Awardee Sharing
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2023 - 2024 Big Fish Award |
Bachelor of Social Science Programme in Social Work (BSSc)
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Master of Social Science Programme in Social Work (MSSc)
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| Big Fish Award for Non-local Placement |
Master of Social Science Programme in Social Work (MSSc)
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Big Fish Award
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Mr. Choi Lok Hin, Phoebus (BSSc Programme in Social Work, Year 2, 2023-24) |
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I am honored to receive the 2023-24 Big Fish Award. As my first placement started from this September, I often felt frustrated by limitations in reality like limited resources and time. They made me questioned myself if I could really be a 'client-centered' social worker. However, the experience during the scholarship interview, such as sharing my life journey with the judges and collaborating with peers reminded me of my passion and reasons for choosing social work as my major. The life story of Mrs. Lam has greatly inspired me, showing that with passion and determination, I can make a difference and stay close with the community regardless of my position. I hope to carry forward Mrs Lam's spirit and become a dedicated, 'client-centered' social worker. |
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Ms. Lam Ching Yi, Jane (BSSc Programme in Social Work, Year 2, 2023-24) |
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First, I would like to thank Mrs. Teresa Lam and her family for establishing the Big Fish Scholarship and for their support. And I also express my deepest gratitude to the selection committee for choosing me among all the excellent candidates. While preparing for the individual interview, I read an article about Mrs. Lam, which described how she, as a community worker, cared about the community, personally became part of the community, and stood up for the community's perspective. Now that I am participating in social work as a trainee community worker, Mrs. LAM's attitude and courage often come to my mind, deeply reminding me of the possibilities of social work. Like Mrs. Lam's insight, my placement experience also tells me that a worker needs not only to be accompanied, but also to remove the shackles of power and climb down from the ivory tower, accept the growth experience of the service users, see through the influence of social structure and culture on them, and to enter into their hearts with sincerity.
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Ms. Cheng Hang Yi, Hay (MSSc Programme in Social Work, Full-time Year 2, 2023-24) |
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Before embarking on my journey into social work, I grappled with confusion regarding the direction and approach I should adopt as a helping professional. With a background in psychology, I initially viewed mental health through a pathological lens, believing that pharmaceutical therapy and counseling play crucial roles in alleviating symptoms and distress. On the other hand, adopting a systemic perspective revealed how the dysfunction within an individual's environment significantly impacts their mental well-being. Sometimes, a person's struggles cannot be solely attributed to personal shortcomings. Studying social work has broadened my understanding of how to interpret and address human needs, particularly through group work. The formation and facilitation of mutual support groups serve as robust social networks for individuals facing similar challenges. Empowered individuals can harness their strengths and resources developed within these groups, utilizing them effectively even after the group’s conclusion. I have come to realize that the choice of intervention approaches is less critical than identifying people's needs and fostering a goodwill to community contribution. I find great fulfillment in working with others and supporting those in need. I am particularly concerned about the challenges faced by individuals who matter deeply to me. I recall social gatherings with my university friends, during which many expressed uncertainty about their career paths. They perceived a limited job market and struggled to attain their aspirations and professional goals post-graduation. This experience planted the seeds for my journey toward becoming a facilitator of social innovation. Together, we, as ex-teammates of psychological wellness ambassadors, united by our passion for enhancing mental well-being. We established a group dedicated to addressing the mental health needs of adolescents and bridging existing service gaps. This endeavor was uplifting, as our team explored avenues for pursuing our prosocial values while preparing ourselves to be future leaders committed to social services. I draw inspiration from Teresa, who exemplifies the application of social work values at both organizational and community levels. I believe that serving a small group is a vital first step toward community engagement, echoing the timeless sentiment of asking “what can you do for your country?”. |
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Ms. Lau Kam Yu, Sophie (MSSc Programme in Social Work, Part-time Year 3, 2023-24) |
