Sunday, November 30, 2014

Personal Reflection on Refugee Run Simulation

On 15th November, my fellow REDbird teammates and I have participated in the Refugee Run Simulation organized by Crossroads Foundation as training. We had to live the life of a refugee for about an hour and experience the fear of those staying at refugee camps around the world. It was really eye opening and rewarding that I have decided to share it.

At the beginning, we were briefed the current situations of millions of refugees and the preparation work for the simulation – each participant would receive a new identity (including a name, age, occupation and marital status) and “remaining assets” before entering the dark simulation venue. Suddenly, the room went pitch black and armed troops began to split everyone up. Being separated with my friend, I was terrified as I scrambled to get up; some people even screamed out loud.

In the following hour, my group and I had to be in someone else’s shoes and feel what it was like to face corruption, hunger, illness, and danger at the same time. During daytime, I had to trade in our personal belongings, e.g. watches and shoes for food (only bread and little water for the whole group); at night, my group and I had to share a tent with little room. Nevertheless, none of us could actually rest peacefully. Occasionally, we heard commotion and loud shouting outside the tent but dared not to look – it was later when we discovered that someone has been shot, there was a fight or a robbery, etc. It was unsafe even though we were staying at a refugee camp.

Each of us had no income; children received no education; the injured got zero proper medical care – I just hoped that this would end quickly. Women were raped while men were often interrogated and beaten. Many times, soldiers would verbally abuse us and steal valuables and even our identity cards. Whenever I stood in line (either waiting to get food or medical care), I always stared at the floor instead of the soldiers – I did not want to get into trouble and get hollered at. I witnessed a friend being fired questions at by two soldiers; his hands were above his heads and he was kneeling on the ground facing a blank well. He was desperate to be set free but had no proof identity as it was stolen a while ago. The soldiers did not believe him and directed more questions at him. It was simply painful just to watch him struggle between two rifles.

To me, the most memorable moments were when an inspiring speaker shared touching stories of refugees. When I heard about the current situations of refugees - lacking food, protection, medical care and education opportunities, I was in shock. I truly thought that those living in refugee camps were lucky; they had armed guards day and night and stable supply of resources, right? 

The answer is no. 

Women and children who had to leave the camp daily to get firewood for cooking and warmth face the risks of being raped; men and the elderly who wanted to help them got brutally beaten and their valuables stolen. Outside the camp, there was no one who could save them. 

Inside the camp, people fought for limited resources. They had to use their few assets to trade for little food and water that could definitely not satisfy the whole family's needs; they had to be humiliated and verbally abused by soldiers and had low self-esteem; they could not attend schools and this created a problem of intergenerational poverty. 

Even if they could reach home (not without walking months and months), their houses would have been invaded or torn down. Much time is needed to rebuild a refugee's home and to mend the hole in his heart. Some people spent many years of their lives in a refugee camp in fear. They could not receive psychological care and interact with others normally. This hindered their personal growth and development and wasted their time (which is priceless). 

I have learned a lot throughout the Refugee Run Simulation. Not only am I grateful for what I have, but also I have a lot more respect for refugees. The simulation was different from what I expected – it was realistic and required much movement. For example, we had to scatter around and interact with others instead of sitting passively and getting a lecture for an hour. This allowed me to be in the shoes of a refugee, even though I knew what I experienced was only a tiny percentage of what refugees feel every day.

Before the simulation, I thought that refugees were lucky they got shelter, food and protection during the war. After the simulation, I finally understood how they suffer from illness, hunger and danger daily seriously. Every day, they have less and less faith and feel more anxious about the unpredictable future. They still have to worry about their long lost family members, their homes and their lives ahead. Refugees live in constant fear and being in a refugee camp does not guarantee them a stable and peaceful lifestyle. I thought soldiers were supposed to protect refugees and ensure their safety; instead, soldiers stole our assets to earn money and threatened us a lot. Staying at a refugee camp did not make me feel content; similar to being at war, I had a hard time expecting the unexpected and had to be alert of surrounding environment all the time.

