From escaping all forms of anxiety to pursuing self-discovery, from entertaining others to entertaining herself, both scenarios contribute to the disintegration of self-confidence. In Cecilia's early years, she despised being on stage, particularly due to her reliance on the audience's reaction as a gauge of her performance. She believed that performing was solely aimed at pleasing others.
However, as she matured, her perception of the stage shifted to a more personal dimension. Each note, every movement, and all the intricacies of musicals became a canvas for showcasing her abundant artistic ideas and talents—an avenue for expressing herself.
In that moment, Cecilia discovered that performing brought her immense joy. This marked the turning point where she began to relish the experience, as it provided her with a platform to authentically reveal her true self. While the praise and applause from the audience still held significance, they became mere responses from the external environment. They served as tools for bolstering her confidence rather than the sole motivation for performing. From that point forward, Cecilia embraced her own stage—an arena where self-assurance could flourish.
What did Hong Kong University attract you the most?
First, I was captivated by the title song for the 100th anniversary. Its irresistible rhythm and the remarkable vocals of both male and female singers instantly drew me in. Consequently, I found myself listening to it countless times, ultimately leading to my deep affection for HKU.
Second, HKU presented me with an array of appealing major options. Given my diverse range of interests and hobbies, I noticed that the global creativity program encompassed subjects related to media, economics, business studies, politics, and the creation of cultural industries. This comprehensive curriculum seemed perfectly suited to meet all of my expectations, offering a rich and diverse academic experience.
Third, Hong Kong itself, as a thriving financial hub, exudes an invigorating atmosphere. Additionally, my aspirations of starting a business in the Greater Bay Area make HKU an ideal choice, as it provides opportunities to establish valuable connections beforehand.
Could you share your experience of singing for a movie's soundtrack?
By a stroke of luck, I had the opportunity to collaborate with the assistant director on a film's soundtrack. Perhaps it was my active involvement in my social circle that made my friends aware of my interests and aspirations. One of them, the assistant director I mentioned, extended a direct invitation to me. Furthermore, the prospect of shooting a music video in the illuminated laboratory of Venetian Macau added an exciting element to the experience, allowing me to further immerse myself in the director's vision.
How do you feel about the global creativity major? What motivated you to choose it?
I find the global creativity major to be incredibly diverse, encompassing various fields such as luxury management, fashion, tea industry, and artistic studies, among others. As a student with a wide range of interests, I am drawn to the multitude of courses offered within this major. Its broad scope and comprehensive approach align perfectly with my desire to explore different disciplines, and that is precisely why I chose it.
What motivated you to become a singer and songwriter?
My musical journey began at a young age. I started studying the piano early on and joined the choir when I was just 9 years old. At the age of 11, I wrote my first song, and from that moment, the idea of becoming a singer-songwriter took hold of me. Writing songs became a natural outlet for my creativity, and I consider it a personal musical journal that reflects my experiences and emotions.
Initially, I accompanied myself on guitar and piano, experimenting with techniques such as track-breaking and harmonization. In my later years of high school, I ventured into formal composition using computer software. My lyrics draw inspiration from life itself, often delving into the depths of youthful struggles.
Throughout my journey, I received encouragement from fellow singer-songwriters. One particular singer, with her unique and ethereal style, captivated me and ignited a desire to be just as intriguing. I believe that being a fan of someone is also a process of learning from their talents and incorporating them into my own artistic expression.
My fascination with musicals began when I witnessed their magic on stage. Following my graduation from high school, I briefly attended a musical assembly for training, which deepened my understanding and appreciation for this art form. I even took acting lessons during that time. If I had discovered my passion for musicals three years earlier, I would have undoubtedly pursued admission to art colleges. I eagerly anticipate dedicating myself to Chinese musicals, contributing to the growth of the industry, and igniting limitless imagination in others.
Where do you primarily draw inspiration from when writing songs? Will you focus more on music theory or your sense of hearing?
During the process of composition, I intentionally avoid relying on music theory. Perhaps due to my prolonged exposure to the musical environment, much of that knowledge has become ingrained within me. Instead, I place greater emphasis on my emotions and feelings. When I can capture those accurately, the creative process becomes more fluid and instinctive.
