Chase the Wind, Be a Free and Unrestrained Young Person | Feng Chia University Department of Finance, Liang-Yun Wang

How should I write the book of my life?

I often ponder this question. I want to experience different lifestyles—studying, working in exchange for accommodation, joining clubs, and going on exchange programs. These are all interesting experiences that allow me to feel the various meanings of life. Perhaps this is what I truly desire.

In my freshman year, I joined the choir, experiencing the joy of singing and group life. During the summer, I worked in exchange for accommodation in Fengbin Township, Hualien. Life there was incredibly simple, as if pressing the pause button on life's worries. Living in the moment became the most important thing, with the sea, sunsets, and friends being enough.

In my sophomore year, I participated in programming competitions and began preparing application materials for exchange programs. During the summer, I worked at a convenience store, learning how to interact with people. I realized that when you maintain a balanced mindset, it doesn't matter who or what you encounter; what matters is your attitude. Respecting everyone's thoughts and not devaluing yourself is crucial.

Junior year was the time to see the world, embrace every possibility, and bravely try new things. From freshman year, I knew the university offered exchange resources. Preparing the application materials in my sophomore year and finally submitting them required immense courage and tested my determination. Fortunately, I successfully applied to Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, officially starting my exchange journey.

Challenges of Studying in Shanghai

Studying in Shanghai was not easy. It required a lot of time to prepare for exams, assignments, and reports. For example, for the final group report in "Principles of Management," we chose to analyze Xiaomi. Initially, we thought it wouldn't be too burdensome, but it turned out to be quite challenging. Researching the founder alone required several sleepless nights to understand his background, personality, growth, and the company's development. The report also needed to analyze how Xiaomi developed high-value products through its Redmi sub-brand, establishing its market position. This report taught me that truly understanding a company requires comprehensive research from the founder to development opportunities and presenting logical analysis and insights. Additionally, before presenting, team members had to practice repeatedly, giving and receiving feedback, which was different from previous report methods and taught me a more rigorous learning attitude.

During the exchange, I unexpectedly gained a lot of alone time and fell in love with experiencing Shanghai by myself. On the last day of 2024, I gave myself a year-end gift by taking a bus ride for over an hour in Shanghai, quietly listening to the city, spending time with myself, and feeling the passage of time. This was something I always wanted to do—no purpose, no time limit, getting off the bus whenever I wanted to see unknown scenery.

Shanghai, the Magical City

Being alone has never been lonely for me; it's a time to converse with myself, and I enjoy it. Thanks to the university, I had the opportunity to live and explore the outside world, discovering that this world is filled with diverse people—rich or poor, proactive or laid-back, adventurous or conservative, and of course, many outstanding individuals. I realized how small and ordinary I was. The paths I walked and the sights I saw in the past six months touched me deeply, changing my thoughts. I used to think I was just an ordinary person, following society's pace, living life without other ideas, and not believing I could access different resources.

For most of life's journey, there is no favorable wind, only a vast expanse of grassland. But I am fortunate to be a part of Feng Chia University, with its limitless resources to help me take off, giving me wings to soar.

The Warmth and Inspiration of Feng Chia University

When I first entered Feng Chia University as a freshman, I wondered if I had made the right choice. Year after year, I became more certain that I had. Walking around the campus, I noticed many teachers dressed formally for classes, which I believe shows respect for themselves, the students, and education.

In my freshman year, I saw an interview with Chairman Cheng-Shu Kao, who said, "Education is like the spring breeze and rain, warm like the spring sun and nourishing like timely rain. If we have goals and ideals, students can learn this spirit and be kind to others in society. This should be a basic goal of education." It was also common to see the chairman teaching or handling official duties on campus, which is rare and precious for students.

In my sophomore year, I took courses with Professor Rui-Kun Dai, a pioneer in the humanities at Feng Chia University. In class, Professor Dai shared that when Feng Chia asked him to take on administrative work, he agreed on the condition that he could continue teaching. Otherwise, he preferred to remain a teacher. Decades later, he still teaches at Feng Chia, demonstrating a highly disciplined lifestyle worth learning from. Observing him, I noticed he would walk on the school track early in the morning and enter the classroom in formal attire at eight o'clock.

