There is Only Doing or Not Doing, No Trying | Bachelor’s Program in Precision System Design, Yi-Hsin Chen

Growing up in the rural environment of Pingtung, I could never have imagined the opportunities I would receive after moving north to Feng Chia University four years ago. I also couldn't believe that I would accomplish so much during my university years.

If you don't know what to do, just get up and do something!

When I was a freshman, I proactively joined the Electroacoustics Program's laboratory. This decision gave me the chance to participate in various acoustics-related experiments and research projects. Through this process, my interest in the field of acoustics grew stronger, and I began to pursue higher academic achievements. In my sophomore year, I took professional courses in Feng Chia's "Master's Program in Electroacoustics" and counted these courses as credits outside my major. Additionally, I successfully applied for the "National Science Council Undergraduate Research Grant" to conduct research related to guitar vibrations, further deepening my academic expertise.

With laboratory advisor Director Yu-Ting Tsai (left).

Aren't you just a university student? How did you attend an international conference?

After completing the undergraduate research project, I actively participated in domestic and international conferences with the support and guidance of my laboratory advisor. In December 2023, I traveled to Sydney, Australia, to attend the Acoustics 2023 ICC Sydney International Acoustics Conference organized by the Acoustical Society of America (ASA). I presented my research findings through an oral session, engaging in in-depth exchanges and discussions with experts and scholars from around the world.

At the thematic forum, the chair was Professor Marcus Maeder from the Technical University of Munich. Before my presentation, Professor Maeder expressed surprise and admiration that I, as an undergraduate student, could participate in such a large international academic conference. For me, participating in this conference as a university student was undoubtedly a challenging and meaningful learning experience. I am also very grateful for the guidance and support of Director Yu-Ting Tsai of the Precision System Design Program over my four years at university.

Participating in the Acoustics 2023 ICC Sydney International Acoustics Conference and presenting orally.

With laboratory seniors at the conference venue.

Step out! The world is so big!

In the second semester of my senior year, I applied to be an exchange student at the School of Physics at Nanjing University in Jiangsu Province, China, for one semester. During this period, I continued to improve myself by taking acoustics-related courses, laying a solid foundation for future graduate studies in acoustics. During the exchange, I also traveled to many regions in mainland China, including Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, Qinghai, Gansu, and western Sichuan, deeply experiencing cultural differences. The greatest gain from traveling is getting to know yourself in unfamiliar places. This half-year exchange journey showed me my infinite possibilities.

How can you become great without seeing the great world? The world is vast, but the journey to explore it is not as distant and difficult as imagined. As long as you have the courage to take the first step, everything will fall into place. Now it's your turn to explore the world!

In the second semester of my senior year, I applied to be an exchange student at the School of Physics at Nanjing University in Jiangsu Province, China.

During the exchange, I traveled to many regions in mainland China, including Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, Qinghai, Gansu, and western Sichuan.

Study hard, and play hard.

During my university years, aside from academics and research, many people saw me as someone who loves outdoor activities. I was a member of Feng Chia University's Popular Music Club and the Solo Cycling Club, as well as a member of the university's track and field team. I participated in many music performances, represented the university in the women's 10,000m long-distance event at the National Intercollegiate Athletic Games, and running marathons became part of my daily routine. During the winter break of my senior year, I completed a 1,200km cycling trip around Taiwan with friends from the cycling club.

Representing Feng Chia University in the women's 10,000m long-distance event at the National Intercollegiate Athletic Games (left); completing a 1,200km cycling trip around Taiwan with friends from the Solo Cycling Club (top right); performing at the end-of-semester concert of the Popular Music Club (bottom right).

This is a snapshot of my four years at university—busy but fulfilling. I am grateful for every decision I made at each crossroads, as all the wonderful things seemed to happen during these four years.

Feng Chia University offers many opportunities for students, but these opportunities require us to actively seek and pursue them. In life, I believe there is only doing or not doing; there is no trying. I hope every junior student can seize every opportunity to make their university life rich and meaningful. As long as you have the courage to take the first step, everything will fall into place. Now it's your turn to fill your university life with experiences!