Date and time: 13 th December 2006, 2:15 - 3:30 p.m.

Venue: SMCC School Hall

Participants: Form 3, 4 & 6 students

“I’m going to take my twenty minutes back because the programme started twenty minutes late.” The audience did not believe their ears as they heard this “shocking” announcement which had never been so openly made by any speakers before. As tough as she looked, Dr. Rebecca Lee showed little emotion to the sensation brought about by her words. Making use of her wit and unique experiences, this nearly-in-her-sixties adventurer had successfully captured the hearts of our students, who later were reluctant to leave even when the journey was over.

Beyond our expectation, Dr. Rebecca Lee talked little about her memorable experiences at the two Poles and the Everest. Rather, she emphasized a lot on environmental conservation by taking us to the seemingly unreachable places which reflect how seriously people have exploited the Earth’s resources. But even so, the audience were engaged and were particularly impressed by the slideshow of the beautiful and valuable photos taken during her trips. Those lovely penguins, sea lions and dolphins were the first time so vividly brought to our eyes. But at the same time, the retreating of glaciers, rapidly changing climates and ever-altering landscapes were also the first time so closely demonstrated. Overlapping the two, I suddenly got a very sad picture -- all the precious organisms living in the poles were jeopardized by the melting snow … so alarmingly and imminently …

Let me quote our principal’s remark made towards the end of the programme, which so accurately reflected my feeling, “I’m touched by Dr. Lee’s talk.”

Written by Jenny Yeung (F.6B)