Freshman

After visiting Paris for the Olympics, I relocated to Taiwan to begin a new chapter in life. While searching for a permanent home, I temporarily stayed in a family dormitory right next to a university. As a regular jogger, I often ran on the campus, and the photo above was taken during one of my evening runs.

It was just before the start of the new academic year, and many freshmen were moving in. I noticed quite a few parents around as well—some students were clearly preparing for the challenge of living independently for the first time. The energy was a blend of excitement and nervous anticipation, mixed in with seniors catching up with friends. As someone who graduated decades ago, I found the atmosphere both refreshing and nostalgic. There’s something inspiring about seeing a new generation ready to explore their potential and embrace what lies ahead.

Amid the crowd, there I was—an “elderly” runner among the students. With years of professional experience and time spent teaching as a part-time professor, I found it amusing and humbling to feel like a freshman again. Starting a new role and settling into a new environment, I could relate to the uncertainty and curiosity that comes with change.

It’s a feeling I haven’t experienced in a while—something almost dreamlike. But one thing remains constant: the excitement of the journey ahead and the desire to explore it with curiosity, just as I did during my time at HKU and Columbia.