Facing Unknown Roads Without Retreat: Only by Stepping Forward Can You See How Beautiful the Scenery Is | Feng Chia University Department of Marketing Yi-Lin Chen

Making Changes Amid Confusion

A year ago, I was a diligent student, living my university life as if it were still high school, holding the top rank in my class. Behind this was a sense of confusion about myself. Besides studying hard, what else could I gain here? What else could I do besides studying? My life seemed to be painted in monotonous colors. I thought I would spend my four years in such a plain manner until, by chance, I participated in the "16th Host Master Training Camp" organized by the school. There, I met three close friends who changed my freshman year. Last summer, we executed the Ministry of Education's "Touching Map" project, interviewing travelers who worked in exchange for accommodation in Taitung.

Facing Unknown Roads Without Retreat: Only by Stepping Forward Can You See How Beautiful the Scenery Is

The reason for participating in the project was actually because my friends accidentally attended an international experience briefing at the General Education Center and heard about the "Touching Map." Coincidentally, all four of us were interested in this project. Despite the pressure of having less than a month before the deadline, we discussed almost every day in the common room of Fuxing Dormitory until lights out. After countless revisions and discussions, we finally succeeded in qualifying.

I remember before the trip, we faced the peak of the pandemic and had just experienced a typhoon. We were uncertain and fearful about this journey and even considered postponing it to the next year. However, we followed our hearts and bravely embarked on the journey. Although we encountered several rainy and cloudy days during the trip, we were still happy about the experience.

Fear and confusion stem from imagining the unknown. When you actually do it, you realize that fear is just a fleeting feeling.

Participating in the "16th Host Master Training Camp" activity, I met three close friends who changed my freshman year.

Even Though We Are Small Figures, We Can Still Have Our Own Big Stories

In the team, I was mainly responsible for the writing part, helping to refine the text content and layout of the project proposal before the trip, and organizing the interview content and insights during the trip to share on the Facebook group. After returning, we held a sharing session and opened a self-directed course at the General Education Salon. We rehearsed several times for this, and it was my first time sharing my experiences and thoughts in front of so many people. I still remember my hand trembling slightly while holding the microphone, but I firmly expressed everything I wanted to share. The biggest takeaway from this journey was realizing that:

"Although the weather prevented us from seeing the most beautiful scenery, the experiences we shared were still the most beautiful memories. Cherish everything we have, and don't regret the past, because those regrets are not regrets; they are part of the beautiful memories of the journey."

The team held a sharing session and opened a self-directed course at the General Education Salon, which was my first time sharing my experiences and thoughts in front of so many people.

Doing What You Love in the Team and Loving What You Do

I have always enjoyed expressing my inner state and feelings through writing. I believe everyone can feel their own warmth from the words. In my sophomore year, the Department of Marketing had a special project—Film Festival, where students created advertising microfilms for cooperating companies. This time, the partner was Taichung Metro, and our group's theme was family. I was responsible for the writing part, creating the slogan and story content based on the script chosen by everyone. I was very happy to win the "Advertising Golden Phrase Award" at the film festival, which was a recognition for me at that time.

In the Department of Marketing's special project—Film Festival, I created the slogan and story content, and won the "Advertising Golden Phrase Award."

Opportunities Come with Courageous Steps

Through the "Touching Map," I met Yi-Ying Lin from the General Education Center, who gave me the opportunity to help organize the "Taichung Historical Buildings Sticker Competition." I saw the behind-the-scenes process of organizing the competition and deeply felt the teachers' care for the students.

The most special part was that I served as the host for the finals, which was my first time hosting a school-wide competition. During the process, there was an unexpected situation. After the intermission, we were waiting for the judges to return and announce the rankings. Due to the excellent works of each group, the teachers' discussion time was extended. I tried my best to warm up the audience, but it was still a bit awkward. At that moment, I was very grateful to my partner, who told me, "Today you are the host, don't be afraid of awkwardness or saying the wrong thing, just step out bravely." This helped me reorganize my emotions and interact with the students again. This experience made me deeply realize that when you stand on your stage, fulfill your duties and complete it.

Serving as the host for the "Taichung Historical Buildings Sticker Competition" activity.

Every Step You Take Is Like Planting Seeds, and When You Look Back on Your Journey, the Muddy Roads Will Be Covered with Blossoms

From being a student who only knew how to study and take exams in my freshman year, to experiencing various different things in my sophomore year, I am still a diligent student who sometimes feels confused. But I believe that confusion is to find the right path, and the effort is to reach the final goal. Because I know that besides studying, I have many precious people, things, and special experiences, and I have more courage and ability to become the ideal version of myself.

I am grateful for everyone who appeared in my life and every rare opportunity. I will continue to move forward bravely in my remaining university time, filling the canvas of my life with the colors I love.