Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 2020complete | Page 605

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Korean International School, Myung, Jisoo - 12
An endlessly growing city with booming success in every category, where its citizens constantly strive for a
better tomorrow. This is the basic ideal view that every leader works towards when building and improving
a country. One where its residents are motivated and productive, simply from the pride and joy of living in
the country. And that was my reality. The Greater Bay Area wove together all the strengths of the
Guangdong province, as well as the two SARs: Hong Kong and Macau, to create an almost super-country.
Tourism and trade allowed for a steady influx of people and goods, and the growing investment in IT led to
an increase in overall production. Information and data was exchanged much faster, which was a great
advantage the GBA had over other countries. Despite originally being separate cities developing on their
own, the GBA allowed for a more rapid progress, and through the years of collaboration, the 11 cities really
did miraculously merge into one. An individual living in the GBA wasn’t just a Hong Kong citizen, or a
Shenzhen citizen, but a GBA citizen - embraced by the greater community and enjoying the benefits of all
the regions.
Perhaps, the unifying identity of being Cantonese was what strengthened the bond between each city, and
quickly extinguished the heated conflict with one another. To many, it was almost baffling to think that
once, many refused to be part of the GBA, and cherished the individual identity that made up each city -
which eventually stunted development as a whole. Productivity dropped and time was spent elsewhere to
stop the formation of the GBA. But somewhere along the line, the benefits of working together was
realised, and that’s how the GBA really began. From the preservation of the tranquil silence of Zhaoqing, to
the increasing bustling fuss of Macau, the diverse landscapes showed the success of the initial goals that
started in 2019. Transportation further helped connect each city, as transportation between Hong Kong and
Shenzhen by train decreased drastically from a little over an hour and a half, to twenty minutes. This meant
that people were able to rapidly perform different businesses in the GBA. The success of researching and
innovating new technologies faster than any other countries led to an ideal and improved standard of living.
Digital “points” replaced currency, and any transaction could be done with one look through a face scan.
Advanced technologies strengthened security of personal data, and made monetary exchange much easier.
Basic medical services were free, and the increased variety of physiological and psychological therapies all
lengthened the average lifespan and wellbeing of a GBA citizen. Information was easier to access because of
the mandatory IT education provided from primary school, and the increasing importance in technological
studies and innovation. All the tiny, technical pieces worked like cogs to move the GBA forward in a steady
rhythm, which led to success after success.
In such a perfect area, I didn’t know where I fit in - where I could slot myself into the harmonious clicks of
the cogwork that made the GBA. My head was filled with confusion from the complex system, and fear of
rejection and failure. Was such a disorientated individual really needed here? Would I be able to benefit here
at all? Despite the thoughts, I really wanted to fit in, like my mother and father and all my driven friends.
But my blank Future Paths Form and years of arguments with my parents pulled me down and blurred my
dreams. Doubt and despair filled my heart as my desire to fit in grew stronger.
“You are the only student who has not filled in the Future Paths Form, and I am deeply concerned with
this,” said the university counsellor, as my mind snapped back to the conversation. I sat quietly in front of
him as he flipped through some documents. “Of course, I am only worried for you, because an uncertain
mind will only lead to an uncertain future, and we as the GBA’s citizens all strive towards a successful and
goal-orientated future. Your blank form tells me that you have many worries in your head, and today, we’ll
try to find a solution to those worries.”
I only looked down in shame knowing that I really was the only student without a proper goal.
“Usually at around middle school, or even younger, students find a certain career or two that they find
fascinating and start to work towards. The GBA opens up more opportunities than most countries, as you
know, thanks to our immense career paths in both urban and rural locations. Let’s try to think realistically
first - what do you think you are most likely to pursue?”