Before I talk about my plan to soar high in academia, here are my definition of soaring high in academia. Success means different thing for different people and being a successful academician to me is able to inspire students to chase their dream and fight for what they want in life. I believed “Knowledge changes life”. Knowledge is power but knowledge without action can be useless. Being an academician is not just about knowledge transfer, but also inspire students to reach their full potential and use the knowledge they learned to chase their dream, just like how I am inspired by people in my life. I wish to encourage my students step out of their comfort zone or life restriction to see the world and chase their dream. I hope that they are daring to take chances in life, never let fear decide their future/fate, and find purpose in life. Just like the quote from the movie The Secret Life of Walter Mitty “To see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, draw closer, to find each other, and to feel. That is the purpose of life.”
Students are my anchor to keep me grounded on my Soul of Academia. The heart of teaching and learning is the connection between teachers and students, and teaching a lecture full of motivated students is very enjoyable for me. In addition, at the end of the semester, reading student’s feedback in EPPP is very fulfilling. Especially comments explaining how I affect their students’ lives through teaching them the important life lessons that will help them beyond studies and exams. There is nothing more satisfying than knowing that I have made an impact on someone’s life.