What a year! 2024 has already gone by half and it's a blast! There are so many new stories and experiences to expect this year, and I cannot wait to share them with everybody. One big news that I would like to share is... I am finally leaving Taiwan, where I've lived for approximately 8 years.
It was a hard decision, and leaving this place brings up a mix of emotions. I am relieved, happy, and sad at the same time because there are countless memories of my precious teachers and friends. I experienced so many "firsts" here in Taiwan: My first high-elevation hike, my first research project, my first tree-climbing experience, my first job experience... and many more! Staying here for such a long time has its challenges, yet it also created a comfortable environment for me. My mentors, teachers, friends, the foods, places to visit and the surrounding people were the things that I will miss a lot. Yet deep down, I know I have to take this leap forward to move on to the next phase of my life.
Not to say that I won't be coming back to Taiwan forever, but there will be a short period where I won't be visiting. The changes in status from "student" to "working foreigner" and now "travelling" are not just the changes in the period of stay in the country. They also represent the difficulty of meeting and spending time with the people who I loved and cherish. The saddest feeling that I am very worried about is that I will not be able to stay in this environment with everyone to experience new memories together anymore.
In order not to leave any regret, I spent my last two months here having as many meet-ups and gatherings as possible. Revisiting familiar places where me and my friends share the same memories. Taking this opportunity to wrap up one small yet meaningful chapter of my life in Taiwan. Here, I grew, learned, nurtured and created a character that became the person I am today. For me, it is okay to hustle and move forward, but my biggest regret is not to say goodbye when have the chance.
So, let me take this opportunity to bring everyone down memory lane with me and hope everyone enjoys this session of my blog.
National Taiwan University
School of Forestry & Resource Conservation
國立臺灣大學 森林環境暨資源學系
My friends and I started our journey as forestry students in 2016. For me, it was my first time being overseas and away from home for an extended period. I felt insecure worried, and on edge due to the unfamiliarity of the new environment. However, I am really glad that I enrolled on this program because the professors, seniors and friends that I met were all very supportive and kind to us. (Not the office staff tho XD)
After my friends and I graduated in 2020, it has been a while since everyone got together. I still have the opportunity to meet some of my classmates because a few of them continued to study in graduate school within the department. However, I sometimes still miss having familiar faces in the same room just to chat, goof around reminisce about the past and discuss our expectations for the future.
Although we graduated four years ago, the memories of every corner of the department are still vivid, as if it were just yesterday. So, here are some corners that I hope bring back some memories.
Enjoy~ :)
The Final Pilgrimage 最後的校園巡禮
From what I remember, the graduation ceremony at NTU starts with a procession around the school campus. This final pilgrimage is meant to pay respect to the school and symbolize the memories created by students over their four years in college. To be honest, I wasn't very interested in this part at the time because it was usually crowded with strangers. My friends and I were more interested in the ceremony held by our department where we could enjoy taking photos with teachers, family and friends and celebrate our graduation.
After graduation, I continued to visit the campus at least once a month since I lived nearby. I enjoyed hanging around and having dinner around the area. The school campus is definitely a perfect place to spend time and hang out during free time. When I realized I was leaving the city, I decided to take my camera and go on the final pilgrimage myself at the same time enjoying personal time for me to revisit the familiar corners of the campus.
Enjoy!
Forest Research Sites
Before I enrolled in the department, I always thought that as a forestry student, it should be normal for us to constantly travel to forests and carry out various onsite trainings and courses. However, it was not as expected. There were more indoor classes than I had anticipated. Indoor classes focused on theoretical knowledge and research exploring the unknown phenomena of forests while also trying to solve realistic challenges faced by the world's forests. Never I had imagined there were so many stories and knowledge explored in forests.
I think I spent a quarter of my university time in forests carrying out various activities. It was a different kind of experience and I will surely share the stories to future generations. Memories with classmates and students flow to my mind every time I visit the place again. So, let me introduce you to some places where I spent most of my time. To those who are interested please do go there for a visit. XD
Xitou National Forest Park
國立臺灣大學 臺大實驗林 溪頭森林遊樂區
Xitou is a scenic area situated in the central region of Taiwan, specifically in Nantou County. It is known for its beautiful forest scenery that was managed by the Experimental Forest Department of NTU. To get there, you can start your journey from Taipei by taking the high-speed bullet train to Taichung. This train ride is quick and comfortable, offering a convenient way to travel long distances in Taiwan. Upon arriving in Taichung, you can transfer to a bus that will take you to Xitou. The bus ride allows you to enjoy the scenery as you move from the city to the rural forested areas of Nantou County.
