About Final Exams
For students, nothing seems more important at the end of a semester than grades. Upholding the fine tradition of last-minute cramming, I studied frantically almost every day during the final two weeks (though I occasionally slacked off—why the hell are there still experiments in week 16?). Thankfully, I didn’t fail any courses, and while my scores weren’t stellar, I’m satisfied (scoring over 70 in aerodynamics after cramming it in a day—no need to elaborate on that skill).
And so, I’ll once again make the empty promise of “next semester, I’ll study properly from the start”—a classic lie, haha.
But seriously, I really should start studying, or how else will I ever earn my Ph.D.?
About Pursuing a Ph.D.
I chose the Qian Xuesen Honors Program’s direct Ph.D. track not for the accelerated 4+3 graduation (though I’m not cut out for that anyway) nor to chase a degree that promises higher salaries or greater “social status.” I believe the person who first translated “Doctor” as “博士” (bóshì, literally “erudite scholar”) intended to emphasize the reputation of being widely learned, not the other trappings.
Though they say “cursing someone into a Ph.D. is a thunderbolt-worthy sin,” and stories of delayed graduations and disillusionment abound, I still want to try my hand at creating something entirely new—something unprecedented. Not for titles, not for academic turf, but simply because it might benefit people and humanity.
As I’ve said before:
My material demands are modest—just enough to support my family, which seems achievable given my current situation. But I’m dissatisfied with my undergraduate education; four years of study still feel like I haven’t even scratched the surface.
To cling to knowledge explored by predecessors decades or centuries ago in this rapidly evolving era? To forsake the frontiers of learning and settle for mere subsistence? I can’t do it.
I may lack talent and perhaps will never achieve much academically, but I refuse to abandon humanity’s courage to explore and innovate. At the very least, I want to stand at the forefront as a witness—to watch generations break through the shackles of matter and mind, to see civilization step out of its gentle cradle and venture into the unknown depths of space.
I can’t give up the thrill of acquiring new knowledge,
because I’ve already touched the sky.
Enough grand talk for today. Deep down, I don’t truly believe I have the power to change anything. Most likely, I’ll end up as an unremarkable academic footnote, barely graduating with a pile of mediocre papers.
But I’ll still try. I’ll still do it. Because the mountain is there.
About Family
After such serious topics, let’s lighten the mood.
In August, my mother had surgery at Wuhan Tongji Hospital, and I stayed with her for half a month (though I’m too embarrassed to call it “caretaking”). After her hysterectomy, she rested for two months and regained some energy. But then she went right back to her early-morning-to-late-night work routine. Sigh.
Otherwise, things at home are unchanged, with little to worry about.
I miss the egg-drop sweet soup my grandmother used to make in winter.
About Friends
Life at school has been uneventful, aside from an electronics competition. My friends are the same as ever, the people I like are doing well, and everyone’s living their own lives.
“At the ends of the earth, half my dear friends are scattered.”
About My Trip to Hungary
I signed up for the winter break exchange program at Óbuda University organized by the School of Space Science. I’ve been here for two weeks and am about to head back.
Learned some useless AI applications—nothing to do with my future studies, and I didn’t expect to acquire any “dragon-slaying skills” anyway.
The first few days of “white people food” were awful; I couldn’t fathom how locals survive on this. But the meals gradually improved. I tried authentic Hungarian goulash (a beef stew with potatoes, carrots, etc.) at a local spot, and it was delicious. The pork knuckle here is also incredible—huge portions and tasty (though why is it translated as “toe joint”?).
The steak, though? Forget it—served rare by default, tough to cut and chew. The ubiquitous dry bread is inedible, and the salads might as well be rocks.
Another standout was the bathrooms. Every single one I’ve seen here is spotless, with attendants, stocked toilet paper, soap, hand dryers, and paper towels (OMG). The dorm bathrooms even have bidet sprayers and bleach-soaked toilet brushes. All faucets provide 24/7 hot and cold water, and the heating is so intense that indoors often feels like a sauna.
The only downside? Almost no public restrooms, and some places charge for toilet access.
Sigh. Developed countries have money to burn on resources. It breaks my heart to think of villagers in northern China who can’t afford heating in winter or southerners who can’t run AC in summer.
Too many people in this world suffer. Comrades, we must keep striving.
I bought some authentic souvenirs to bring back, but I won’t spoil the surprise for friends who might read this.
Closing Thoughts
Flying home tomorrow for the New Year, and I’m brimming with nostalgia.
The remaining half of winter break should be spent studying Principles of Communications (maybe it will, maybe it won’t).
Wishing you a happy New Year, peace and prosperity in the years to come.
Jan 24, 2025
When will I have a drink and discuss the details again?