I also took courses with Professor Tsu-Miao Wang in my sophomore year. Professor Wang traveled from Taipei to Feng Chia every week to teach for four hours. Since there was no break at noon, he often started class after a quick bite of a bun. He said he returned every week to thank Feng Chia for nurturing him and to give back to the university. He often told students, "Remember to stand on my shoulders to see a broader world and walk a wider path. One day, you will carve out your own sky."

During my exchange in Shanghai, I was fortunate to be introduced by Professor Wang to the Shanghai Alumni Association, where I met many alumni. The most memorable experience was attending the alumni association's annual meeting, where I learned many new things. I am very grateful to the teachers and alumni for these valuable experiences. At the event, I had the opportunity to meet Vice President Guo-Hao Tang, who, upon learning that I was an exchange student, showed great concern for my life and studies in Shanghai and was willing to listen to my experiences at Feng Chia. This made me feel very warm in a foreign land. Even after the exchange, he continued to care about my situation at Feng Chia. This unique warmth of Feng Chia is felt by current students, alumni abroad, and even those who graduated years ago.

Through Professor Wang's introduction, I participated in the Feng Chia Alumni Association activities in Shanghai, feeling the unique warmth of Feng Chia.

Broadening Horizons Through Travel

During the exchange, I traveled to Nanjing, Inner Mongolia, Qingdao, Suzhou, and Hangzhou, experiencing various local customs and broadening my horizons. Nanjing is a city rich in cultural heritage, with famous attractions like Confucius Temple, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, and Nanjing Museum. Walking through these sites felt like stepping back in time, deeply feeling the warmth of the people who lived there. Nanjing's diverse and delicious food, such as salted duck, black rice dumplings, and osmanthus rice balls, was also a highlight. My friend even visited Nanjing three times during the exchange because of the food.

Inner Mongolia offered vast grasslands, magnificent volcanoes, and endless deserts. The most memorable part of the trip was the starry sky and the company of friends. Sitting on the grasslands with a yurt behind us, enjoying meat and wine, chatting all night, and welcoming the sunrise together created beautiful and irreplaceable memories. We also rented a lamb for photos on the volcano, held a childish race while climbing, and screamed in the desert while riding camels out of fear. These are all precious memories. We chatted with local residents, gaining a deeper understanding of their culture and lifestyle. The Mongolian people were as warm and hospitable as I had imagined.

Inner Mongolia offered vast grasslands, magnificent volcanoes, and endless deserts. The most memorable part of the trip was the starry sky and the company of friends.

I also got to know Shanghai, the city I lived in for over four months, more deeply. How can I describe it? I enjoyed wandering around Shanghai after class, becoming a one-day traveler in this magical city. For me, the real Shanghai is not just to be seen but to be felt, slowly and serendipitously discovered without any guidance. Walking is my date with Shanghai, bringing my camera with no destination, capturing the romance of ordinary life. This is my unique happiness in Shanghai, encountering unexpected beauty.

Growth and Inspiration from the Exchange

Living abroad was fun but not easy. It meant facing an unknown world alone, where everyday problems could lead to emotional breakdowns, and the academic pressure was much greater than usual. Despite this, I do not regret my choice.

The world is vast, with not only the beauty of rainbows but also the faint light of the night and unknown storms. During this time, I had to quickly adapt to different teaching systems, cultural backgrounds, and even the various accents of each teacher. Everything was challenging but incredibly worthwhile.

The changes in these six months were growth I wouldn't have experienced in years within my comfort zone. Instead of waiting for the wind, chase it and be a free and unrestrained young person. Life's opportunities are often found by oneself, and I firmly believe that those who chase the light will eventually shine brightly. Like the daily sunlight, it will guide me forward, with time brewing wine and leaving a floral aftertaste.