U.S. Consulate General Press Releases (2007)

U.S. Under Secretary of State Karen Hughes and Michelle Kwan meet with Hong Kong Girl Guides Association representatives

News Release
January 23, 2007
Tuesday

On January 23, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Public Affairs and Public Diplomacy Karen Hughes and American Public Diplomacy Envoy Michelle Kwan met with a group of 24 representatives from the Hong Kong Girl Guides Association, headed by HKGGA President Mrs. Selina Tsang, during a brownbag luncheon event.

During the 75 minute discussion, eleven HKGGA youth representatives aged 14 to 20 exchanged ideas and reflections with former figure skating champion Michelle Kwan, the first American Public Diplomacy Envoy, who is currently accompanying Under Secretary Hughes in Hong Kong to meet with students, government officials, and the media on various social, cultural and educational issues.  The discussion among the participants was free-flowing, lively and wide-ranging on leadership, setting goals, shared cultural values, family values, and different international experiences.

Quote from U/S Hughes:  "It is very inspiring listening to the girls talk about self-confidence.  There is a wonderful concept a teacher once described to me asking students not to pay back the cost of their education, but to ‘pay us forward.'  In other words, we ask them to use their lives to make a difference in other people's lives.  I have no doubt that every one of you in Girl Guides will pay us forward and use your lives to make positive contributions to others."

Quotes from Michelle Kwan:  "I had a dream when I was five years old to be a figure skater.  After a few years of competing, I realized that it takes more than just dreaming to make your dreams come true.  It takes a lot of hard work and discipline."

"I encourage you to work hard and to stay positive and dream.  Have big goals and stay motivated because dreams do come true."

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