by Candy Wong
Candy reflects on her summer exchange in Cambridge, contrasting Hong Kong’s relentless pace with a slower, more mindful lifestyle — and discovering what balance truly means.
Living in a city where speed and efficiency are priorities, I have grown accustomed to a lifestyle of fast-paced routines and non-stop activities. Early morning days filled with packed schedules, classes, extracurricular programmes and tutorial lessons. Then repeat. I actually thrive on this energy, an energy that is also represented by the hustle and bustle of city life, with its relentless pace. It’s been an exhilarating routine, yet equally exhausting.
What are different countries like? Are there slower-paced lifestyles? Ones that allow for leisurely strolls after school and spontaneous adventures in nature and outdoors.
I had the good fortune to test this out in a three-week summer exchange programme in Cambridge. I was prepared, but I still experienced shockwaves in ways I never would have imagined and a lifestyle in total contrast to my daily routine in Hong Kong.
The atmosphere was refreshingly different. Instead of a “competitive” learning environment, I was immersed in “collaborative” learning, brainstorming ideas collectively with my peers. Instead of working overtime, I was encouraged to give myself time to wind down from assignments and pursue passions, hang out with friends and enjoy the freedom to explore interests beyond academics.
Initially, I thought this was the perfect lifestyle, an ideal escape from the persistent busyness of Hong Kong. However, as the days progressed, I realised I couldn’t fully adapt to this slower pace. The allure of Cambridge’s gentle pace was undeniable, but I found myself yearning for the vibrant energy and sense of urgency that my hometown is famous for, apart from it being a paradise of food, which I missed.
I was disconnected from the rhythm I was accustomed to. The tranquillity was a disconnect from the dynamic city in which I grew up. I know that, though sometimes suffocating, a packed schedule gave me a sense of purpose. But it wasn’t that simple.
My time in Cambridge and the interactions with my global peers made me rethink how I looked at the world: being busy, pursuing a materialistic lifestyle, status, luxury and endless activities, against a minimalistic lifestyle, quality over quantity, less consumption of the latest gadgets and fashion, and time.
I recognised that there were some healthy practices I could adopt, to find what best fits me. Not one lifestyle or perspective is perfect. I just need to find what keeps me balanced and resonates with my values. ■
Candy Wong is a 17-year-old studying at Liu Po Shan Memorial College. She is a passionate and enthusiastic debater and public speaker. She also cherishes the small joys of life, finding happiness in everyday moments that many may overlook.