At The ELCHK Yuen Long Lutheran Secondary School (YLLSS), education is about watering dreams with love and shaping souls through challenges. For this, the final “Principal’s Note” of the academic year, I want to share the inspiring story of Head Prefect MAK Ka-yuen—a story of chasing light, where he allowed the hardships of life to sculpt his soul and transform “excellence with love” into a profound way of life.
Growth is rarely a smooth path, but hardship can be transformed into nourishment. Losing his father at the age of two and facing the pressures of a single-parent household were the “lemons” life handed him. Yet, Ka-yuen adopted optimism as his shield. He learned perseverance from his mother’s care and was inspired by Professor CHAN Ka-keung Francis of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, resolving to become a doctor whose mission is not only to “save the patient but also comfort the family”—treating not just the illness, but the entire household. Before the announcement of the Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) results, he had already received an offer from the Chinese University of Hong Kong’s Faculty of Medicine, proving through his experience that the hardships of life are, in fact, the sculpting tools for the soul.
The true meaning of excellence is to shine while carrying love. While his academic scores consistently topped the ranks, his real goal was always to surpass his previous self. As the Head Prefect, he practiced “strict yet loving” servant leadership: tutoring classmates, advocating for compassionate medical care, and refining his empathy into a commitment to “hold up an umbrella for others.” His excellence is an excellence with soul—it is the living inheritance of the spirit of “love” at YLLSS, and the genuine goodness, truth, and beauty that education strives for.
On his journey to achieve his dreams, Ka-yuen was never alone. He received guidance through the Principal’s Growth Mindset philosophy, the encouraging trust of Discipline Master Mr. CHAN, the meticulous efforts of Vice Principal Mr. TAM in designing mock exams, the promise embedded in the microscope gifted by Mathematics Teacher Mr. YEUNG, the solidarity of his peers, and the support from the Alumni Fund… This collective strength of teachers, mentors, and friends made him firmly believe that he was, indeed, never alone on the path to his dreams.
The true significance of education lies in teaching children to smile at adversity and soar while being powered by love. Ka-yuen’s story is a vivid portrait of “excellence with love”: only by growing up surrounded by love can one truly understand how to love others and oneself, ensuring achievements are filled with soul. May more young people, like him, pursue the light with love as their foundation, ensuring that one generation surpasses the last!
Education is about safeguarding love and dreams amidst the storms of life. And stories like this one are the warmth of YLLSS—anchored by love, ensuring that excellence has a soul, and allowing all dreamers to shine steadfastly!