Source:
https://scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1614772/student-leader-agnes-chow-steps-back-spotlight-citing-exhaustion
Hong Kong

Student leader Agnes Chow steps back from Occupy spotlight citing 'exhaustion'

Student leader Agnes Chow said she was exhausted by the democracy movement. Photo: AFP

Prominent student leader Agnes Chow Ting has quit her role as a spokeswoman for Scholarism, an activist group representing secondary school students, citing exhaustion and stress as the pro-democracy movement continues.

In a statement titled "Sorry, I have to step down", the 17-year-old explained her decision.

"I have gained respect from everyone around me since I decided to join the social movement," Chow wrote. "However, this Umbrella Movement has wore me out physically and psychologically, and I am aware that I can no longer bear such a huge pressure. 

"I am sorry. But I am only a 17-year-old. I am very lost and tired in front of the exceptional pressure. I hope everyone can respect my decision," she said. 

Chow said she would remain a member of the group, but would no longer represent Scholarism in media interviews and newspaper columns.

Chow joined Scholarism in May 2012 as a Form 4 student. Scholarism's convener and founder Joshua Wong Chi-fung, who turns 18 on Monday, has become a key figure in the pro-democracy movement, featuring on the cover of the Asia edition of Time magazine this week.

The pair have been in the media spotlight since Scholarism took a leading role in protests against plans to make "patriotic" national education mandatory in public schools in 2012. Some 120,000 people surrounded government headquarters during the protests, and the plans were eventually dropped.

Even Chow and Wong's academic performance created a media frenzy, forcing the pair to hold a press conference in August to announce their secondary school exam results. 

Wong on Saturday confirmed Chow's resignation, saying Scholarism would issue a statement in due course. 

In her statement, Chow described herself as a quiet schoolgirl who felt "very nervous" when briefing other students at school. Joining Scholarism had been a "colourful experience", during which her ability and character had been enhanced. 

She will need some time to reflect on her future role and position in the movement, she wrote.

Among the thousands of protesters gathered in Admiralty on the 14th day of the Occupy demonstrations, many were supportive of Chow's decision. Leung Lai-yee, 40, said the student leaders have been sacrificing too much for the cause of democracy and hoped Chow would have a good rest.

"They are no different from other teenagers. While others are passing their leisure time having fun with friends or playing with electronic gadgets, this group of students are fighting for a better future in Hong Kong. Everyone should support them," Leung said.