Ng Ching Kuen Zoie's e-portfolio by

First time studying abroad

Zoie918 — 2024-09-18 11:06:43 UTC

My name is Zoie and this is my first time studying abroad to UK, Brighton. I was very nervous and exciting about the new life in UK, as I can arrange my own time schedule, having my time to do anything stuff I wanted to do. I usually play football in Hong Kong by joining a club and at the same time, I am a national team player that represent the HK team. Last week is a welcome week, so I have much time on exploring the stunning city, just simply having a walk on the seaside and found that Brighton is a really nice and beautiful city.

Career

Zoie918 — 2024-09-18 11:31:25 UTC

My aim for career is to become a physiotherapist which specialised in sport physio. Stepping into the field and provide different on-field support to players / athletic is my main dream in the future.

Cultural difference

Zoie918 — 2024-09-18 11:33:19 UTC

In Hong Kong, people don't usually cycle a lot on the street, mainly because the street are narrow and it is a dense city when compared to the others . So there isn't a lot of spaces for cyclist, it's also dangerous for them to cycle along the road with different massive vehicles. Moreover, there is no sign and highlighted area on traffic road which specifically for cyclist while in Brighton, there has a lot and clear sign for peoples.

Other than that, most of the drivers are friendly to give a way for both cyclist and pedestrians,

First try of speaking in English with teachers and classmate

Zoie918 — 2024-09-19 09:09:40 UTC

9 months for stepping out my comfort zone to speak in English with the locals and international students which is a huge challenges for me whose my mother language is cantonese. But luckily, I have the basic communication skills and ability to people and different shops for finding my needs.

About Chemistry

Zoie918 — 2024-09-25 10:12:37 UTC

Back to 4 years ago, I used to study chemistry for a very basic concept at school, however at that moment I found that it is challenging for me, so I switched the subject to physics. And 4 years later, I can't escape from this subject because it is necessary for the entrance of my dream subject in the university, physiotherapy

Subjects in HK and UK

Zoie918 — 2024-09-25 10:36:25 UTC

The curriculum of biology and statistics that I need to study in this foundations course are same as in HK, even would be more easier than in HK so I already have some basic concepts for me to continue the courses in the UK, and save more time on my weakness subject such as English and Chemistry.

Confidence of seeking help from others

Zoie918 — 2024-09-25 10:38:00 UTC

Even in my home country, with a introvert personality I don't often seek help from people around me a because I feel embarrassing, and would bear a thought of "how did people think about me " when I am asking this questions.

How do I think to become a successful student

Zoie918 — 2024-09-25 10:38:47 UTC

For me I think the most important elements of being a successful student is the ability of controlling distractions. Distractions come from anywhere, anytime, it can be your phone, your snacks or even your tiredness. So the biggest enemy is yourself, you distract yourself by telling yourself "let's have a short break for 10 minutes" then another 10 minutes again and again, after that at the end of the day you would find out you did nothing for a whole day because you keep giving yourself a rest. Therefore, remove distractions remove the thought of getting a long break between studies, force yourself to restart on your work after every break, stop thinking of extending the break durations. And that's how you deal with your biggest enemy, you control the enemy, you win yourself and ultimately you get away from procrastinations.

One month in Brighton

Zoie918 — 2024-10-09 10:32:50 UTC

It's my first one month living alone in Brighton, that was so impressed that I'm being independent. I keep speaking English in a lot of different ways, not only at schools but also with my friends, so I agree that I have a slightly improvement on my speaking skills. I remember last Friday, we have a long break (3 hours) between next lesson, so we decided to eat out and have some chatting with others, I often afraid of speaking English in front of those whose are native speaker or speak more fluently than me, but in fact they don't really care about how you speak well, how you use your vocabulary correctly or not, just share what your thought is and chat together. So at that moment, I had a big stepping out on my comfort zone, not as awful as I thought speaking English is.

Beginning of October

Zoie918 — 2024-10-09 10:33:14 UTC

That is a bad weekend for me during the beginning of October. I was sick on 30/9 Monday while at the same time I had a university football trial in Falmer. Fortunately , I performed well in the training and eventually was asked to get my contact from the head coach , that was so shocking for me as a 17 years old students that was put in the FIRST team squad !!!

But thing doesn’t went to the right way, after one week later. I have received a message from the coach, she said The sport department told her I cannot attend the BCUS matches this year as I’m not in a degree course, moreover, I checked the minimum age requirement of playing in BCUS game is 18 years old, sadly that’s why I was out …

Better time management

Zoie918 — 2024-10-09 10:59:56 UTC

living alone for one month, I realised my time management on both study and life aspect are hugely improved, I used to spend a lot of time on my study while my mu will do the laundry for me, cook for me, so that I can only focus on one things. However, studying abroad usually requires student to complete their daily tasks by their own, like me, so a good time management is crucial for students or everyone who are living alone. I'm currently having a good habit of getting in bad at before 11 pm and getting up at around 6:30 to 7 am everyday, then my day starts.

