Finding a Place to Grow in Hong Kong - Debbie Mannas
Once upon a time, over three decades ago, a young Anglo-Indian girl arrived in Hong Kong during a freezing cold winter. From a spacious home and lush garden in Bangalore to a 500 sq. ft. apartment in Wong Tai Sin, the shock and disorientation was real! But in no time at all she was eating fish paste and lettuce in soup (with bamboo chopsticks) from a cart seller on the street and soon was employed as a research assistant in a public hospital, measuring spines and gaits. All of which she’d never in her wildest imaginings believed she’d ever be doing!
The tiny heater whose bright red filaments burnt out in the night leaving her toes frozen is long gone, but the lessons and the memories are held close. Her journey since has been one of new beginnings, pivots, humility, gratitude, resilience and passion.
That young girl was me. Everything and every encounter was new and often challenging, but there was something so fulfilling about making it work! I had immense headwinds in my first year (and other years), but I made some beautiful friends who had my back, and I quickly learned to love Hong Kong.
I realised that all I had was my ability to problem-solve and learn fast, build strong and diverse networks of progressive thinkers, and act on principle.
Since then, I have grown as an HR professional, an artist, a mom, a changemaker and a writer. Developing talent is very dear to my heart, especially when it comes to empowering our youth, the future of Hong Kong.
I know all too keenly what it feels like to face injustice, discrimination, sexual harassment and bullying, but even in my darkest hours I hung on. Challenges brought out strengths I never knew I had, stretching and shaping me.
My journey has taught me that embracing our differences is our greatest strength as humans. So, to all the young ethnic minorities entering the workforce: don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. Seek new experiences and opportunities to build a diverse network, to learn and grow. Your background is not just a part of who you are; it is a valuable asset that can inspire change. Embrace it, and let your journey unfold in ways you never imagined.
This is why I’m excited to share KELY Support Group’s Open Door Work Placement Programme, an opportunity to widen your circle and embrace the new. Please stay tuned for our latest announcements!
If you are inspired by our work and would like to help us continue making a difference, please consider making a donation to support KELY Support Group. Your contribution can make a real impact.
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