SOTY 2023/24: Best Improvement winner overcomes setbacks, has ambitious dreams
Moving from India to Hong Kong, Anirudh Sarva Jegadeesan had to adjust to a new city, culture and curriculum.
Anirudh Sarva Jegadeesan, a student at YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College, is the latest Best Improvement winner at the Student of the Year Awards. Photo: HandoutAnirudh Sarva Jegadeesan, a student at YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College, has made a significant impact since moving to Hong Kong three years ago.
Originally from Chennai, India, Anirudh relocated due to his father’s work.
This move came at a challenging time, just as Covid-19 restrictions were loosening and he had begun reconnecting with loved ones.
“Leaving behind my friends and family in Chennai was challenging, especially as lockdown restrictions had just eased,” he said. Anirudh added that he still misses the incredible food of South India, the vibrant culture, and the joyful experiences of playing street cricket.
Initially, the move to Hong Kong was met with resistance. “My mum and I were very against moving to Hong Kong. At the time, we were equally scared of living in high floors and cramped houses,” he shared.
However, they found Hong Kong to be welcoming and diverse. Moving allowed Anirudh to reset and explore new activities like basketball and swimming.
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His educational journey, however, was far from easy.
“Academically, it was a nightmare,” he confessed, explaining the fragmented schooling he experienced due to the pandemic and differing school systems.
On top of this, he faced the challenge of preparing for the Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE). In spite of this, Anirudh excelled.
He was 17 years old when he received the Best Improvement award at the Student of the Year Awards, organised by the South China Morning Post and solely sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Anirudh used specific study strategies to achieve his success.
“One study habit that I made use of is setting ambitious goals for myself at the start of the academic year,” he explained.
Collaborative learning also played a big part. “When you study with your peers, they may understand something you do not and vice versa,” he added.
Balancing academics with extracurricular activities was another challenge. Anirudh is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of a student-run company, Kairos, and the chairperson of the STEM Club. “Time management posed a significant challenge for me, particularly with overlapping meetings and prefect duties during lunch, followed by tests,” he said.
He managed his time by prioritising his commitments and organising his schedule effectively, allocating time for academics and activities. He also learned to adapt by observing how others before him managed similar responsibilities. “Do not copy them exactly, but observe how they met deadlines and managed their responsibilities,” he said.
In his role as CTO of Kairos, Anirudh led initiatives such as designing a 3D model for their flagship product, launching a professional website, and managing the company’s Instagram presence. As chairperson of the STEM Club, he increased its membership to over 100 students and led teams in various competitions.
In the future, Anirudh aspires to enter the Engineering + AI programme or the Dual Degree in Technology and Management programme at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).
Anirudh said he has learned a lot on his journey. “One lesson I learned is the importance of finding opportunities. It’s a powerful skill to possess,” he said.