Ray Cheung
Hi...My name is Ray Cheung. I’ve been in New Zealand for nearly one year and I am currently studying in Year 12 (like Form 6 in HK). The reason I came here is because I hardly tried my best on my study in HK which led to terrible CE results. Plus, I always dreamed of studying overseas. I just needed a perfect place for me, where I could find a peaceful and decent place to live and focus on my study and where there is not much pollution. I believe I have found the country which has the best natural environment in the entire world.
Travelling is fun, especially when you are alone. You need not worry about your companions. You are guaranteed to become more independent and self-reliant. It took approximately 11 hours from HK to Auckland, then 1 more hour to Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand. During the flight, I could not sleep at all, too busy thinking of what lay ahead and already missing my friends and family in Hong Kong.
When I finally got picked up and taken to my homestay I was so exhausted. All I wanted was a magical bed which could bring me to my dreams in no time. But then, my homestay parents came and greeted me. Accompanying them were waves of nice smelling flowers from the garden behind their house. The smell was quite strong, but nothing unnatural. “Sweet.”, I thought. “Finally, some sleep.” It was too early to think that I could at last settle down. My homestay parents gave me a very warm welcome with hugs and smiles.
If you think studying overseas, staying with native English speakers, you would only eat cold bread and plain potatoes, then you’re completely wrong. The very first meal I had in New Zealand was what you would have never guessed; rice Thai style. It was exceptionally good considering they didn’t have a rice cooker while we people in Hong Kong do.
Never, never ever think potatoes are boring and they are the only food New Zealanders eat. It’s probably one of the main dishes in NZ but there are actually hundreds of ways to cook it, to modify it and beautify it. The cooked potatoes there come in different flavours and different shapes. I personally prefer the square and triangle ones. They are like some garlic flavoured potato cubes with green herbs, and perfectly baked, salted, curry-flavoured potato triangles. Heavenly stuff!
I thought the seasoned chicken cooked by my mom was the best dish you could ever get on earth, and my mom was pretty proud of it. However, there is butter chicken in New Zealand. I do not know where ‘butter chick’ originates from but every time I had it, I enjoyed every mouthful with great appreciation. It is almost too wonderful to be true. ‘Butter-chick’; no mortal men could resist it.
Have you ever been extremely thirsty in the morning after you wake up? You would surely want a glass of water and that glass of water must be ‘sweet’. Or have you ever seen some pictures in children’s story books showing a handsome prince drinking water from a waterfall and the water is described as pure, clean and crystal clear? You can actually get a taste of that water in real life, in New Zealand. It is not only ‘sweet’ but ‘delicious’ in every gulp. Whenever you feel like some refreshment, just stick your mouth to the tap and open it. Pure water pours in and you never need to doubt the quality. Unlike in Hong Kong, the water here does not need to be boiled or distilled.
About my school life here, everything seems perfect. It’s mostly because I love the English language. Love learning it, love listening to it, love being around it. Yes, problems did occur. At first, I had trouble hearing what people said and expressing myself by speaking. But then, with my English teacher’s help. I gradually found confidence in myself so that I talked a lot more and finally gained the ability to adjust myself to understand what they said. It was a long journey before I got used to everything. There aren’t many Chinese at school, which is good. If I wanted to see Chinese and make Chinese friends then why come here? The teachers at Upper Hutt College (my school), I must say, are extremely helpful. They hardly ever let you down. Most of them always know what you need and want to help you out with enthusiasm. They are more than happy to support foreign students, like me, and I appreciate that very much.
After I’ve come here, I feel much healthier than before, and refreshed. I’ve involved myself in many extra-curricular activities such as rugby, running relays, long distance running and rifle shooting etc. At my school, if you are interested in any sports or activity, they would definitely welcome you and have you join them, no matter what ‘size’ you are. At least one extra-curricular activity is guaranteed to suit you. The only thing you need to do is to get involved, build interest, then enjoy.
Most of all, I would like to thank my mom for bringing me to this world, helping me build my character and supporting my choice of studying in New Zealand. I also want to thank my Dad for watching over me spiritually and giving me blessings to overcome my obstacles. Lastly, I am most grateful for everything New Zealand Connections Ltd has done to make things easier for me, and all the staff at Upper Hutt College who contribute to making such a successful school which is filled with decent students and well-experienced teachers. Special thanks to Mr Mutch, Mrs Gleeson, Ms Brown, Ms Cowley, Mrs Hanson, Mr Davidson, Mr Crossley, Mr Torrington, Ms Kay, Mr Mitchell, Mrs Campbell, Mrs Hall, my rugby coaches Marchu and Arthur, and my homestay family; Mr Clapham and the Grays for all the support, knowledge and inspiration they have given me throughout this year. I may not remember all the names of those who have been really great to me but their faces, voices and efforts will never be forgotten.
Thank you, Upper Hutt College.
Ray