Today I reconnected with a group of longtime friends from La Salle College for an evening out in Mong Kok, where we dove into board games like Exploding Kittens and Three-Dragon Ante. The venue doubled as a casual dining spot, so we ordered takeout to enjoy alongside the gameplay. Moments like these instantly transport me back to our school years, rekindling those unbreakable ties formed in our shared OLF chapter. With careers demanding our focus these days, gatherings are less frequent, but they always pick up right where we left off, as if the years hadn’t intervened. I stay in touch more regularly with the younger alumni—Anson, Matthew, and Samson—through pickup basketball sessions, and it’s rewarding to nurture those relationships over time. A big thanks to them for keeping the connection alive.
Let me highlight two exceptional seniors: Hugo and Kenneth, just one year ahead but instrumental in broadening my perspective through their talents and achievements. Kenneth couldn’t join us this time due to feeling under the weather, yet his influence remains vivid. Known for his quick humor and relaxed demeanor, conversations with him during school breaks were always uplifting. He commanded respect on campus, too—think reserving prime basketball court time during recess, a feat that required real pull or an invitation. He’d include me in those sessions with the upperclassmen, helping me build confidence and experience that sense of belonging.
Hugo, on the other hand, shone in academics, earning nine A’s in his public exams and establishing himself as a top performer. My initial years in secondary school were challenging; I often ranked near the lower end. Rather than pulling away because of my difficulties, he shared practical study strategies during free periods. Without his input, securing a place at the Chinese University of Hong Kong might have been out of reach. He didn’t just provide answers—he emphasized techniques for independent learning that have served me well ever since. His skills extended beyond the classroom; he took second in the school’s singing competition, delivering performances with genuine vocal talent.
Beyond academics, these two organized group activities after hours—think karaoke outings, billiards matches, tea breaks, or relaxed venue hangs. What seemed like pure leisure was balanced with their subtle push toward better study habits, showcasing their versatility in education, athletics, and social life. I’m profoundly appreciative of how they shaped my growth.
Drawing from their example of generosity, I make it a point to visit the college now and then, engaging with current students and passing on insights to guide their paths and avoid common setbacks.
La Salle College stands out for its excellence in academics, sports, and the arts, as many observers note. But the true strength comes from its ingrained culture of mentorship, where upperclassmen freely impart wisdom to those following behind. This tradition of knowledge-sharing drives ongoing success for all involved.
During the games, I noticed distinct preferences and habits among the group, adding layers to our interactions. Truth be told, the highlight was simply being together again. I arrived feeling drained from the day and low on energy, but deep down, the familiarity brought a profound sense of stability—these are friends I’ve known for ages. Anson surprised me with a thoughtful birthday gift: a framed group photo, complete with heartfelt wishes inscribed on the reverse. As for Matthew, we bumped into each other at the MTR station post-event; he had just finished his commute home, so we walked together and chatted extensively. We align on numerous ideas, making our discussions engaging and effortless. Samson might be heading off soon for a working holiday abroad—likely our final meetup for the foreseeable future—so I wish him all the best and hope he makes the most of it.
Gratitude to La Salle College and the OLF community for laying such solid groundwork.
