Advisor

Sometimes I wonder whether writing this blog is beneficial for my dissertation. On one hand, it definitely takes time away from my real work. On the other hand, writing craps build up my confidence in writing, thus subversively speeding up my dissertation progress. One of the reasoning has to be false, I guess, but I am too nice to figure out which is which.

Just as I am writing now, I get the news that my advisor and his wife have decided to stay rather than leaving for an ivy league university in the east coast. I am happy about it, but really think about, for what reason? Nothing. I guess since I had such a good time here, I assume that it is a better place for everyone. Whatever. Do you know I am a big fan of my advisor? If not, now you know. I always look up to him. Last June in my blurb on the graduation program, I wrote, "Thanks my advisor, who has taught me that a great scholar is first and foremost a great person." I really meant it, just like how I meant it in every entry of this blog. That's why leaving academia seems to be a shameful decision for me, and I hope that would not hurt his enthusiasm in advising future students. Hey, what if I can make a name in industry?

I have liked to reflect on my life. In my high school, it was that Chinese teacher who inspired my love of literature. In college, it was that drama teacher who opened my eyes to performing arts and human free spirits. In my graduate school? Maybe it is still too early for a summary, but my advisor definitely stands as a tall figure in my path. He gives me so much space to improvise on my own, but he is always there whenever I need an exemplary model to imitate in order to do good. One month before my work life, can I write enough to express how thankful I am to be one of his students?