Leader’s words motivate youth to explore nation

President Xi, in his reply to our New Year greeting card encouraged us to travel more and read more. His words got me off the ground to many places in the country, an important way to understand and know the country.

I have seen a satellite blast off in front of me at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northern China. I used to visit Beijing and woke up at 3 am for the national flag-raising ceremony in Tian’anmen Square. I was also amazed by the high adoption of technology in Hangzhou of Zhejiang province. I also went to places like Qingdao and Harbin on summer holidays since 2018.

All my journeys began from a meeting with Xi in 2017. I was able to have a closer look at the country’s top leader for about 20 minutes when I was tasked with briefing Xi on the newly built facilities of the activity center of Junior Police Call.

I was thrilled, yet nervous about it. He came in with the charisma of a leader. I could instantly feel his amicability when he slowly gripped my hands with no squeezing, but firmly. His charisma didn’t stop us from sharing what was on our minds. I felt heard during his short stay. I think he has what it takes to be a good leader — amicable with friendly smiles.

To me, Xi’s words have kept me going even now. I finished college and joined the government after graduation and now work in the Buildings Department as a trainee surveyor. I also joined the Auxiliary Undergraduate Scheme when I was a college student. This scheme was a set of training courses held by the Hong Kong Police Force, recruiting undergraduates as auxiliary police constables to serve the community. I have finished my training and have been an auxiliary police officer for three years.

Xi wanted us to carry on the lofty mission of taking Hong Kong forward and contributing to the nation’s development. I constantly reflect on his words. Being able to serve the city and the country by action, just as Xi had pictured for us, gives me a sense of self-fulfillment.