SOTY 2023/24: First runner-up Linguist’s love of English literature
Form Six student Lee Yan is passionate about making the English language and its classic literature more accessible for her peers.
Lee Yan, a Form Six student at Good Hope School, is the first runner-up in the Linguist (English) category at the Student of the Year awards. Photo: HandoutWhen Lee Yan, a Form Six student at Good Hope School, reflected on her deep passion for English literature, she credited her father for introducing her to classics like Alice in Wonderland, The Wizard of Oz and Shakespeare.
“Even though I never thought about [it] when I was young, I do think these stories played a huge role in my interest towards literature,” she said.
Yan’s commitment to the written word became evident during her participation in the UK World Literature Project, where she conducted independent research on Shakespeare’s sonnets 60 and 116, exploring the theme of enduring love.
“I picked these sonnets because they comparably explore the destructive nature of time and the fleetingness of youth and beauty,” she explained.
Deciphering Shakespeare’s text on her own was a rewarding experience. “It was a lot of fun because at school, teachers usually guide you, but working independently allowed me to notice things I wasn’t aware of before.”
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Not only did she earn a platinum certificate on the trip, but she also made connections that she treasures, including with an English teacher named Olivia.
“I really enjoyed discussing texts with her and talking about literature because her passion is very infectious,” she said. “I realised I’m not alone in my love of literature, which changed my perspective more than winning that certificate.”
At school, Yan has taken the initiative to make classic literature more accessible to her peers through various workshops.
“Not a lot of students – not a lot of people – get exposed to classic literature because the prospect of it can be pretty daunting; the language is very complex,” she said.
To address this, she organised appreciation sessions for works like Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility and Shakespeare’s sonnets, drawing parallels to simplify the texts’ themes. After a session, one of her friends even picked up Charles Dickens’ Hard Times.
“It felt lovely to share my passion and see it move others,” she said.
Yan’s growth has also been shaped by her time in debate. “I think my experience in doing debate has made me a better teammate. I like to work as a team and be an active listener,” she said.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Yan collaborates with her twin sister, Kathy, to run a social media platform discussing traditional artistic ideals. They often engage in deep conversations about topics such as: “What is the value of art?” and “Why should art be beautiful?”
Yan’s accomplishments in literature and language were recognised when she was named the first runner-up in the Linguist (English) category at the prestigious Student of the Year Awards, organised by the South China Morning Post and solely sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club. The award acknowledges her ability to use language as a powerful tool for empowerment and education.
Looking forward, Yan is determined to revive interest in traditional art and literature, especially in a world where humanities subjects are often overlooked. She believes the arts are crucial in connecting people to the human experience.
Yan aspires to provide a nuanced exploration of humanistic ideas through her future studies, hoping to contribute to a greater appreciation of literature and art. “If you enjoy literature, studying it can be incredibly rewarding and joyous,” she said.