Xitou is a popular destination for nature lovers. Spending a full day walking through the forest trails provides a refreshing escape from urban life. The Xitou Nature Education Area, often referred to as Xitou Forest Recreation Area, is a major attraction. It offers various trails, a bamboo grove, a university pond, and the famous Skywalk, which allows visitors to walk above the forest canopy.
Besides being a great place for a walk, my friends and I also participated in forest practice courses here for up to two weeks during summer and winter breaks (known as 林場實習). I also conducted my graduate research project at this site. Additionally, we had field classes for the Introduction to Forest Biodiversity course here.
Tataka, Yushan National Park
塔塔加鞍部 玉山國家公園
The Tataka Area, located within the renowned Alishan National Park in Taiwan, is a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventurers. Situated at an altitude of about 2,600 meters, this area offers stunning views, diverse flora and fauna, and a variety of outdoor activities.
The Tataka Area is famous for its hiking trails. The most notable trek is the climb to Yushan (Jade Mountain), which attracts hikers from around the world. Other trails, such as the Tataka Trail and the Tataka Anbu Trail, provide easier options for exploring the area's natural beauty. The area is known for its panoramic views. On clear days, visitors can see the Central Mountain Range and even catch a glimpse of the Taiwan Strait. The sunrise and sunset views are particularly spectacular, drawing photographers and nature lovers.
Tataka holds a special place in my heart as it was where I completed my first hike in Taiwan and embarked on my inaugural tour of the renowned Yushan Mountain. The initial hike introduced me and my friends to Taiwan's stunning natural landscapes and ignited my passion for outdoor exploration. Climbing Yushan, the highest peak in Taiwan, was a significant milestone, offering breathtaking views and a challenging yet rewarding experience that deepened my connection to nature.
In addition to these personal achievements, Tataka was the site of my first bachelor research project and the field classes for the Introduction to Forest Biodiversity course. Conducting my research project here with my precious team-mates and advisors allowed me to apply my academic knowledge in a real-world setting, focusing on specific ecological topics and gaining valuable fieldwork experience. The biodiversity course provided hands-on learning opportunities, reinforcing my understanding of forest ecosystems and the importance of conservation. These experiences collectively enriched my academic journey and fostered a profound appreciation for the ecological significance of the Tataka Area.
An open letter 給朋友們的一封公開信
(內有心靈雞湯~ 太補的人可以不用閱讀喔~ XD)
Dear teachers & my fellow friends,
Is been a blast happen to know you. 在台灣八年的生活中，有你的出現讓我的生活中添加了不少歡樂及故事。雖然在我在臺灣的旅途即將畫下一個句點，我們所經歷的一切的故事及回憶將會以照片的形式，陪伴著我往人生的下一個階段前進。雖然短期內沒辦法再次陪伴大家在生活中努力。待我們下次見面之時，我再帶著我們當初拍下的各種回憶，坐在我們熟悉的地方，喝著咖啡或茶，再慢慢回味吧。
離開臺灣前，前前後後的參與了將近42場大大小小聚會。能夠與大家互相分享近期的各種喜怒哀樂近況，及分享我目前的喜悅。能夠坐下來好好聊天相聚，對我來說可以說是小弟的榮幸。在這兩個月來與大家相聚及告別之時，大家都正面對各種不同跟自己人生、職涯發展等規劃相關的課題努力。我在這裡想為正在努力的大家送上最最誠懇的祝福! 在大家面對各種挑戰的當下可以擁有平常沒有的勇氣及毅力，從每一種挑戰中更加昇華自己。
在未來這幾年，也請各位朋友好好的生活。有理想及目標的朋友，就大膽嘗試吧！趁年輕放手一搏，如果不是現在是何時呢？沒有目標的你也不一定要有偉大的理想才是有值得的喔~ 有時候能夠安安穩穩的享受生活也是人生的一部分。對於還在迷惘和焦慮的人來說呢，不要害怕 :)。你會迷惘之時你還對未來有所期待；會焦慮是因為即使你曾努力嘗試卻不符預期而已。有時候放寬心，相信你所做的各種努力將會變成養分，讓你所種下的目標慢慢發芽的~
分離簡單相聚難，有緣分認識大家是我的榮幸。雖然下一次見面已不知何時，但無論如何，我非常期待再次跟大家下一次相聚。在聚會中所訂下的目標及瘋狂的計畫，讓我們各自努力及慢慢的實現！要相信我們每一個人都是特別的~ 當每一個特別的人相聚在一起，這樣世界才會變得更有趣對吧！
在停筆之前，讓我舉杯，敬大家！敬這段台灣的友誼長存！
Desmond 敬上
(((o(*ﾟ▽ﾟ*)o)))
(੭ु´･ω･`)੭ु⁾⁾