Now, I definitely have more respect for my grandmother, who has witnessed war and faced chaos when the Japanese took over Mainland China. It is correct to say that it is not until we step into others’ shoes and walk a mile that we truly understand how they feel. I will be sure to apply this in future situations and not judge others and everything so quickly.

Furthermore, this activity has made me realize how fortunate I am. Growing up in Hong Kong, I have gained much support from my parents and lived peacefully and safely with no danger. I had no trouble receiving proper medical care, learning opportunities and adequate nutrition growing up. I have never experienced war and post-war life like refugees, who have witnessed the breaking of their families, the horror of not having sufficient resources and the wastage of time and youth waiting and hoping for nothing. After the Refugee Run Simulation, I have vowed to not take everything for granted. I ought to be grateful for what I have and cherish the resources provided to me.

In addition, this brand new experience has helped facilitate my personal growth. Besides the aforementioned increase in respect for others, I have become more accepting towards multiple views. After the simulation, there was a debriefing session in which participants from different walks of life voice out various opinions. Hearing their thoughts has widened my horizons and raised my multicultural awareness. I hope I can apply what I have learnt in the Simulation in future activities and scenarios.

All in all, this activity has strengthened my following REDbird attributes:
  • Respectful
  • Diverse
  • Innovative
  • Responsive 


Since the Refugee Run Simulation is recommended for everyone to join, I would like to direct you to the following website here: https://www.crossroads.org.hk/home/global-x-perience/which-global-x-perience/ , where you will find much information about the said Refugee Run Simulation and other impactful and thought-provoking activities at Crossroads. Of course, you can apply to be a volunteer at Crossroads and help out during your leisure time. 

The REDbird Award Program has allowed me to develop myself and gain more exposure. I look forward to participating in another fruitful and educational event. At the same time, I would love to hear feedbacks from those who have joined the Simulation as well! 

Saturday, November 29, 2014

Branded Bio

Born in Canada, I have been exposed to multiple cultures, mainly Chinese, Canadian and French. I have been learning French since I was young, in order to facilitate communication with locals. Since then, I have developed an interest towards learning foreign languages. Now, I am self-studying Spanish and Latin as well. One day, I hope to travel to European countries and chat with locals fluently in their native languages.

As I am interested in words and languages, I enjoy reading as well, particularly romance novels. Since I am a bookworm, it is not difficult to see me walking around with my head in an inch-thick book. Also, I write short stories. I have been doing that since junior year, when I had to transfer to another high school and have decided to write a story about my friends and my life. I hope it gets published one day.

I am a passionate person. Whenever I am interested in doing something, I give in my full efforts to strive high, no matter how much workload I need to face. When asked about what I can contribute, I can answer you my time. I do not mind offering mental and physical strength to fulfill requirements or finish a task I like. I like to devote time to volunteer and help those in need. I do not mind teaching my brother his homework. I like strolling around the park with my grandma.

Besides engaging in passive activities, I like participating in active ones too. I am skilled at playing sports. I know how to swim four styles when I was 7 years old. I have won a gold medal for Inter-School swimming galas. In addition, I play golf during my leisure time with my younger brother.

In the future, I would like to have a profession in the legal and business field. As a business freshman, I would like to expand my knowledge gaining to company laws. Who knows – maybe I will be a legal consultant at a firm or the financial department head of a law firm. With my growing interest in law, I would like to integrate both legal and business knowledge and skills.

To me, the most important value is family relationships. Growing up in a supportive environment, I often remind myself how lucky I am to have parents who guide me with their experience and at the same time, give sufficient space for me to develop my creativity and pursue interests. I am grateful for how I was raised and hope my kids feel the same about me when I become a parent. Furthermore, I respect my parents and value filial piety a lot. My parents have given me unconditional love and sacrificed time and money for my brother and I. They do not expect any return and just want the best for their children. I would take care of them whenever I can and set an example for my brother.


