This nostalgic sentiment has been reinforced by what lays in front of me: publish a paper, finish the dissertation, find a job, and what happens after. All these sound daunting and not so much fun as my traveling experience. But I know that I cannot travel forever, just as I cannot be a student forever. I have to move on and find new excitements among new challenges. That is what life about.
In the upcoming semester, I have three goals to achieve. First, to teach. I have always enjoyed teaching, not only because of its fulfilling process of knowledge transfer but because of the lively human company that it engages. Second, to apply for dissertation completion fellowships. This is another round of preparation. As I said earlier, anticipation is often a nice thing, as it motivates me and gives me hope. Third, to finish the second chapter of my dissertation. I am already excited about it, which is about minerals and alchemy. I hope that the first two chapters of my dissertation will be robust, paving the way for the rest of my writing.
It will be a busy semester, but not crazily busy. A life in balance is a life that functions well. Early today, I biked on the Minuteman Bikeway again, for relaxation, exercise, and meditation. When I study, I find enjoyment in an interesting story, a stimulating comment, or a thought-provoking perspective. But when I biked on the suburban Boston, I smelled the lush trees, I listened to the raindrops, I looked to the beautiful red dirts on the road. They are another kind of enjoyment, equally indispensable for me.
