It was after a suffering nightmare (literally) about being in a major exam , the moment I accessed my gmail account I finally got my first admission of chemical engineering phD. program from Texas A&M university. I was extremely nervous beforehand that in such a date compared to last year, many students from around the world had already got an email of admission from the best universities, they even received a rejection if not. Tremendous challenges are now all around me, which I always knew that, no matter I got an offer or not.
A friend of mine called Heron built a customized website to demonstrate his previous works or ideas on computer science. I envied him for being self-motivated to solve problems from people's daily lives. I have to admit that so many people took the computer science major in some of the best universities in Taiwan cannot make an app attractive enough for people to download and improve their living quality. Anyway, I found it intresting that maintaining a blog is helpful to build skills in scientific writing. Heron recorded things in his life in a meticulous way, dissected them into pieces and analyzed them in detail. The process makes it a valuable material for his and others' reference in the future, and also facilitates the connections between ideas.
When asked about the new year resolution, I think making small, feassible goals are better than making big, illusive ones. The following is what I came up with so far:
- Keep following the news from NPR (National Public Radio) :
I found it a useful tool to improve my listening skills; NPR is a radio station with programs other than news: music, public figure interview, fasion information, just to name a few. The prevailance of internet makes it possible to listen to their programs even we don't have accesss to their station on radio in Taiwan; their sites provide real time synchronized shows , and for old news the editors provide the recordings along with the transcripts, helpful for international students undoubtedly. - If ideas popped up, write it down:
I hate the feeling of fail to make original and creative solutions to the practical problems. I knew that it is because I am sometimes lazy to record things. I should try a notebook with light weight and small in size, easy to be put in my pocket. - Connect with the professor in the department responsible for the teaching lab actively:
Sometimes I found the settings in the lab or the textbook is not well suited for the current use. I will try to discuss with the professor because I am the person facing directly with the students and the outmoded lab equipment. As an engineer student, improve the operation and quality and of course comply within the budget is what we are for. Before leaving my present position for my graduate study abroad, I think it a good chance to prove my ability.
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