On 21 June 2019, Venerable Dr. Yan Zheng from the first cohort of BCS English BA class shared his learning reflections with the students. Venerable Dr. Yan Zheng graduated from BCS in 2011 and thereafter received scholarships from the Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery to pursue his MA and PhD at the Centre of Buddhist Studies, University of Hong Kong (HKU). He successfully completed his PhD in 2019.
He recalled his experience of learning English as a beginner during his years as an undergraduate. Through hard work and determination, he was able to successfully complete his PhD in an English-speaking environment. He mentioned two key attitudes towards learning English. One is to be motivated by interest. If one has passion in learning, one will seek additional knowledge beyond the textbooks and have the motivation to learn continuously. The second approach is to determine one’s weakness by focusing on examinations, thereby leading to improvements. He suggested striking a balance between the two approaches. The priority should be on cultivating an interest in learning in the long term, while aiming to achieve short term goals like doing well in the examinations at the same time.
Furthermore, he shared that BCS is a good starting platform for any student monks who are keen to pursue graduate studies abroad, given our teaching resources and facilities, conducive environment for learning English and global perspective. He also shared information about the MA and PhD admission requirements, learning tips in the graduate studies programme and emphasized the importance of daily Buddhist practices, which are the core of monastic life.
Finally, he expressed his profound gratitude to the Rector, the Most Venerable Kwang Sheng for his support. The sharing session concluded amidst a lively discussion between Venerable Dr. Yan Zheng and the audience.