Speaking of my brother, we share a strong siblings bond. Even with a knowing glance or a simple gesture, we know what is going on in each other’s minds. We shared and still share countless memories together, from going on vacation in foreign countries to watching comedy movies, etc. We talk about everything and are each other’s best friend. He understands me the most and is willing to learn a lot. He is a special person and I am fortunate to have him in my life. I look forward to seeing him achieve his dreams and succeed.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

平面廣告比較


這篇文章的目的,是要從圖像和語言兩方面比較附件一和附件二的廣告。

圖像方面

-選材

附件一的廣告上印有數個照相機和相片的圖示,表示該廣告是宣傳跟攝影有活動。這可提高讀者對活動的了解,以及令廣告更生動。

附件二的廣告上印有一個用七彩繽紛的大型花朵拼出來的照相機,代表該廣告正在宣傳與花有關的攝影活動。另外,照相機中間印有「香港花跡」四字。這不但令廣告更生動,更能吸引讀者的目光、引起他們的注意 。此外,照相機本身也是一朵花。這個設計緊扣主題,呼應著比賽的主角-花兒。

附件二的圖像比附件一的大很多,而且圖像的設計把攝影與花兒二合為一,使廣告更有趣。這能更提高讀者對觀看附件二的興趣。

-顏色

附件一的數個圖示,均是彩色。這與淺色、單調的背景顏色成對比,吸引他人目光。

附件二的大型照相機,以是綠色作背景,製造一種關於環境、自然生態的感覺,與所推廣的比賽的名字「香港花」、主題「香港花跡」、目的「推廣市民對自然環境的關注;及發掘本地賞花好去處」息息相關。此外,照相機上有著不同顏色的花朵。這能把色彩鮮明的花朵從簡單、淺綠色的背景中產生對比,吸引讀者的注意。

附件二的圖像的顏色比附件一的更鮮艷、搶眼。附件二色彩繽紛的佔率更比附件一的高很多,更能在遠處吸引讀者的注意。

-位置

附件一印有數個照相機和相片的圖示,表示該廣告是跟攝影有關。此外,這些圖示都分佈於廣告的四周,令讀者看廣告的任何位置,都能清除知道廣告的目的,並能舒緩多字數的感覺。

附件二與前者不同;它印有的大型「照相機花」位於整個廣個的中間位置。這個搶眼的效果能吸引讀者的目光、並讓讀者第一時間便留意到攝影比賽的名字「香港花跡」。

語言方面

-語體

在附件一中,運用了書面語。比賽標題「耆樂無窮」,濃縮了以「以長者日常生活,歡笑,喜悅,從多角度各樣事物以正面表達手法」這主題。而「耆」字表示老人,也緊扣著以老人為主角的比賽主題。

在附件二中,也運用了書面語。「香港花跡」代表了參加者需要在香港不同地方拍下花的足跡,所以簡稱「花跡」。

兩個附件的主題均有四個字,十分簡短。它們朗朗上口,提升讀者對廣告的印象。

-用詞

附件一的用詞是以書面語為文。畢竟所推廣的比賽是大型比賽,用詞一般很端莊;不會用口語作標題和內容。

跟前者一樣,附件二的用詞也是以通俗易明的書面語為文。用詞也是很嚴肅;沒有使用口語作標題和內文。

-大小

在附件一裡,比賽主題「耆樂無窮」的字體最大。字體第二大是主辦、協辦機構的名稱(香港老年學會及沙龍影友協會),然後是比賽名字「香港老年學會二十五週年紀念攝影比賽」,再到內文。這可以凸顯「耆樂無窮」四個字、主辦、協辦機構的名稱和比賽名稱。

