Maria Mashkina (19/NA/Contemporary China Studies) was born in Russia and moved to Thailand at a young age. In 2015, she came to Hong Kong to study at CUHK. Over two decades of living across different countries and cultures have shaped her ambition to become a global citizen adaptable to diverse cultures and environments. Russian traditions instilled resilience in her, while her experience in Thailand taught her openness and tolerance, and life in Hong Kong made her more independent and efficient. After nine years in Hong Kong, with her brother by her side, she now considers it home. In this competitive and multicultural society, she has found both opportunities and challenges, built strong and meaningful relationships, and become the embodiment of the resilience and energy of a new generation at CUHK.
Maria was born and raised in Moscow, and at about 14, she moved with her parents and younger brother to Koh Samui, Thailand, where she attended an international school, which was an entirely new life experience for her. She said, “This was a significant shift, as I had to adapt to a new culture, language, and environment. It taught me how to adjust to different situations, interact with people from diverse nationalities, and build confidence and flexibility. I also learnt to appreciate diverse cultures and values, which positively impacted my later life in Hong Kong." Maria’s father had previously worked in Hong Kong and had a good impression of the city, believing it was an ideal place for his children to build their futures. He suggested she move from Thailand to attend university in Hong Kong. Although she had never been there, she knew it was an international financial hub that blended Chinese and Western cultures. She said, "When I was doing my research, I discovered that Hong Kong not only has numerous world-class universities but is also very welcoming to non-local graduates seeking employment, making it easier for us to obtain work visas."
In 2015, Maria received a scholarship from CUHK for her academic achievements and moved to Hong Kong. Despite having lived in Asia for several years and being used to the humid weather, it still took her some time to adjust. She said, "Leaving my parents, I had to learn to take care of myself and be responsible for my decisions. The biggest culture shock was the pace of life. Compared to Russia and Thailand, Hong Kong people are always busy. Their tightly packed schedules, strong efficiency and professionalism inspired me to improve my time management and focus on achieving better results, which greatly benefited my studies and career."
Russian students are underrepresented at CUHK. Maria made friends with other Central Asian students who spoke Russian and proactively broadened her social circle. She said, "My experience at the O Camp was unforgettable, and I later became an O Camp helper, sharing how I overcame challenges as a new student. I also cherish the joyful days in Xuesi Hall, the girls' dormitory, where the girls shared our dreams and worries at the Pavilion of Harmony. Hong Kong students guided international students in experiencing the local life, such as hiking, boating and enjoying local delicacies like sweet and sour pork and chicken feet in dai pai dongs."
When Maria first enrolled at CUHK, she was still exploring her academic interests. Initially studying Statistics, she switched to Contemporary China Studies after a year, a completely different field. She said, "I took a Mandarin course, did well, and developed an interest in Chinese culture. I also met classmates in the Contemporary China Studies programme who spoke highly of the department and its professors’ engaging teaching methods. The programme’s comprehensive design allowed us to understand China from various perspectives. Looking back, switching majors was a wise decision. Studying Contemporary China not only broadened my worldview but also helped me integrate into Hong Kong culture, eventually growing my love for the city." She credits several inspiring professors, including Prof. Jan Kiely, Prof. Chen Li, and Prof. Tim Summers, for deepening her passion for the field.
Before graduating, Maria secured a job as a compliance analyst at a consulting firm through the University’s online job portal. She found that the soft skills she learnt at CUHK were invaluable. She said, "Compliance work involves researching and digesting complex documents, including legal texts, and then communicating your analysis clearly and concisely. The constant research, analysis, and precise writing required for academic papers helped hone my analytical and communication skills, which are crucial for a compliance analyst. I have a lot of passion for compliance work, and because the job nature requires a deep understanding of the law, I am pursuing a Graduate Diploma in English and Hong Kong Law to further enhance my expertise and professional competencies.
A few years ago, Maria’s brother also moved to Hong Kong for his studies and has stayed on to work. With her brother by her side, Hong Kong now truly feels like home. Her parents have retired and settled in Thailand, thus making it convenient for visits, giving her a peace of mind to pursue her dreams amidst the hustle and bustle of our city.
Published on CU Alumni Magazine Issue 119 by Alumni Affairs Office 2024
Read online: CU Alumni Magazine Issue 119 (Chinese Version Only)
PDF: http://www.alumni.cuhk.edu.hk/magazine/202409/pdf/CUAM_202409.pdf
ISSUU: http://www.alumni.cuhk.edu.hk/magazine/issuu/