My inspiration stems primarily from the rhythm of the heartbeat. Personal growth involves connecting with different individuals, experiencing diverse emotions, and absorbing various perspectives. I infuse these elements into my work, using music as a medium to record and express my own musical journal.
Initially, I established my Netease and Bilibili accounts with the intention of saving space on my phone. To my surprise, these platforms became outlets for sharing my compositions, documenting my creative process, and capturing my state of mind. However, I firmly believe that our true essence cannot be defined by these virtual constructs. It is crucial to remain grounded, always aware of our aspirations and what we wish to achieve. In doing so, we stay true to ourselves.
I sense a great deal of confidence in you! How did you develop the courage to express yourself and perform in public?
Confidence is a trait that is heavily influenced by our environment and society. The feedback we receive from our surroundings shapes our self-assurance. In my early years, I harbored a dislike for being on stage during kindergarten because I believed my purpose was solely to please others. However, as I grew older, I came to realize that performing was a means of pleasing myself, and I developed a genuine love for being on stage. The act itself instills self-confidence, as it garners praise and recognition from others. It becomes a virtuous cycle, reinforcing one's belief in their abilities. Additionally, receiving praise helps us gain clarity about our passions and strengths, further boosting our confidence.
Secondly, it is essential to dare to express oneself. By daring to pursue our desires and aspirations, we increase the likelihood of achieving them. I encourage everyone to be courageous in expressing their voice because it is the only way to be heard. By doing so, we open ourselves up to the support and assistance of the world at large.
You are a devoted Disney fan. What makes Disney so special to you?
I believe that Disney princesses embody a sense of enthusiasm and curiosity about the world. They find beauty in ordinary things and embark on remarkable adventures. Additionally, Disney's music possesses a unique ability to touch my heartstrings. The orchestral arrangements are simply captivating. Disney works strive to preserve our innocence and create a fantastical realm where dreams come true for people all over the world. This is precisely what I aspire to do. I want to become a dream-weaver like Disney, building dreams for others.
As filming techniques advance and short videos gain prominence, musicals seem to be fading from the public eye. How do you feel about this trend?
While it is true that short videos have left an undeniable impact, I believe that the experience of watching a musical in a theater is incomparable. The theater offers a unique connection between the audience and the actors, allowing for interactive moments and genuine reactions. Time seems to solidify within the confines of the theater, creating an immersive experience akin to being in a world of possibilities. It's somewhat reminiscent of stepping into a gambling house.
There is a saying that too much water can drown the miller. Perhaps, in a world where people spend an abundance of time in front of screens, there will be a resurgence of interest in theater. It may even become a reverse trend. I hold great expectations for the future.
What are your plans for the future? Any particular ideas or aspirations?
During my college years, I hope to secure an internship at Disney. Furthermore, I aspire to become a blogger, work on a production set, or join a dance company. I am an avid pursuer of the arts, but I also have a desire to explore the realm of finance. I yearn for both the moon and the sixpence. Dreaming big is permissible. Perhaps I will venture into entrepreneurship or embark on an exchange program in France. The possibilities are vast, and I am filled with anticipation.
After this invigorating interview, the phrases "maintain confidence" and "have clear goals" resonate deeply within me.
Looking inward, we discover that every miracle blooms from within ourselves. This sentiment perfectly encapsulates Cecilia's personal growth. People come and go, but we must not become overly preoccupied with others' judgments and opinions. Despite the limitations we may face, we should strive to live authentically and add vibrant colors to our lives. We are the protagonists of our own stories.
Success is built upon a foundation of confidence.
"When you have clarity, your desires will manifest in your life, and the extent to which they materialize depends solely on your level of clarity."
Cecilia shared this quote when discussing her future plans. Despite receiving offers from prestigious overseas universities like UCLA, she chose the Global Creativity program at HKU. This decision reflects her unwavering pursuit and goals, serving as a testament to the power of clarity and personal action.
Producer: Isabella Wang
Interviewer: Yule Wang, Isabella Wang
Text: Alicia He, Yihan Niu, Kaixiang Cao
Editor: Cecilia Zhen, Isabella Wang
Formatting: Amy Pan
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