I started 2024 at home, with my family and friends. Flying across the globe after a year and half, seeing my parents and best friends, felt so right. Their smiles were like yesterday but here we are, at the end of 2024. If I’m quantifying my 2024… I read 44 books, watched 34 movies, went to 9 states, posted 54 threads, wrote 6 blogs (this one included), and texted my parents every day....
This summer was my third summer in the US, which is crazy. Where did time go? I came to this land in July 2022, starting my master study in a long and hot summer in Maryland. After a year I said goodbye to Maryland and moved to Knoxville in another long and hot summer. After 2 summers all about moving and starting a new life, this summer I finally stayed in the same place and continue to stay in the same life stage....
I can’t believe my first year of PhD is done. It is like a dream. I still remember, so clearly, the day that I got admitted and the day I finally accepted the offer from UT. It was a hard decision because I was concerned of the ranking of UT and my funding situation, but my AMAZING advisors and other faculty members made me believe that it is the right decision....
I attended 2 conferences for 2024 so far (probably that’ll be it) – NARST and AERA. Both are great gatherings in the education field, where I have met lots of great friends and colleagues, and was inspired so much by others. It was a big accomplishment for me to attend such meaningful events, I am proud of myself, and thankful for my advisors and peers who have always been so supportive....
Not much to say. This is my second Chinese New Year in the U.S., had a crazy but wonderful night with a couple of good friends. I love everyone here. Here is a photo of what we had: (Photo by Xu Wu).
Welcome to 2024! 2024 means a lot to me, in different ways. One is because it is my “本命年”, which is my animal year in Chinese zodiac. I can’t believe I’m 24 years old. I thought I would be mature, success, young, and beautiful when 24, but here I am, still childish, frenetic sometime, and messy most of the time. But generally I’m satisfied with myself now. My family are healthy, my school life has been awesome, I am still close with my friends, I still read and play around with music....