English translation · Reader alias: ZhaoyeRead the Chinese original ↗
Echo correspondenceNO. 15
To / For Airing
From Zhaoye
What am I really pursuing through graduate study?
Reader alias · Zhaoye
NO. 15Letter
Zhaoye to Airing
Hello Airing. What leaves me most confused is how to approach postgraduate entrance exams and plan the future. Let me explain the points that trouble me in more detail:
Question 1: Choosing a university
Airing, because 〔family and loan details withheld〕, I want to earn as much as possible. I really like computer vision. I had previously considered 〔university and laboratory withheld〕, and wanted to give everything to getting into 〔supervisor's name withheld〕's postgraduate program. But I am afraid that someone as accomplished as 〔supervisor's name withheld〕 might not like an applicant like me, with nothing to show and a degree from outside the major national university schemes. My alternative is that I really like 〔city withheld〕 and want to attend a Project 211 university. I can learn anything, and would be satisfied just to get into one, so I am wondering whether a computer science postgraduate program at 〔another university withheld〕 would be the best overall choice.
The first thing I would like you to address: do you see any mistaken assumptions in what I have said? How do you view this dilemma? What advice or opinions could you offer?
Question 2: The coming year and a half
I do not know what to do. I have no competitions, no research projects or papers, and nothing that demonstrates my ability. I honestly do not know how I will handle the admissions interview.
The second thing I would like answered: apart from studying hard for the entrance exam, what else should I do over the coming year and a half? What should I do as much of as possible? What am I supposed to do? Aah, I am so hopeless.
NO. 15Reply
Airing to Zhaoye
〔Zhaoye〕:
Hello. I will offer some views on your two concerns from my own perspective, for reference.
Of the two choices you describe, one seems to me to arise from longing for something you love, and the other from settling for what would be enough. Life is short. I would suggest using the advantage of being young to pursue what you love without leaving yourself regrets.
If you really like computer vision, that enthusiasm and curiosity should lead you to explore it more deeply on your own. You can look for and pursue research projects and related competitions in that direction, and papers will naturally emerge from projects. True passion is fearless. That also addresses your second concern.
Right now, what you may most need is to quietly ask yourself what you actually want and what you are trying to pursue: a scientific field you love, or a Project 211 credential that looks good to others; academic inquiry, or skills development. Once you have your own answer, the road will open before you.
I hope the road ahead becomes clear.
Airing
24 July 2025
NO. 15Follow-up letter
Zhaoye to Airing
The date of this individual message was not recorded; its correspondence record is dated 2025-07-24.
Yes, thank you so much. In fact, many of my thoughts coincide with yours, Airing, so it is good to receive a definite answer.
I think I will choose the direction I can handle with the most confidence!
After all, I have been studying computer vision for 〔length of study withheld〕. I do not want that learning to go to waste!
Perhaps following my heart and doing one thing steadily and well is enough: making the most of my strengths and learning to make trade-offs.
I wish you success in your work!