Apart of the Journey

I wanted to take a moment to share how I've been feeling. As many of you know, I have been navigating my journey through my PhD program, and I have encountered a challenge that I wasn't prepared for. On October 4th, my advisor, who had been guiding me through this academic path, passed away unexpectedly. The news was a profound shock, and I found myself grappling with a wave of emotions and thoughts I hadn't anticipated. I want to honor his memory with some kind words and offer advice for those who may face similar circumstances.?

In the pursuit of something significant, such as a PhD, there will inevitably be trials and tribulations. Opposition will come from all directions—doubts, challenges, and setbacks are part of the journey. These obstacles can emerge from any area of your life; no aspect is immune. When one part of our lives is affected, the impact can ripple through everything. An emotional blow can have psychological consequences, just as a physical injury might limit us in unexpected ways. Everything is interconnected, and the challenges we face often reach further than we initially realize.?

To those who are enduring difficult times or have already faced them, remember that perseverance is key. Keep your eyes on the goal, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. Know that you are not alone in facing these struggles. Continue moving forward with focus and determination, no matter what obstacles arise.?

A few things that I was able to keep in mind as I was going through this. ?

1. Have Faith*?
2. The Journey isn’t over?
3. Feel the feelings?
4. Bigger Picture?
5. Pull over?
6. Channel emotions for growth?
7. Honor The Legacy?

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• Have Faith?

Trust in your journey, even when it feels uncertain. Faith can provide strength in difficult times and help you maintain your course.?What keeps me grounded in tough times, is my faith. What keeps me focused on the grand design, is my faith. It isn't something that I think about every other day but something that is interwoven into the chapters of my life with precise coordinates.

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• The Journey Isn’t Over?

Remember, a setback doesn’t signify the end. The path may shift, but the journey continues. Keep moving forward, honoring those who helped guide you. Remembering this is important for yourself and others. ?

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• Feel the Feelings?

Allow yourself to fully experience your emotions. Grief, sadness, confusion—these are all part of the process. Don't rush healing; give yourself the space to mourn.?This used to be something very hard for me to do. I've learned that it isn't about not 'feeling' but being able to feel and understand.

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• Remember the Bigger Picture?
• Focus on your broader goals and the impact you wish to make. Difficult moments are part of a larger narrative, and remembering the bigger picture can provide clarity.? What is the bigger picture? What is it? Is it written down? Keep this in mind, when you struggle.

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• Pull Over When Needed?
• Sometimes you need to pause and take a break. It’s okay to stop and regroup when things get overwhelming. Taking time to reflect is not a sign of weakness but of wisdom.?The car is moving at all times, we must be able to pull over when we get tired, drained of energy, or start to see ourselves dose off. It's easier to pull over to the side, then it would be to crash into a pole going 60 mph. Be gracious to yourself!

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• Channel Emotions into Purpose?
• Use the energy from your grief or struggle to fuel your goals. Let the challenges inspire you to work harder and make a difference.?James 1:2-4 'Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.' As a follower of Christ, we understand that all trials and tribulations produce more strength!

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• Honor the Legacy?
• Reflect on the guidance and wisdom that your mentor or advisor shared. Use their teachings as a source of inspiration to continue your work.?If you don't feel like you currently have a legacy, which one are you moving towards. Build your own! Trust the vision, even though points of it will change

?Hopefully these points will help you and leave you with some inspiration as you live out your dreams on this earth. Dr. Hsu was a wonderful person, with a great heart. I know I wasn’t the only student. HIs students would echo the same sentiment, and I am truly grateful to be able to have him share apart of my journey. I won’t give up! I promise! ?

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If you made it this far, thank you for reading?