How do you define crying?
For me, crying is not just an emotional expression; it is an essential part of each person’s life journey.
(1) The Beginning of Life
When a baby is born, their first cry is not a sign of sadness, but a signal of a new beginning. It marks the start of life and brings joy to their family. So, is crying a bad thing? Not really. Sometimes, crying is how we welcome changes and important turning points in our lives.
(2) The First Days at GeoHydraulics Lab, Graduate Institute of Applied Geology, National Central University, Taiwan
In February 2018, I became a graduate student at GeoHydraulics Lab, under the guidance of Professor Shih-Jung Wang. At first, I was confident that I would complete everything successfully, and after two years, I earned my Master’s degree on time. However, my biggest challenge was the language barrier. My English was limited, which created a lot of pressure during my studies and research. But instead of worrying, I chose to face the problem head-on: I kept talking and discussing with professor and constantly practiced English. Prof. Wang always reminded me, “English is just a tool for communication.” That statement helped me take the issue more lightly and move forward with my research. Sometimes, you just need to keep going to solve a problem, rather than sitting and worrying.
(3) Research Topic and the Big Questions
Have you ever wondered why you have to do certain tasks or why you are working on a particular topic? In research, this happens often, and Prof. Wang always asks us to explain the "physical meaning" behind the behaviors. This is where many people feel stressed, even lonely, and cry. I have been through that too. But I always remember Carl Jung’s words: "The world will ask you who you are, and if you don’t know, the world will tell you." To find the answer, sometimes you just need to take action and face the challenge. Life is not simple, but it will become clearer if you understand what simple thing you are aiming for. This is also something worth studying in each of our lives.
(4) Personal Meeting with the Professor – A Learning Opportunity
Many students feel anxious about having personal meetings with professor to discuss their research topics. I have seen this in both international and local students when they meet with Prof. Wang. However, I believe that regularly meeting with professor is not only a way to solve problems but also a valuable opportunity to study. This is a chance to improve your understanding after a period of self-learning or research. These personal meetings helped me continuously improve my research mindset and develop new concepts. It is not something to avoid, but a chance to grow.
(5) Like a Star
Have you ever felt nervous standing in front of a crowd to give a presentation and deliver your talk? Many people fear it, and some have even cried after their presentation. But what surprised me was that after overcoming the initial fear, they made significant progress. Success in research is not only about the results but also about having the courage to face and conquer your fears. So, is crying after a presentation a bad thing? No! Those tears are not just emotions; they are a way to release pressure and prepare for the next challenges. It’s your brain’s way of "washing away" the old and welcoming the new.
The journey of research is not always smooth or easy. There are times when we feel lost and overwhelmed by the pressure, whether it’s from language, research, or personal challenges. But those tough moments are what shape us and make us stronger—especially for me. Looking back, those tears were not a sign of weakness, but proof of courage and effort in overcoming challenges. As Prof. Wang once said, “We are a team. Wherever you go, no matter what difficulties you face, always come back to ask for help. We are always here to support each other.”
21.08.12
