Sharing of Scholarship Recipients - Matthew Darwen Seaward
Matthew Darwen Seaward (BBA Marketing)
Recipient of HKBU Outstanding Student Leaders Awards 2019-20
We as students are in a unique position. We are no longer children; however, we are still reliant on the facilities around us. More than ever, we have found ourselves becoming more and more dependent upon the recourse that our societies provide. This is not sustainable. As we know, there are people in a far less fortunate place than ourselves. Every day, when I walk in Hong Kong (and the same for any other global city should I add), I see countless people begging and sleeping on the streets. This is just one, of a number of issues that face our societies today. Our unique position, through the resources we have access to as students, enables us to truly embrace the change we want to see in the world.
Many people are under the impression that students are “reckless” or “foolish” for often acting out or being argumentative with seniors. Whilst I agree, it is important for there to be conformity, as this brings unity; I would reiterate the fact that only through speaking out, and voicing opinion, can prosperity and intellect rise. I feel that what the older generations fail to see in us today, is that we are not tied down by the traditions, customs, and rules, that they had to face growing up. It is this freedom that students today enjoy, which places student leaders in the position to make true change to our society. Through this observation, it is clear to me, what actions must be taken by student leaders, to truly promote societal betterment.
We must use the resources we have, that others do not have, to create change. Whether it be through social media, or coordination of people, students today have the ability to demonstrate, that they have the grit to come together, and make change happen. We are gifted by the unique fact of modern insight. Our educations, especially for those gifted to go on towards university and above, gives us much greater knowledge of the world around us, far exceeding that of our predecessors. It is through our knowledge, and our application of said knowledge, that we will make the biggest impact; for as the late Sir Frances Bacon quoted, “Knowledge is power.” Students are the synergy for knowledge and communication. It is this synergy that I feel, if used correctly, enables student leaders to advocate a change in the world, and the traditional models of conformity and injustice.
My only hope is that the student leaders of today and tomorrow, continue the path of righteousness, that the student leaders of yesterday, laid before us.