Alumni Check-in: Joy Hsiao (Class of 2025)

Q. Where do you live now? Why? What are you doing? 

A:  I’m currently [in the UK] studying Veterinary Medicine at the University of Liverpool. I moved here to pursue my degree because the programme offers strong clinical teaching, excellent academics, and a great reputation within the veterinary community.

Q. What are the biggest differences between there and Kaohsiung? What’s the biggest similarities? 

A: The weather is definitely the biggest difference. Although it rains a lot in Kaohsiung, Liverpool is so much colder, wetter, and cloudier. Most of the time, I only see the sun once a week! This is a really walkable city, which is quite different from life back home. The biggest similarity, however, is how kind and friendly the communities are, making it easy to feel at home.

Q. What does a typical day look like for you?

A: My typical day is quite busy and has always been full of 9-to-5 lectures in cell biology and animal husbandry. We’ve also recently started anatomy labs with prosections and dissections. After my day, I usually felt like my brain was being dissected as much as the cadavers.  On the brighter side, our practical sessions, like clinical skills, let us learn techniques for assisted parturition, and we have the chance to go to our Leahurst campus for animal handling classes, so that at least some of the learning isn’t just on paper.  During my spare time, I enjoy horse riding, hanging out with my friends, and chilling in my own room.

Q. What's one thing you miss most about being a high school student?

A: I definitely miss my high school friends. I’m very excited to catch up with all of them during winter break.  I also miss the simplicity of high school, everything was planned out with timetables and schedules, and I got to see my friends every day. University life is much more self-directed, so you have to stay on top of everything yourself.

Q. What's the biggest lesson you’ve learned in the "real world" that you wish you knew while you were in high school?

A: I’ve learned that everyone has their own pace, it’s fine if you are a slower learner.  What matters most is that you’re learning and growing through your experiences.  You don’t have to compare yourself with others, like how others are studying and absorbing all the lectures, it will only make you lose focus on your own growth.

Q. What advice would you give to your high school self?

A: One piece of advice I would give my high school self is not to be afraid or doubt myself when facing challenges. You’re more capable than you think, and things will eventually fall into place in the right way for you.

Q. Did your KAS experience prepare you for life after graduation?

A: Looking back, what I appreciate most about KAS isn’t just the academics, but the people. The friendships I made there continue to support me all the way through university, and that kind of encouragement makes a huge difference when you are alone in a whole new environment. KAS also gave me chances to try new things, collaborate with others, and step out of my comfort zone, helping me adapt to university life.  Those experiences and connections are something I’ll always carry with me.

Q. What are you looking forward to most in the next five years?

A: I’m most excited to finish my 5 year veterinary programme and officially become a vet! I’m also really looking forward to experiencing more university life and working with a wide variety of animals.