Chung Chi College The reminiscences of Chung Chi Campus - 2 Cheung Chiu Shan

I love Chung Chi, the college where I spent four years of my early adulthood. On the day I went to Chung Chi for my admission interview, I took the train to Ma Liu Shui. As soon as I got off the train, I was struck by the serenity and charm of the campus. Nestled away in gently rising green hills, the Chung Chi campus, dotted with low-rise structures, was like a beautiful park with a lot of open space. From the Ma Liu Shui Station, I could see the water glow like emeralds in Tolo Harbor.  Instantly I felt right at home. Chung Chi was a perfect place for anyone who wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Luckily, the interview went well. I got my wish and became a Chung Chi student.

Living on campus was the best part of being a college student. There was no better way to make the transition from teenage years to early adulthood than being in the safe Chung Chi environment. The close-knit nature of the Chung Chi community enabled me to devote myself to studies while making lifelong friends along the way.                The people, places, and events of Chung Chi have provided memorable experiences that are indelibly etched into my memory.

Train Station and Tolo Harbour

A short walk from the train station is a pier that juts out into the sea. It was my favorite spot for a relaxing evening walk. I was also one of the many students who found rowing a boat a most enjoyable experience, especially after a day of attending classes and studying hard at the library. Despite the calluses on my fingers and palms, I continued rowing during my first two years in college. Not far from the pier was a floating platform for Chung Chi swimmers who wanted to rest after a dip in the sea. I remember a swim meet was held at the pier one year. Watching the students compete to be the first to get to the platform was both fun and exciting.

A place of reflection and worship, the Chung Chi chapel was a cool, beautiful building in a lovely setting.  Every Friday I looked forward to going to the chapel. I was drawn to the peaceful ambience of the chapel, the worship and prayer, and the inspirational speeches of the guest speakers. I liked to sit in one of the front pews, where I could see the speakers from a close distance and hear their speeches clearly.

Chung Chi Chapel

One Friday morning, the chapel was filled beyond capacity as Kirk Douglas, a goodwill ambassador of the United States at the time, was the guest speaker. Before Kirk Douglas entered the chapel, our chancellor Dr.Yung urged the congregation to exercise restraint and treat the actor as a regular person.  It worked.  No one asked Kirk for an autograph. Sitting close to the pulpit, I could see Kirk's conspicuous cleft chin. I like Kirk Douglas in his role as Spartacus, but I like him even more in person. With a deep and booming voice, he exuded great warmth and personal charm as he spoke that day.

Rear View of Chung Chi Chapel

I had great roommates in the dormitory. Two of my roommates majored in physics. While both liked to play basketball daily, one was head over heels in love with one of her classmates from the start. Naturally I saw little of her in the dorm but more of the many pairs of high heels that she had left behind every evening.

When I heard rumbling sounds in the distance, I knew a train was about to pull into the train station. Sometimes I would get up from my seat in the dorm room and watch the people get off. I also wanted to see if the procrastinators from the male dorm made it to the train.There were always a few procrastinators running to catch the train. While some succeeded, others did not.                Below the female dormitory was a little village with several cottages. I heard some male students lived down there. I also heard that they secretly ate dog meat in the cottages. Well, that was Chung Chi rumor. Today I am still not sure if there is any truth to it.

Women's Dorm

On my last day as a Chung Chi student, I went to sit on the long wooden bench below Dr.Yung's residence, where I could have a full view of the beautiful campus one more time. Slightly overwhelmed with a tinge of sadness, I lingered as long as I could to take a good look at my beloved Chung Chi. I had a strange feeling that the next time I saw my alma mater, only a vestige of the past would remain.

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