The bridge-building project in Guangxi, China,  is truly unforgettable. I still remember the day when the water stopped in the middle of my shower. I had to run with my friends across the construction site to look for a second water source to wash off the shampoo on our heads. Looking back today, I learned something important: the relationship I build with others matters more than just finishing work and getting through the project. And in the same light, the bridge project was beyond building bridges alone.

While in the Global Business program at HKUST, I partnered with students from across the university to work on infrastructure projects. Together, we designed and built bridges. Through these small-scale infrastructure projects in rural parts of China, we hope to give back to our communities and help improve the welfare of those around us. While the entire planning and construction stage brought a lot of meaningful moments, the project was more than building a bridge to provide safe passage for people. Nevertheless, it was about empowering others to have the opportunity to develop connections and relationships with those outside their community.

The project is meaningful because it impacted the transportation systems in parts of rural Guangxi. On top of that, I built relationships with people outside my comfort zone through the project. I could see how it has helped others, including the villagers, connect with those outside their village. To learn something new and to share their experience with others too.

I share a similar sentiment as I look back at the past four years in HKUST and the Global Business programs. After endless nights of meetings and studying to achieve a letter grade on a piece of paper, I still most appreciate the relationships I have built along the way. The Bridge Project was beyond building bridges but really about building relationships and empowering others to build relationships too. With that, as I step into the next stage of life, and as you may step into your next phase of life, I am excited for the “bridges” that you and I will build along the way!