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Thank you to Mrs. Lam Yu Lai Ling of the Big Fish Foundation for her generous donation and to the judges for selecting me among so many outstanding students. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my feelings about receiving this award. Three years ago, I could never have imagined that I would receive such encouragement and support from a social welfare pioneer whom I have never met. Mrs. Lam's commitment to helping youth and her compassion for those in need inspire me to carry this love forward in my work and life. Through my studies, I've found my passion in rehabilitation services, helping individuals withmental and emotional challenges. Though I’ve only been in this role for a few months, each case has given me valuable insights into life. I remember a teacher saying that social work involves emotional labor and requires dedication. A lyric I love expresses the desire for true love to heal pain, which reflects my goal in this profession. I hope to build trusting relationships with clients, providing them with confidence and hope. Finally, I want to thank God. Despite challenges in the past, He shows his love and support from different people, which have strengthened my faith and guided me toward a life dedicated to helping others. I will continue to strive to serve those in need in life. |
Big Fish Award for Non-local Placement
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Mr. Hui Lok Yin, Adam (MSSc Programme in Social Work, Part-time Year 3, 2023-24) |
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It is my profound honor to be a recipient of the Big Fish Award. The symbolism of the Big Fish Award is truly touching: Mrs. Lam, our guiding big fish, nurturing the smaller fish—us awardees—with her unique care and vision. This scholarship signifies more than just an acknowledgment of our efforts in placement, academics, and social work; it embodies the love, warmth, and compassion that Mrs. Lam's family continues to extend. Though she may no longer be with us, her love and beliefs remain, continuously nurturing and inspiring the new generation of social workers. Visiting Dorothy’s ESG Innovation Lab has ignited a spark within me, opening my eyes to a world of new possibilities and directions in social work. The lab, with its forward-thinking approach and innovative solutions, demonstrated how we can harness cutting-edge technologies and means to tackle social issues more effectively. While many tried-and-true methods and interventions exist, as social workers, we must dare to challenge the status quo. Innovation and creativity are essential in developing even more effective interventions and tools to achieve greater results. I have recently embarked on my social work journey at the Social Welfare Department’s Integrated Family Services Centre. Within the realm of social work, there is an abundance to learn and countless challenges to face. These experiences have led me to reflect deeply on our responsibilities and potential as a social worker. At times, the path may seem uncertain, but by keeping our faith and persisting, along with embracing new ways to alleviate our workload and reduce stress, we can experience significant personal growth. This journey is not only about helping others but also about personal growth and evolving as compassionate and dedicated selves. |
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Ms. Lai Hoi Yi, Cathy (MSSc Programme in Social Work, Part-time Year 3, 2023-24) |
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I am very grateful to Mrs. Lam Yu Lai Ling, Teresa's family for establishing the "Big Fish Award." What makes this scholarship unique is its strong emphasis on "the essence of a person" and "inheritance." Although I have never met Teresa, I can still feel her passion and commitment to social service, and her daughter Dorothy continues this kindness, passing on warmth and positive energy. This scholarship represents not only an affirmation for me but also a responsibility, serving as a motivation for me to continuously strive for self-improvement. Currently, I am engaged in case counseling work in mental health services. When I feel powerless and full of self-doubt, I reflect on how far I have come, including those who have helped me and believed in me more than I believed in myself. As I think about this, I hope to become a person with a positive influence—just like Teresa and Dorothy—impacting more lives through my own. In my future life and work, I will continue to maintain a humble attitude and make different attempts to break through my limits. I hope to transform this reward into a way to contribute to society. I believe that only by continuously enhancing my abilities can I truly repay everyone's expectations and trust. |
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Ms. Tong Kit Mei, May (MSSc Programme in Social Work, Part-time Year 3, 2023-24) |
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I am deeply honored to receive this award, which represents a significant milestone in my life. I also recognize that this award is not solely my achievement; it is a collective acknowledgment of everyone around me. Mrs. Lam Yu Lai Ling, Teresa once quoted a verse from the Bible: “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” This serves as a reminder for us to learn to let go and entrust our concerns. As a social worker, I sometimes experience feelings of powerlessness in my efforts to assist everyone, and I may inadvertently absorb the emotions of those I serve. Nevertheless, I am gradually learning to cultivate trust, believing that they possess the capacity to confront their own challenges. Walking alongside them is also an essential aspect of my journey as a social worker. In conclusion, I am committed to embodying the passion of Mrs. Lam Yu Lai Ling and her family members in order to effect positive change in society. |