The bright morning light of a new beginning: facing a broader world through knowledge and connection
The palace of knowledge illuminated by the morning light: the prelude to the new semester
In the morning, the sun shines through the curtains, gently waking up the beginning of the day. I organized the briefing, took my laptop and lesson plans, and headed to the classroom. This is a new semester. My role is not only a doctoral student, but also a university lecturer. This dual identity makes me look forward to every step of the future.
It was still early, and I thought I would be the first one to arrive in the classroom. Unexpectedly, an exchange student from Yantai University in Shandong Province was already waiting quietly at my seat. He smiled and nodded to me, with a passion for learning in his eyes, which made me feel warm inside. This focused and humble attitude makes me more convinced that real learning does not lie in the amount of knowledge acquired, but in the awe and love for knowledge.
I offer a course on “Generative AI Media Application” at the Journalism Department of Shih Hsin University
The first class of school is always full of unknowns and surprises. I looked at the students in the audience. Their eyes were filled with anticipation, perhaps a little uneasy, but mostly curiosity about future courses. I introduced them to the core content of this course, and also shared some personal learning experiences, trying to make them feel that this course is not only the input of knowledge, but also the inspiration of thinking and the beginning of practice.
After the course, several friends sent me messages asking, “How was your teaching experience today?” I responded with a smile, “As long as the students can gain something, my efforts will be worth it.”
This is not only my expectation for myself, but also a responsibility - to pass on the brilliance of knowledge so that everyone who is eager to learn can find their own direction.
Academic Journey: Challenges and Growth in Qualifying Examinations
The afternoon sunshine added a touch of warmth and calmness to the meeting with the professor. A doctoral career is an endurance race, and the qualification exam is an unavoidable hurdle in this journey.
This is my second qualification exam. Facing the upcoming test, I am still a little nervous, but more determined to face it. The supervisor patiently gave me suggestions, reminded me which theories needed to be strengthened, how to adjust the logic of the discussion, and encouraged me to regard research as a thinking exercise rather than a pure academic challenge.
This conversation made me re-examine my own learning style - not just to pass exams, but also to deepen my understanding of the subject and develop sharper critical thinking skills.
In the evening, I officially sent the application for the qualification examination. At this moment, I know that the days to come will be more compact, but every challenge is a self-refining and breakthrough.
Milestones of Knowledge: The Glory Moment of Academic Publishing
At dinner time, an email from Mingzhi University of Science and Technology came into view. When I opened the heavy package, I saw two thick academic journals and five hard copies of theses. I opened the inner pages and saw that my thesis was officially included. At this moment, I felt moved and accomplished.
Writing is nothing new to me, but publishing academic papers still brings an indescribable sense of satisfaction. This is not just a personal effort, but a way to share knowledge with the academic community.
Every paper is a process of thinking, witnessing from the germination of inspiration, to the collection of data, to the formation of conclusions. This journal is like a ticket to a broader academic world, reminding me that although this road is long, every step is worth cherishing.
Warm Connection: The fusion of family, healing and knowledge
Outside of academics, life still needs balance, and family is the warmest haven. Today, I deliberately set aside some time to spend time with my family, share what’s going on with each other, and enjoy those simple but precious moments.
At night, in order to help the foot injury heal as soon as possible, my mother helped me apply hot compress again. During this period of recuperation, I deeply realized that it takes time for the body to recover, and so does learning and growth. Whether it is academic research, career development, or all aspects of life, you need to stop and adjust your pace at the right time to keep yourself in a stable state so that you can go further.
The Three of Cups: Shared Joy and Guidance of Hope
The tarot card I drew today is the Three of Cups. This card symbolizes joy, friendship and unity. It also represents that I am at a moment when I can share joy with others and grow together.
🌟 Transfer of knowledge - This semester’s teaching is the communication and resonance between me and the students. Every thinking and discussion in class is an opportunity for us to learn together.
🤝 Academic progress - applying for qualification exams and publishing in journals are important steps towards a higher academic level, and the professor’s guidance makes me more confident about my future research.
💖 The warmth of interpersonal relationships - the company of my family, unexpected encounters, and conversations with like-minded people, make me feel that the most precious thing in life is not to move forward alone, but to share the [little bits] of this journey with others (https://copywriting.vista.tw/solitude-and-growth/).
This day is full of the joy of learning, the mark of growth, and the beauty of connecting with others. The future may still be full of challenges, but I know that as long as I hold hope and persist in exploring, this road will become wider and wider, letting knowledge and enthusiasm illuminate the journey ahead.
