Jenny’s encouragement, she successfully won the scholarship of CLAP@JC which she spent on applying relevant courses and IELTS in order to equip herself.
Rachel knows that she has high expectations on herself and hopes to contribute to society. She also hopes to be bold enough to face challenges ahead. ‘Sometimes I see my friends having few challenges, but I like conquering many obstacles. I wish I can keep stay true to myself and be fearless.’
More about Nite Cat Online (Cyber Youth Support Team)
