Pursuing Dreams: The Journey of Sacrifice and Courage
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Chapter 1: The Courage to Follow Your Dreams
When one takes the leap to chase their aspirations, they often face ridicule and skepticism from others.
I recently encountered an inspiring article featuring an individual who dared to pursue his ambitions. The headline read, "Is 28 Too Late to Pursue a Master's Degree?" After working at several companies post-college, he attempted to pass the entrance exam for a government job, which many in Taiwan view as the pinnacle of career stability and security. However, he realized that none of these paths resonated with him. At 25, he discovered a passion for teaching and began preparing to study for a Master's in Germany, eventually starting the program at 28 with a goal of becoming a licensed German teacher.
As he prepared his applications, he encountered a barrage of unsolicited advice: "Why not look for a stable job?" "A Master's at your age? That's too old!" "There are already too many Master’s graduates; it’s not worth it," "How long do you plan to remain in school?"
Despite this discouragement, he forged ahead. By the time he completed his degree and began his first job, he was 31 and even contemplated pursuing another Master's while working.
His journey resonates as a beacon of inspiration for many, including myself. However, I was disheartened — though not surprised — by some negative comments below the article. Remarks such as "He didn’t care about money, so he acted impulsively," and "If you have funds, you can study abroad at any age (implying wealth is paramount)," reflected a grim outlook. Some even stated, "Not everyone can afford to take such risks!"
Is it harsh to label these reactions as "sour grapes"? Perhaps, but I stand by my perspective. I shared my own experience: My wife and I pursued our Master’s degrees in our 30s, all while raising three children under four years old and with just a few thousand dollars in our account. Today, we both hold Ph.D. degrees and are professors at a small university.
Strangely, my comment went unnoticed — no likes, no responses.
I vividly recall the skepticism we faced during our journey: "You have young kids! You're too old! Why not think about your family?" A woman from our church, whom my wife didn’t even know, once chastised her, saying, "You should focus on finding a husband, like a good Christian woman." When I was pursuing my Ph.D., even a relative who held a Ph.D. himself advised me, "You should find a job; think about your family."
Now, I can confidently say that we’ve found our footing. As professors, we enjoy a level of job security and fulfillment in our careers that I could never have imagined in a conventional 9-to-5 role.
The Price of Ambition
This reflection brings to mind many of my students. In psychology, a bachelor's degree is often insufficient. Many perceive this field as "easy," but the truth is that undergraduate programs provide a broad overview without the rigorous training needed for practical application. To truly excel, pursuing a Master's is essential.
To enhance one's chances of admission into a graduate program and save money, aspiring students must acquire foundational research and statistics skills. They need to engage in research projects and present their findings at conferences.
When I ask students, "Would you like to attend grad school for free?" most eagerly respond with a resounding "YES!" However, when I follow up with, "Then you need to conduct research," very few take the initiative.
If you find yourself hesitating, thinking "I can’t do it," or "It’s too challenging," or using "I don’t have time" as an excuse, then you lose the right to criticize those bold enough to chase their dreams.
Throughout my teaching career, I have consistently invited promising students to conduct research alongside me, a process I find more rewarding than lecturing. Yet, over the years, responses have dwindled, leading me to feel less compelled to actively recruit.
Ultimately, individuals shape their own destinies.
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The first video, "Sour Grapes - Official Trailer," explores the themes of ambition and the sacrifices made in pursuit of dreams.
The second video, "Sour Grapes," delves deeper into the motivations and challenges faced by those who dare to follow their passions.