While his classmates could enjoy such extracurricular activities as movies, dances and concerts, Ma had to stay after class, religiously practicing the piano and cello.
當時的系主任申學庸至今回憶起來，還稱道不已：「若不是畢業後談起，我們幾位老師甚至同學，當時都不曉得他是個工讀生。因為他從不缺課，而且成績那麼好」。