在附件二裡,比賽主題「香港花跡」的字體最大。字體第二大是比賽名稱「花鳥蟲魚攝影比賽」,再到主辦、協辦機構的名稱(北區花鳥蟲魚展覽會及數碼動力(中港)協會)和贊助商和人的名稱。

兩者把重要的資料放大,讓讀者在遙遠的地方都能看到廣告所推廣的比賽名稱和主題,令他們有興趣繼續閱讀內文。

-顏色

在附件一中,主體的四個字「耆樂無窮」分別使用了綠色、粉紅色、藍色和黃色來印刷。 此外,比賽和主辦、協辦機構的名稱都分別以不同深淺色的綠色和紫色來作印刷;而內文除了小標題外是深藍色以外,全都是黑色。這可以把廣告所推廣的重要信息從白色的背景中襯托出來,廣播信息。

在附件二中,主題的四個字「香港花跡」和比賽名稱均是深藍色。這可以把它們從淺綠色和白色的背景中凸顯出來,吸引讀者的注意力。除了主辦、協辦機構和贊助的名稱是不同深度的綠色以外,內文也是深藍色。這可以把他們從白色的背景中襯托出來,方便讀者細閱。

-位置

在附件一和二中,重要的信息如比賽標題、名稱、主辦、協助機構的名稱等都是置中的、在-廣告最上方的。這可以讓讀者從上而下讀廣告時,把最重要的資訊先了解,讓他們決定是否再讀下去。

在附件一中,文是從上而下;小標題跟對應資料是在同一行上。這可以讓讀者更方便地閱讀的內容。

在附件二中,內文是從上而下、左至右;小標題的下一行才是對應資料。這可以令內容條理分明,讓讀者跟容易閱讀。

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

平面廣告評論



功能

以上的圖是一則由廉政公署設計的公益廣告,向大眾推廣要舉報貪罪行的思想,屬於推廣思想、改變讀者對貪行為視而不見是無錯的想法的觀念廣告。

圖像 

-選材

從廣告中可看到,圖的左邊顯示了兩個目光全都投射在一個公文袋上,並笑容很奸詐的人。他們應該有份參與貪活動、以不公正的途徑賺了利潤;圖的中間位置有四個人拿著眼罩,好像剛剛把它們除下。這代表當市民目睹有貪活動(如上面描述的兩個男人的行為等)在進行中,就不可以視而不見和採取「睜一眼閉一眼」的態度。

以上所的兩種角色有助讀者對比一下他們,下一次看到貪活動在進行時,會三思而後行,重新考慮是否應舉報,而不只抽手旁觀。

顏色 

廣告設計者利用單調的藍綠色背景襯托出正文,使正文更能吸引讀者的注意力。此外,貪的那兩個人衣著都是黑色的,似乎在明他們選擇參與貪活動,案底將會水再洗也不清而在中間的那四個人身穿顏色鮮艷的襯衫,明他們不牽涉於貪活動中和舉報這些犯罪行為,會是一個很好的榜樣,以及前途會一片光明。

以上的廣告擁有著不同顏色,讓人看了第一眼後,便能引起他人的注意。然後,他們就會對廣告的構思生興趣,從而被廣告服,作出行動。

位置 

從廣告中可看到,中間的位置有四位會舉報貪活動的良好市民,手中拿著眼罩。他們佔了整個廣告的一半,在設計上非常搶眼。讀者從遠方遙望,已經可以被廣告吸引到注意力。
此外,那兩個貪人士就在四位好市民的左下方,並顯得很小。這就明只要有人舉報他們,他們就會沒有餘力反抗、被繩之於法、逃不出法律的制裁。

語言

語體

在廣告裡,分別使用了口頭語及書面語。在廣告的左上方,有著一句「隻眼開,隻眼閉」而非書面語「睜一眼閉一眼」。在廣告下放,有著「有貪必報,你做得到」的押韻字句,朗朗上口,令讀者對此廣告印象更深刻。