Zoie918 — 2024-10-09 11:04:02 UTC

During weekdays, I will study a little in the morning then attend schools by cycling with my friend together. After all lessons are finished, I will spend another two hours for me time and dinner, after that, another 4 hours of studying sessions begin.

During weekends, I run every morning on Saturday before going to supermarket

Seven sister

Zoie918 — 2024-10-30 11:26:47 UTC

those are my friends and classmates that studying same foundation course with me and aim for physio also.

First anniversary with my boy friend

Zoie918 — 2024-10-30 11:28:35 UTC

I meet my boy friend two years ago at school, we are classmate with the same class for two years, we began our relationship from 25/10/2023 and now 25/10/2024 was our FIRST anniversary. I suggested we both bought a cake to celebrate this memorable moment, and now that’s my cake looks like !!

Brighton subway

Zoie918 — 2024-10-30 11:45:21 UTC

It’s my first time taking the train from Brighton to other city. That day is Sunday, I was invited to watch a U18 league game of Shoreham U18 girls VS Bognor. James coach suggested me to wait in Angmering where he lives with his wife then he will take me to the venue. I spent around £10 for two way to Angmering without using any discount, that is really costly for just travelling to different town, the cost used in here is the same that I used for buying ingredients for whole week.

Therefore, after confirming and registering the Shoreham U18 Girls club, I applied the 16-17 saver, which is 50% off for the tickets only !! Thanks for imposing this offer for 16-17 years old, it saves me a lot !

KFC

Zoie918 — 2024-10-30 11:47:06 UTC

I’ve been waiting for either KFC or McDonald for so so so long since 7/9.

Seven sister walk

Zoie918 — 2024-10-30 11:50:27 UTC

Shoreham U18 girls training kit

Zoie918 — 2024-10-30 11:51:23 UTC

Free for trial

Zoie918 — 2024-10-30 11:52:34 UTC

First match in Brighton represented the club, Shoreham

Zoie918 — 2024-11-06 11:49:18 UTC

Last Sunday 5/11 was my first league game in Brighton, it was postponed from two weeks ago due to the heavy rain on the grass pitch.

It's quit tough for me as I'm new to them, and they usually do long passes at anytime so I have to run along the pitch up and down for several times, that is a stupid action. When they are sticking with the opponents they chose to take a long pass rather than short pass, it is exhausted for both winger and straighter especially during the end of second half.

but luckily, we got 1 score from them same as last game that I watched !

weekly sweet from lovely Kaplan

Zoie918 — 2024-11-06 11:50:02 UTC

Halloween

Zoie918 — 2024-11-06 11:52:05 UTC

those sweets are really so good especially the brownies and a ghost white chocolate, love that so much

School Gym

Zoie918 — 2024-11-06 12:01:30 UTC

I start joining the school gym from last Friday, for me it is a reasonable price for only 17 pound per month.

those equipments, facilities, washroom are great !!

Autumn

Zoie918 — 2024-11-13 11:13:57 UTC

That is so stunning, I couldn't imagine how winter looks like in here !!

Train got cancelled

Zoie918 — 2024-11-13 11:19:54 UTC

So basically, starting from November the training slot is changed from 7-8 to 8-9, that means it's even later to back Kaplan than before. Luckily, I found someone who can take me to the Southwick station before and after training so that I don't need to walk along on the darkness street.

Yesterday, after finishing the first training in November, I was afraid of missing the train at 9:25 but then it cancelled..........so I have to wait for an hour until 10:19, but originally it should arrive at 9:50.

Too Good to Go

Zoie918 — 2024-11-13 11:21:44 UTC

I have bought four pastry with only 5 pound by using this app !!!

Academic English

Zoie918 — 2024-11-13 11:26:47 UTC

I'm scared of my English subject as my requirement for physiotherapy is overall 70% with no less than 65% for each section, im afraid because I don't know the criteria of how they give marks.

I did two writing at class, and was asked to have a one to one conversation with teacher for some writing feedbacks, he didn't gave so much comment about my writing, so im thinking that is it easy to achieve a high grade in writing as they don't really mark as harsh as I thought or do I really did well ? I have no clue.....

Myself

Zoie918 — 2024-11-13 11:28:53 UTC

I found that I gave so much pressure on myself because I want to achieve my goal of studying physiotherapy next year, I need to learn relax and take time to do anythings and trust yourself.

EVERYTHING WOULD BE FINE, my effort will pay off just focus on what you can control rather than what you can't control, just like how I deal with a football match, don't care about the result, who got MVP or how much I score be focus on the game

6.50 POUND

Zoie918 — 2024-11-20 11:44:36 UTC

I chose the dark chocolate with cherries and that's only two ingredients there then it costs almost 70 Hong Kong dollars, no second times its not worth it

Mock exams

Zoie918 — 2024-11-27 11:13:10 UTC

Every subjects start to begin the mock exams. from English to biology

For English, I've got 55 on reading which is disaster and unexpected, so the teacher recommend me to read books and do the IELTS reading practice online. 60 and 70 on listening and speaking respectively which I think that's not bad but still has a lot to improve because my requirement is all above 65. For the writing part, I though I will make a mess but turns out that I've got 60 over 65.

albeit I only need 50% for all electives but I would like to gain as high as possible, my minimum goal is to pass all the exams while getting higher marks is an bonus to offer my efforts. Biology quite good case 77 over 100 but then I think I would not get as good as biology for chemistry, simply just because I made a few carless mistakes on the paper.

