DOGA News

Conversations

Vivian Au - Class of '85

Katherine Wong of the sub-committee spoke with Vivian in December 2002 for this interview.

 

After spending 7 years working for Toronto's Fairchild Radio, Vivian left her position as Chief News Editor in July, moving to Los Angeles for a career opportunity with TVB U.S.A.

 

Vivian remembers well her 12 years of mostly sweet and worry-free school days at DGS. The significance of starting each day with "morning assembly" has stayed with her until now. "We were taught to start each day by focusing on God the Creator, for it is in Him where everything began. As a Christian, I remind myself to start each day with prayer and thanksgiving. Even when I was gravely ill in 1995, I knew God was watching over me. By focusing on the Lord, the troubles and challenges I face seem much smaller and easier to overcome."

 

Among the many useful and important things that she learnt back in her school days, the most valuable lesson was to "believe in yourself". This is also what Vivian recognizes as setting us apart from other women - self-confidence. "I know my views count, my voice deserves to be heard, and I have a place in this world. As cliche as it may sound, our motto "Daily Giving Service" says it all. We contribute to the community by offering ourselves, our training, our gifts, our experiences - We are of value because we mean something to the people around us. God created us to connect. And what I learnt at DGS definitely helped me 'connect' with others, while being true to myself. Did I realize how much this would mean to me? Well, definitely not as much as I do now."

 

She keeps in close contact with her best buddies mostly by email and phonecalls, and never ceases to be amazed at how easily they can just pick up from where they last left off. "Again, it's that spirit of 'the DGS family' at work. And believe me, that spirit stays with you forever." The experience that the students shared in their school days is unique in that strong sense of belonging. Not only do they go through together the imprints of personal growth, but also the process of a 'corporate growth'.

 

She remembers well Mrs. So, her F.4 class teacher: very stern, but well respected for her directness and honesty. Also Mr. Mok, who is noted for talking about the most "unconventional" topics in E.P.A. lessons and introducing a variety of thought provoking inspirations such as showing students the film "Yellow Earth" by Chen Kai-ge or to see a play at the Fringe Club, playing songs from his own band "Black Bird" - "He wanted us to think for ourselves, to have a mind of our own. Those were indeed eye-opening experiences."

 

After graduating from Rutgers University with a major in communications, she moved to Toronto, seeking a job in the city of immigrants which related to the fast-growing Chinese media industry. Her boss (a DBS old boy) considered her strong language skill to be an asset in the News Department. This jump-started her career as a radio journalist.

 

When asked what her impressions of the DOGA are, her keen journalistic eye may have revealed some undiscovered aspects of our true potentials: in essence, "It is that "DGS Spirit" which drives us to actively get involved in anything that has to do with our old school. But perhaps it is also time for us to consider our role in the society at large. As a group of intelligent and well-educated women, DOGA can be a 'voice of conscience' especially when it comes to education and women's issues in the HK society. Apart from organizing charitable events, DOGA can take a stand whenever women's rights or equality in education are being challenged or compromised. The "unbroken family" could very well make a difference!"

 

"Imagine yourself to be a sponge and absorb all that you can! The opportunities offered in DGS are rare and diversified. Savour each moment of learning, and you'll realize later that you've seen, heard, smelled, tasted and touched much more than you can expect."

 

 

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