“It eluded us then, but that’s no matter—tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms further . . . And then one fine morning—So we beat on…”
― F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
This May, after knowing that I was selected as a PAF, I bought my ticket back home to Taiwan to enjoy a summer more carefree than I have ever allowed myself since I began my education in the U.S. five years ago.
The commitment-free time in Taiwan was relaxing at first but it soon proved to be dreadful: for weeks I woke up at noon and sat watching the dullest TV shows for hours. The lack of commitments and deadlines crippled me and depressed me.
Though my summer left me with regrets about not accomplishing anything, it showed me how I really want to spend my time. I am now sick of sitting still but more determined than ever to do service as an ambassador of the university, to learn and contribute in my economic courses and to value every professional experience I will gain through my placement with the Division of Information Technology. Yes, the relaxing summer eluded me, but I beat on.