In the journey of life, achieving goals always brings joy and fulfillment, but it also leaves a sense of regret. My case was no exception. When I obtained my Ph.D. at 40 and started my professorship at 45, I had already lived more than half of my life.
At that moment, I suddenly realized: I only had about 20 years left. The time remaining until retirement at 65 felt incredibly short. It was like watching sand quickly trickling through an hourglass. "Ah, I started too late," this thought tormented me.
The academic path I had pursued all my life, the research and education I had poured my passion into - looking back, they seemed like small pebbles thrown into a vast ocean. Compared to the grand picture I had envisioned, what I had actually accomplished appeared so small and insignificant.
Yet, even amidst this regret, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. I was able to chase my dreams, albeit late, and step into the world of academia. Perhaps this short time made me even more passionate. My determination to do my best within the given time grew stronger.
I realized that when you think it's too late, it might actually be the earliest time. Just as I regret starting late, someone else might regret not starting earlier. I understood the importance of starting right now.
My academic journey may have been short, but I lived it with passion. I believe that even small achievements were meaningful. Sometimes our lives may not be as long as we wish, but what matters more is how deeply and passionately we lived within that time.
Looking back now, although what I've achieved might seem small, they are precious pieces of my life. There are regrets, but I try not to lose my sense of gratitude amidst them. Our lives can't be perfect, but I've learned that we can find meaning and value even in that imperfection. Just as my late start in studies became a turning point in my life, a new beginning is always possible. What's important is to be faithful to the present and maintain an attitude of continuous learning and growth. Living this way, even if we don't achieve everything, we can lead a life that's sufficiently worthwhile.
At that moment, I suddenly realized: I only had about 20 years left. The time remaining until retirement at 65 felt incredibly short. It was like watching sand quickly trickling through an hourglass. "Ah, I started too late," this thought tormented me.
The academic path I had pursued all my life, the research and education I had poured my passion into - looking back, they seemed like small pebbles thrown into a vast ocean. Compared to the grand picture I had envisioned, what I had actually accomplished appeared so small and insignificant.
Yet, even amidst this regret, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. I was able to chase my dreams, albeit late, and step into the world of academia. Perhaps this short time made me even more passionate. My determination to do my best within the given time grew stronger.
I realized that when you think it's too late, it might actually be the earliest time. Just as I regret starting late, someone else might regret not starting earlier. I understood the importance of starting right now.
My academic journey may have been short, but I lived it with passion. I believe that even small achievements were meaningful. Sometimes our lives may not be as long as we wish, but what matters more is how deeply and passionately we lived within that time.
Looking back now, although what I've achieved might seem small, they are precious pieces of my life. There are regrets, but I try not to lose my sense of gratitude amidst them. Our lives can't be perfect, but I've learned that we can find meaning and value even in that imperfection. Just as my late start in studies became a turning point in my life, a new beginning is always possible. What's important is to be faithful to the present and maintain an attitude of continuous learning and growth. Living this way, even if we don't achieve everything, we can lead a life that's sufficiently worthwhile.
