Personal

In addition to my teaching and research interests in writing and language, I am an avowed marathon runner. 

I have run full- (42.195 km) and half-marathons (21.0975 km) several times. Whenever finishing it, I feel so proud of myself and so happy that all my hard work paid off. Through this experience, I came to see the value of running from a philosophical perspective. That is, running a marathon is just like studying, teaching, or doing research in that all these things require "being persistent." Life is like a marathon. 

In the beginning of the race, we have the vision of our goal in mind and the passion to achieve it. In the middle of the race, however, we encounter both physical and mental challenges that if we allow them to overcome us, will nullify our victory. During this time, as long as we keep ourselves upright mentally and keep envisioning the goal, eventually we will be able to arrive at the finish line and be filled with a sense of accomplishment. 

This experience gave me a simple but important life lesson: Persistence pays off.

Success isn't built in a day; it's a journey. Therefore, it is important to always keep in mind that persistence pays off. If you give up at the slightest resistance, you'll never get anywhere.   I'd like to live by these life principles for the rest of my life.

My favorites also include landscape photography. The photo galalley on this website provides a number of nature and landscape photos I took during my stay in Hawaii 2006 - 2009.