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Meet Gordon

BA History
  • close up portrait of a student smiling in the lapworth museum on campus

    My name is Gordon and I am a BA History first year student.

    I have a keen interest in Hong Kong history. Coming from Hong Kong, I have always been curious about the development of my hometown. This curiosity inspired me to pursue a degree in history, allowing me to explore the rich and complex past of the region and understand the factors that have shaped its present.

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How did you decide on your subject of study?

I chose to study History because of my deep love for my home and a desire to understand the historical developments that have shaped my homeland.

Previously, I co-founded a personal research group with my friend, which further fuelled my passion for uncovering the past. I'm eager to learn how to conduct academic analysis after reading official records from archives and interviewing people. I hope my study will deepen my understanding of historical events.

What's your favourite module and why?

The first year module 'Practising History A: Skills in History' was fascinating. The parallels between post-war council housing in Britain and Hong Kong is deeply intriguing, as my hometown also has a shared history of public housing development under British influence. The success of public housing in Hong Kong has inspired my exploration into the evolution of public housing policies in Britain during the same era.

What's the most underrated spot in Birmingham?

The Wolfson Centre in the Library of Birmingham. 

What's one piece of advice you can share for incoming students?

For incoming students, my advice is to embrace the size of Birmingham. There's always something new to discover, so prepare yourself to be surprised and enjoy exploring everything the city has to offer.

Anything you'd like to add?

Birmingham has a rich industrial history, with exports reaching many locations around the world. You might even find surprising links to your own home through its industrial connections in the past.