Overview of the Sophomore

My revered mother asked me, “how much money do you still have?”

I replied, “nine thousand yuan or so.”

“Oh, my God! Did you rob the bank? Where did you get so much money? I only left you two thousand yuan at the beginning of the semester.”

Well, my mother couldn’t believe in that. But it is true. A big fortune of more ten thousand yuan is by far the biggest success of this term, which comes from my job as TA as well as dormitory attendant. However, part-time job is only part of the whole semester, apart from which are study, research and also a special treat, preparation for TOEFL test.

水乡印象～倪

In the light of study, there is a little bit regress but still acceptable. I thought that I would fail the two specialized courses, i.e. System and Signal and Analog Electronics during the dead weeks, because I didn’t pay much attention and energy on them after class. My efforts, if any, were taking notes and communicating with professors during recess. Actually, it turned out that my review worked. And I got 94 for System and Signal while the highest score is 94.5 in the class. In Analog Electronics I even achieved A+, which was really beyond my expectation. Besides specialized courses, I also audited a junior class, that is Image Processing and Pattern Recognition. And a C++ program was required to develop, to enable the mechanic arm to play Tetris. The problem was so intriguing that it indulged me for a long time. But I found it worthwhile because I learned much from the process and acquired a great sense of achievement in the end.

水乡印象～倪

In contrast to the great success in work and study, however, the progress in scientific research is slow. There are basically three reasons responsible for it. Firstly, the moving forward process is blocked by a lack of expertise. Python, Matlab, and R are totally new for me before I started the program. Image processing and machine learning even get me insane. Secondly, my research doesn’t have a clear goal. My advisors couldn’t provide me with significant guidance because they are also unfamiliar with the field. What they know out of their tuition is that there is valuable work to do. But the specific path and destination still require me to explore. Thirdly, there was not so much time available for research. In fact, the high payment of part-time job follows the sacrifice of my valuable time and consequently the shrinkage of time on scientific research. Off the topic, I am really ashamed to face my advisor now, though I know Doc. Qin loves me very much.

Finally, when it comes to TOEFL test, what I can only say is nothing but, holy shit. It seems that I am totally wrong with TOEFL test. What I am in dire need of is not broad vocabulary, but proficient listening. It turns out I lost the balance in the study of English. Coupled with advancement of reading and writing is the failure of listening and speaking. English is a language, involving beauty on every aspects of life. Only when I listen and communicate face to face can my English be truly alive. Though listening and speaking are the common shortage of Chinese students, there is no excuse to conclude that I cannot be an exception. The more I am afraid, the slimmer the chance is for me to conquer English.

水乡印象～倪

Whatever awaits me, I will confront it like a man. The nigh grows deep, and I prey to my divine heart to guide me. “Morning brings back heroic ages.” There is nothing to be afraid of for tomorrow. Sink into slumber with a happy ending of today whether it is honor or ignominy.