Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone: A Fruitful Summer of Learning and Growth at NCU
Looking back at the past month at the Graduate Institute of Applied Geology, National Central University (NCU), I can truly say this summer internship has been one of the most transformative experiences of my undergraduate life.
As a second-year Environmental Engineering student from Vietnam, entering a specialized hydrogeology and geological research lab initially felt like entering an entirely new territory. At first, navigating complex geological mechanisms, groundwater levels (GWL), and land subsidence was quite challenging. However, as I began to understand how groundwater dynamics directly relate to land subsidence—a critical geological and engineering issue in Taiwan—I became deeply fascinated by this field.
The research journey was both rigorous and rewarding. I had the opportunity to process borehole monitoring datasets, perform cross-correlation analyses, and run numerical simulations using the TWgeo modeling platform. Whenever I encountered difficulties, my mentors—Mr. Yu BoHan and Mr. Tran Duc Huy—along with all lab seniors, were remarkably patient in explaining the physical principles and guiding me through each step. Every few weeks, we participated in lab group meetings. While the presentations by the seniors were well-structured, the pressure primarily came from communicating entirely in English. Overcoming that challenge pushed me out of my comfort zone and significantly boosted my English proficiency and scientific confidence..
Beyond academic research, the internship offered rich hands-on experiences and unforgettable cultural immersion. The field trips gave us firsthand exposure to unique sites, from exploring the geology at Tatun Volcano Group to visiting a local wastewater treatment facility, bridging the gap between theory and real-world environmental systems. Furthermore, every few weeks, Professor Wang encouraged our "Sports Days" to maintain a healthy work-life balance through volleyball, basketball, and badminton. In addition, the lab mentors and seniors warmly took us on trips to explore famous local attractions, vibrant night markets, and authentic Taiwanese culture and cuisine. These wonderful moments and their caring hospitality created a supportive, family-like atmosphere that made me feel truly welcome and cherished..
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Professor Shih-Jung Wang for welcoming me into his lab and giving me this valuable learning opportunity. My sincere thanks also go to Mr. BoHan, Mr. Huy, and all the lab members for their mentorship, kindness, and encouragement. This internship has broadened my academic perspective, and I sincerely look forward to the possibility of returning to NCU for graduate study in the future.