But then it's totally fine to get those results on the mock exams or even the mid exams but then the most important part is attain the minimum requirements that Brighton offer to me. so I would say the final exams is important which is held on next year of march or April.

yeah, so no stress, I've already got a offer for the physiotherapy course which is better than everyone in the Uk who wants to apply this university.

Pizza night with my friends

Zoie918 — 2024-11-27 11:14:28 UTC

Those taste are extremely good , probably because I was hungry at that time

Crispy fried chicken

Zoie918 — 2024-11-27 11:16:41 UTC

bought in Aldi and it tastes so so so good, crispy all the time even using the oven.

Headphone that I was craving

Zoie918 — 2024-11-27 11:20:23 UTC

I was trying to buy a headphone before coming to the UK, but I didn't.

This Friday will be the only Black Friday week during the whole year, so I bought this from Amazon with half price of its original. I chose this rather than other brand is mainly because its is trendy and good looking.

What I learnt about managing myself

Zoie918 — 2024-11-27 11:21:55 UTC

For the first two months, I've been keeping pushing myself so tight with a packed schedule and a really regularly habit. However, after that I found myself was so tired on doing stuff, study and just lying down on the bed with phone.

so I changed my mind and lifestyle by giving myself some free time and rest so make sure my body and Brian are ready to function. Then, this works well after the changing.

loss 7 scores

Zoie918 — 2025-01-15 11:42:33 UTC

This Sunday, I had my very first game in 2025, but unfortunately we loss 7 scores when against a strong team. one of my teammate told me that, some players are representing the Women England team while some of them was playing in a high-level team.

I have played against with the Manchester United Girls U16 last 3 years ago, and their abilities are really well developed by those professional coaches,

Mid term exam (Biology)

Zoie918 — 2025-01-22 11:00:54 UTC

last two week, when I received my timetable I found an extra biology support class on it, and that makes me worried about my exam result. So I emailed my bio teacher and ask about my result if possible, it turns out that I've got 85% on it which is impressive !!!

I will stay for the bio support, because I think bio support doesn't mean you did bad in the exam but instead you can do much better than before, like me maybe I will get 90% on my final exam !

3.1 neuroscience

Zoie918 — 2025-03-05 11:12:26 UTC

Is it better for you to write notes as you go along or stop and recall
Yes, I think writing notes is useful for me to study. And it allows me to active recall my memory from my notes
How can you use flashcards to help you? Do you prefer digital or paper ones?
I prefer using digital flashcard because it is fast and easy to you, I just need to import my document to the flashcard app and it generates cards and questions automatically.

4.1 Thoughts on the use of AI in academia

Zoie918 — 2025-03-05 11:15:09 UTC

I think AI like chat GPT is a very good tool for students to come up some ideas and thoughts in certain aspects, it inspires students with a lots of different ideas which is good. Despite AI has its own benefits on inspiring students, however, abuse remains a serious problem. Some students will just type the questions and copy the whole paragraph as their own work to submit at school. Students not only cannot develop critical thinking, research skills, analysation skills and problem-solving but also they may bear some academic integrity, which will hugely affect their grades ad behaviour when progressing at school. Therefore, the uses of AI must be controlled in certain ways, we can use AI tools for our research and essay, but certain rules and policies must be applied by the school to prevent the misuse.

3.1 Empathy

Zoie918 — 2025-03-05 11:18:14 UTC

Think of a time when you or a friend were/ weren't empathetic, what happened and how was it solved

4.1 stress

Zoie918 — 2025-03-05 11:20:17 UTC

Importance of meditation/ sport/ music as a way to relax
For me, I think sport is a way for me to relax and relieve my mental stress. I used to ignore the importance of caring my own mental health, because I think it doesn't really important. But as I grow older , the more responsibilities I have to bear and make, so more stress has been accumulated. If I don't relive them, it's likely to reach my maximum point. By playing sports, it makes me to feel refresh and usually I would be more awake after exercising.
How could you organise your time better to make quality time for yourself

By using the techniques of identify which one is important and which is urgent. Prior the one that is urgent and important, then urgent but not important, important but not urgent and lastly not important and urgent. This approach can organise my time effectively and hence to spend more time to myself.

Staying safe online

Zoie918 — 2025-03-05 12:04:08 UTC

A difficult experience someone you know had, how you dealt with this, was this the best way to deal with it and why.

Gym

Zoie918 — 2025-04-28 16:11:47 UTC

I love the school's gym because it is affordable, 17 a month for discount only and it's spacious. I enjoy exercising with myself and improve my overall physical ability