Student Reporter: Ms Cheng Yung Wai Avril (COMM/2)
Student Translator: Ms Hau Wing Yin Pinky (TRAN/4)
English Editor: Mr Jonas Thomas Kelsch, English Language Teaching Unit

Having served in the United College Toastmasters Club for more than two years, Ms Fung Wan Wai Tracy (LAWS/3) has taken on the role of President this year. The College has acknowledged her dedication, honouring her with the CUHK Outstanding Students Award 2024 in Special Achievement.

To Renew and Endure

During the pandemic, the UC Toastmasters Club faced challenges holding physical gatherings. Online meetings could not effectively boost students’ courage and stage presence, nor could they foster in-depth discussions among members. Participation declined, posing a crisis for the University’s Toastmasters clubs, which considered halting operations. But thanks to Tracy’s effort in revitalising the UC Toastmasters Club, the number of participants has increased threefold, from a mere seven newcomers last year, to the current 20 members.

By lightening the mood, altering room arrangements and purchasing toast-shaped dolls, Tracy helped create a more welcoming environment. She cheers for each student’s speech and shares jokes during breaks. She aims to change student perceptions of UC Toastmasters Club, seeing it more as a platform to practice English and make friends than a formal “TED”-style event.

With the club entering its 20^th anniversary, Tracy recently invited the 10^th President to review the club’s evolution over the past decade. She has also reached out beyond United College to the Malaysian Junior Toastmasters Club (Gavel Club). In this collaboration, peers from Malaysia were invited for workshops on building oratory skills and self-confidence.

Ms Tracy Fung, President of United College Toastmasters Club and her executive committee posed a group photo with guests attending their Inauguration Ceremony on 3 October 2024. (photo provided by the interviewee)

Ms Tracy Fung (far right) conducted the meeting and presented souvenirs and prizes to guests and members respectively. (photo provided by the interviewee)

From Self-improvement to Perfection

Taking up the role of president has enabled Tracy to step out of her comfort zone. She has designed posters to attract more members, sourced club souvenirs by liasing with manufacturers, and mediated between the College and committee members. She is grateful to UC staff and committee members for their support and values the friends she has made at the club. After weekday meetings, members often have late-night supper in Nuigung (a United Cooperative Store on campus), and Tracy has proposed holding an annual Christmas party.

Happy late-night supper in Nuigung. (photo provided by the interviewee)

Tracy appreciates how Toastmasters International allows members to join meetings in other districts and regions. In a competition organised by Toastmasters International, she admired the organisation and responses of contestants who had 30 years of experience. The experience inspired her to promote further cross-club interactions as a way to support the long-term development of the UC Toastmasters Club.

Outside Toastmasters, Tracy has expanded her social circle by participating in various extra-curricular activities. Living in Chan Chun Ha Hostel, she has built close relationships with other students. She arrived early to help her friends set up the “Night Vibes CCHH” event, and during exam season she and her friends find solace chatting outside their rooms. Through the GOAL Programme she attended summer school at Utrecht University in the Netherlands, where she made several friends, one of whom became her roommate this year.

“Try to attend College activities, even just to feel the vibe,” Tracy emphasises. By participating in various activities over the past three years, Tracy has extended her horizons and built valuable friendships. She hopes to manage the UC Toastmasters Club well and pass on its convivial culture and proud legacy to the next generation of UC student orators.