Management College Presents: Matters of the Heart and Mind — Exploring Love, Wealth & Values

The College of Management’s English Learning Corner held its second exchange event of the semester on March 28: “Matters of the Heart and Mind: Exploring Love, Wealth & Values.” The session was led by Instructor Haley Ho, a graduate of National Sun Yat-sen University’s Department of Foreign Languages and a former English Corner lecturer. Haley guided students through a lively and thoughtful English discussion centered on love, wealth, and personal values.

The event kicked off with self-introductions, followed by the first discussion topic: Can wealth bring happiness, and is financial stability more important than emotional connection in a relationship? Haley provided relatable examples—such as buying gifts for loved ones or donating to a meaningful cause—which sparked a range of responses. Some students argued that wealth provides essential security, enabling access to healthcare or the ability to pursue one’s dreams. Others pointed out that even wealthy individuals may feel unfulfilled without deep emotional connections.

The second topic focused on how couples should manage financial responsibilities: Should expenses be split equally, or based on individual circumstances? Students debated situations like a couple where one partner earns significantly more than the other—should they still split bills 50/50? Most students favored proportional contributions based on income, though others emphasized the need for flexibility, such as one partner taking on more during difficult times. Another scenario involved a cohabiting couple where one owns the home and the other does not—how should expenses be shared? Suggestions included considering homeownership, living costs, and open communication to reach a fair agreement.

Throughout the event, students not only practiced their English speaking skills but also learned useful vocabulary such as “donate” and “circumstance.” The discussion helped students express their thoughts more clearly in English, while also deepening their understanding of love, wealth, and personal values—equipping them for future cross-cultural conversations and life beyond the classroom.