Editor’s note: It is our pleasure to present this piece by Jennifer Eagleton, one of our most valued voices at Cha. A long-term resident of Hong Kong since 1997, Jennifer has built a distinguished career as editor, writer, and scholar, observing the city’s social, cultural, and political transformations over nearly three decades. Her deep engagement with Hong Kong’s lived realities, alongside her wide-ranging literary, cultural, and critical interests, has enriched her many contributions to our journal; 2025 alone has seen eleven such pieces. As the year draws to a close, Jennifer’s reflection brings together the accumulated experiences of a life lived in Hong Kong, bearing witness to how place shapes attention, commitment, and understanding over time.

[REFLECTION] “Personal Transformation Docket: 31/12/25” by Jennifer Eagleton

Arrival as a stranger in a new city (October 1997)
An opportunity to come to Hong Kong on a one-year contract, knowing very little about the city at the time.

Four career changes (editor, research assistant, teacher, and writer)
A lack of confidence prevented me from pursuing new directions earlier in my life; I often wish I had taken those steps sooner.

Two pandemics (SARS, Covid-19)
Feeling distressed when seeing a family of European people not wearing masks during the pandemic.

Two postgraduate degrees (MA, PhD)
Hong Kong in transition mirrored my desire to understand the city more deeply through language.

One presidency (Hong Kong Women in Publishing Society) and one senatorship (tutor representative on the university senate, Open University of Hong Kong)
In another lifetime, I might have become involved in formal politics. Politics remains a continuing personal interest.

One membership of a political party and a democratic organisation (now resigned)
Learning about the city’s politics from the inside, and discovering that people are not politically apathetic, while wondering why some long-term European residents of Hong Kong appeared to be.

Monthly prison visits with a church group and visits to Open University students
I have been in prison many times, and there, but for the grace of terrible mistakes.

Many protest marches, making protest signs, and being interviewed at protests
Collecting political paraphernalia at Lunar New Year fairs. It is a shame that activities I once enjoyed can no longer be done in the name of national security.

Countless coffees and conversations with interesting people
One of the best ways to understand any place; chatting with random Hongkongers has never been difficult.

Hugs given by several random Hongkongers
Despite their emphasis on pragmatism, Hongkongers can be deeply emotional.

Sunday hiking in the hills
Hong Kong as a place of nature, unknown to many.

Innumerable rides on the No. 307 bus
Observing life at speed, and enjoying valuable thinking time during which ideas take shape.

Writing three non-fiction books (as well as film reviews, book reviews, and poetry)
I used to be afraid of expressing my opinions, as imposter syndrome is very real, but no longer.

Having my Corona Monologue pieces performed by the Hong Kong Players in 2020
An exciting experience, seeing my own words come alive, and one that encourages me to do more.

Seeing a city descend into authoritarianism (while still writing without fear)
Being part of history is compelling, yet being repeatedly asked, “Do you plan to leave?” leaves me uncertain, as I want to see what comes next.

Health issues: broken ankle, blood infection, middle ear infection, and a bad back
The ageing process moves steadily forward, but the mind remains young.

No longer a stranger in a foreign city, at least in my own thinking
Yet I am sometimes still regarded as a stranger by locals: “Where are you from?” or “You are good at using chopsticks.” Still, when I say I have been here for twenty-eight years, some respond, “You must love Hong Kong to be here so long.” I do.

TOTAL cost for transformation:
(To be calculated upon leaving)

^{Jennifer Eagleton’s hand, with butterflies. Hong Kong.}

^{How to cite: Eagleton, Jennifer. “Personal Transformation Docket: 31/12/25.” Cha: An Asian Literary Journal, 31 Dec. 2025. chajournal.com/2025/12/31/docket.}

Jennifer Eagleton, a Hong Kong resident since October 1997, is a close observer of Hong Kong society and politics. Jennifer has written for Hong Kong Free Press, Mekong Review, and Education about Asia. She has published two books on Hong Kong political discourse: Discursive Change in Hong Kong(Rowman & Littlefield, 2022) and Hong Kong’s Second Return to China, A Critical Discourse Study of the National Security Law and its Aftermath(Palgrave Macmillan, 2025). Her poetry has appeared in Voice & Verse Poetry Magazine, People, Pandemic & ####### (Verve Poetry Press, 2020), and Making Space: A Collection of Writing and Art (Cart Noodles Press, 2023). [All contributions by Jennifer Eagleton.]