用詞

廣告語「隻眼開,隻眼閉。只會助長貪!」和「有貪必報,你做得到」簡簡單單二十個字就概括了整個廣告的含義。
另外,下面的小字「香港 勝在有你同ICAC」加強讀者的信心,提升他們舉報貪行動的機會。

樣式

廣告左上方的黑白字,從大到小、由左至右排列,好像是四位市民喊出來的句子。這令到整個畫面更生動。
而且,標語的字是粗體。這可以讓在遙遠的人也清楚看得到它。

大小

粉紅色的標語字型很大,非常奪目,能吸引讀者的目光。

顏色

粉紅色讓標語在簡單的背景凸顯出來;而粉紅色,像紅色一樣,給讀者一種要警覺的感覺。這可增強讀者的警覺性和讓他們明白事情的重要性、逼切性。

-位置

廣告的左上方和中下方分別有標語;舉報熱線放在廣告的右下方,讓畢廣告後有需要的讀者能進一步聯絡廉政公署,以達到廣告目的。

Monday, December 3, 2012

現今社會,許多人認為財富與成就成正比,財富越多就越有成就。試作一篇不少於600字的議論文,談談你對這觀點的看法。

早前翻開福布斯雜誌,發現雜誌於2012年3月8日發佈了2012年全球億萬富翁排行榜




墨西哥的卡洛斯·斯利姆·埃盧以690億美元資產蟬聯首富寶座;




美國的比爾·蓋茨




和沃倫·巴菲特分列二三位。我們都認識這些富豪,因為他們除了擁有大量財富之外,還擁有令人羨慕的成就。

因此,在典型的社會中,很多人都會覺得財富與成就成正比。但是,事實真的是如此嗎?讓我們看看以下幾個例子-




1. 阿爾伯特·愛因斯坦,是著名的物理學家思想家哲學家。他被譽為是「現代物理學之父」及二十世紀世界最重要科學家之一,為相對論E=mc²等創立者。此外,他在1905年發表了六篇劃時代的論文,分別為:《關於光的產生和轉化的一個試探性觀點》、《分子大小的新測定方法》、《基於熱分子運動論的靜止液體中懸浮粒子的運動研究》、《論動體的電動力學》、《物體的慣性同它所含的能量有關嗎?》、《布朗運動的一些檢視》。而且,他曾經獲頒發諾貝爾物理學獎、利普爾獎章、普朗克獎章;時代》雜誌更將其評選為20世紀風雲人物。



2. 高錕爵士,是有名的物理學家。高錕為光纖通訊電機工程專家。他是提出用纖維材料傳達光束訊號,以建置通信的第一人,故被譽為「光纖之父」。另外,他進一步分析了吸收散射彎曲等因素,推論被包覆的石英基玻璃有可能滿足衰減需求達到波導。這項關鍵研究結果,驅使全球各地連串運用玻璃纖維波導來通訊的研發工作,為人類打開了光導新紀元大門。為此,他獲得2009年諾貝爾物理學獎以及愛迪生電信獎馬可尼國際獎貝爾獎巴倫坦獎章利布曼獎等。




3. 黃金,是香港單車手。他曾經多次在大型單車賽事獲獎,有「香港之寶」、「單車王子」及「亞洲車神」之稱,並且獲得中國國家主席胡錦濤盛讚「你比黃金還珍貴」。他在全運會、奧運會和世界賽中都分別贏得不同獎項,更獲選為2007年香港十大傑出青年之一。


「財富與成就成正比」的意思除了是財富越多就越有成就之外,還應該是越有成就就財富越多。愛因斯坦、高錕、黃金寶等等未必持有巨額資產,但他們在不同方面,(如科學、運動等)都擁有著傑出的成就。


總括而言,財富與成就不成正比。富有的人,總是有很高的成就;有成就的人,卻未必等於有很多財富。因此,我不同意這個觀點。