What I Did in My Free Time
Certified Lifeguard
During my intensive lifeguard training, I discovered the true essence of what it means to be a guardian of water safety. Every day brought new challenges, from mastering the art of rescuing struggling swimmers to learning the precise movements needed for handling spinal injuries. What struck me most was how a seemingly peaceful pool could transform into an emergency scene in seconds – and how our quick thinking and trained responses could make the difference between life and death. I'll never forget the adrenaline rush during our timed rescue drills, where my heart pounded as I practiced swimming against the clock while maintaining the composure needed to save a life. I ‘ve understand that being a lifeguard isn't just about sitting in a high chair watching swimmers; it's about constant vigilance, split-second decisions, and carrying the responsibility of keeping everyone safe in and around the water.
Research and Experiment at National Taiwan Ocean University
In my role as a researcher at National Taiwan Ocean University since February 2023, I've been at the forefront of groundbreaking research exploring natural solutions for marine aquaculture challenges. My project focuses on a fascinating discovery: a local Taiwanese ciliate species, Euplotes sp., that could revolutionize how we control harmful bacteria in mariculture. Working alongside Professor Han-Jia Lin in the Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, I conducted extensive experiments to understand how these microscopic organisms could serve as natural alternatives to antibiotics. Through meticulous laboratory work, I discovered that these "microscopic guardians" effectively feed on and control pathogenic Vibrio bacteria, offering a sustainable solution to one of mariculture's most pressing challenges. The most exciting aspect of my research was developing standardized cultivation methods for Euplotes sp., paving the way for practical applications in the industry.
Hehuanshan Mountain Hiking
With burning legs and foggy breath in the crisp mountain air, I found myself climbing through the clouds at Hehuanshan alongside my fellow hikers from Fuhsing Outdoor Education Center. This wasn't just any hike – we were challenging ourselves to conquer four major peaks in one expedition. I'll never forget the moment we reached East Peak, our first summit, as the morning sun broke through the mist to reveal endless mountain ranges stretching to the horizon. The path between peaks tested everything I had – scrambling over rocky terrain, encouraging each other through the toughest stretches, and sharing triumphant high-fives at each summit. There were moments when my muscles screamed for rest, but the encouragement of my teammates and the promise of another breathtaking view kept me going. By the time we reached Main Peak West, our final destination, I realized I'd gained so much more than just hiking experience.
University of Chicago Lab School Exchange Program
In a whirlwind of cultural fusion, my journey from Taipei to Chicago painted a vibrant canvas of cross-cultural discovery. I was amazed by how different it felt from my school back home. One of my favorite memories was teaching my American friends about Chinese New Year. Their faces lit up with genuine curiosity as I showed them how to fold dumplings, and it warmed my heart to share a piece of my culture with them. But what truly made my experience special was living with my host family. I'll never forget that magical evening when we sat around a campfire in the snow – it was my first time roasting marshmallows, and despite the freezing cold, the warmth of friendship made everything perfect. From trying my first deep-dish pizza (which was absolutely delicious!) to braving the ice skating rink, each new experience helped me grow and understand American culture in a way I never could have from just reading about it.
Round-Taiwan Cycling
My legs still tingle when I remember those 12 unforgettable days circling Taiwan by bike in late 2022. What started as an ambitious 860-kilometer challenge with my peers became so much more than just numbers on a cycling computer. I battled my first mountain climb until my lungs burned, celebrated with teammates over steaming bowls of beef noodles in tiny coastal towns, and found myself awestruck watching fishing boats drift into harbors at dawn. The countless hours of training with Giant Bicycles taught me how to handle my bike like an extension of myself, but the real growth came from the moments between the miles – helping a teammate fix a flat tire in the rain, sharing stories with elderly temple-goers who cheered us on, and learning to trust my own strength when my muscles screamed to stop.
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