Why I chose to study in Taiwan, and what was I hoping to get out of the experience?
Why I chose to study in Taiwan, and what was I hoping to get out of the experience?
After completing my studies at the university, I was able to get a specialized position working for the government of Vietnam. It is an honorable profession, but to be honest, I was becoming a little disheartened by the repetitious nature of the work that a researcher does of my shortcoming in knowledge. As a result, I set a goal for myself to further my education by enrolling in classes in a different country and expect to see how the world operates with my major “human knowledge is never contained in one person. It grows from the relationships we create between each other and the world; it is still never complete”. Hence, I have attempted to look for scholarship opportunities in all of the available venues. In the year 2019, I was given a scholarship to study in Poland as well as a scholarship to study at NCU (Taiwan). I decided not to participate in my education in Poland after realizing that the study path would not go in the way I had anticipated. At the same time, a friend of mine working in Professor Wang's lab advised me that I could try to find her instructor. After finding out that I had been successful in the interview and Prof Wang accepted me as his student, I was overjoyed and channeled all of my excitement into planning a journey to Taiwan. I am passionate about working towards sustainable water resource management and wish to be a part of the solution. The opportunity to study in Taiwan, which is at the forefront of water management research and practices, will provide me with valuable knowledge and experience.
Learning
Actuality is not like a dream. It was quite challenging for someone who was majoring in meteorology to keep up with the geology and subterranean water curriculum, on top of the fact that my research subject included surface water, groundwater, and climate change. I am deeply grateful to my Professors, especially my Advisor Prof. Shih-Jung Wang as same as Co-advisor Prof. Pei-Yuan Chen, friends and lab mates in the Institute of Applied Geology for their unwavering support and assistance throughout my time here. They have been a constant source of encouragement and inspiration, and have helped me navigate the challenges of my studies and research. Their insights and expertise have been invaluable, and I am so fortunate to have them as a part of my academic journey. I truly appreciate all that they have done for me, and I look forward to continuing to work together in the future.
In addition, I am extremely grateful for the support and resources provided by Professor Wang. He has always been willing to go above and beyond to ensure that his students have the tools and equipment they need to study. For example, he provided me with a computer and hard disk when I needed them, without hesitation. This kind of generosity and dedication is truly appreciated, and has made a big difference in my academic experience. I am so grateful for his support and guidance, and I am confident that his leadership will continue to help students like me achieve their goals.
One of my favorite courses in my academic journey has been the Seminar course and group meeting every week. It has been incredibly valuable to me, as it has exposed me to a wide range of knowledge and perspectives from different fields. This has helped me to realize just how vast and interdisciplinary the field of Geoscience truly is. The variety of topics covered in the course has been fascinating, and I have enjoyed learning about new and exciting areas of research. The seminar course has also been a great opportunity for me to interact with and learn from other students and scholars in the field. It has been a truly enriching experience and I am grateful for the opportunity to take this course.
One of the most valuable lessons I have learned during my time in this place is the importance of remaining calm and neutral in the face of challenges and uncertainty. I have come to realize that approaching problems and difficult situations with a clear and level-headed mindset can make all the difference in finding a solution. It has helped me to approach problems with a more analytical and logical mindset, instead of getting bogged down by emotions. This skill has not only helped me in my academic and research pursuits but also in my personal life. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and practice this important lesson, and I will continue and improve to strive to maintain a calm and neutral approach in all aspects of my life.
Life
In the past two years, I have grown a lot not only in terms of knowledge but also in attitude to living in this life. Once upon a time, I questioned my abilities and lamented the decision to choose the following question as the subject of my life: "If the unexamined life was not worth living, was the unlived life worth examining?" My ability to adapt to new circumstances and maintain positive relationships has been invaluable to me throughout my life. However, as I look back on my journey, I realize that I failed not as I had hoped. On the path to adulthood, I have lost many precious things. I have come to realize that growing up is not only about achieving success, but also about facing and overcoming failure. I have learned that failure is not something to be feared, but rather an opportunity to learn and grow. I may have lost some precious things along the way, but I have gained valuable lessons and experiences that will stay with me for a lifetime.
Besides, during the two years I spent studying abroad in Taiwan, I had the opportunity to travel to every corner of the island. From the bustling cities of Taipei and Kaohsiung, to the picturesque mountains and coastlines, Taiwan has so much to offer. I visited a number of famous tourist spots, such as Taroko Gorge, Sun Moon Lake, and the hot springs in Yilan. But I also had the chance to explore some lesser-known, off-the-beaten-path destinations, which were equally as memorable. My travels in Taiwan allowed me to experience the rich culture, delicious food, and friendly people that make Taiwan such a special place. It was an amazing experience and I feel so grateful for the opportunity to travel and discover this beautiful country.
Finally, but most importantly...
I would like to express my deepest appreciation to Professor Wang for all the knowledge and guidance he has provided me. His passion for teaching and dedication to his students is truly admirable. I am grateful for his patience and understanding, which allowed me to fully grasp and understand the material. His expertise in the field has helped me improve academically in the field. Thank you, Professor Wang, for all that you have done for me.
