Dear Reader,
Let us commence this journey by immersing ourselves in the waters of introspection and personal development.
Time has undeniably advanced, and with its passage, so too have I. Perhaps not to the extent I had hoped, yet change remains an undeniable constant. Have you experienced similar growth? The persistent challenge of life—the capacity to intimidate and overwhelm—continues unabated. Many individuals navigate immense pressures, often beyond their control. I have been fortunate enough to mitigate the full weight of such burdens, largely due to the unwavering support of my family. Their presence has been a source of empowerment, humility, and, at times, guilt. I presume you, too, bear your own forms of self-imposed stress. Nevertheless, I maintain faith in your resilience. Life transcends mere survival, and I believe you possess the fortitude to overcome its trials.
The community I have fostered has been instrumental in my personal growth. I have observed and been inspired by the relentless dedication of others striving for excellence in their respective fields. One notable encounter was with Dr. Wright from the Department of Computational Linguistics. Engaging with him was akin to standing before a towering figure—not one that overwhelms, but one that commands profound respect. His presence was formidable, his voice authoritative, and his gaze penetrating, as though he could discern the very essence of my being. This interaction served as a humbling reminder of the heights attainable through focus and discipline.
Such moments render complacency difficult to justify—whether manifested as idle hours spent scrolling or procrastination leading to missed opportunities. Have you ever regretted postponing a task until it was too late? I have, more often than I care to acknowledge. This is why, after sixteen years in Taiwan, I still do not know the scientific name of the Taiwanese Spotted Deer. (A trivial detail, perhaps, but one that underscores a more significant point.)
Recently, I have rekindled old passions. Perhaps you might consider doing the same. I have resumed playing the cello, beginning with the fundamentals—scales, one note at a time—as I strive to reclaim the skill and consistency I once possessed. Additionally, I have returned to experimenting with FL Studio, exploring new audio plugins and instruments. This endeavor has been exceedingly rewarding. Furthermore, I have begun wearing a jade Buddha pendant gifted to me by my mother. It serves as a symbol of balance—a reminder of the good worth celebrating, the challenges worth learning from, and the oscillations between highs and lows that define life.
The most valuable lesson I have learned in the past five years is this: Your initial attempt will likely be your weakest. Undertake it regardless. Perfection is seldom achieved on the first try, and this is not a shortcoming. Excellence, as they say, is the result of performing ordinary tasks extraordinarily well. Persist until you can no longer maintain your composure. Then, step away. Take a walk. Nourish yourself. Rest. Return the next day and continue.
Should you encounter failure—and you will—allow yourself to feel the frustration, but do not dwell in it. Engage in an activity that brings you joy. (I would caution against video games, as they seldom provide true respite.) Spend time outdoors. Soak in the sunlight. Go for a bike ride or a hike with a friend. Exercise, eat well, and rest adequately. Limit your screen time as you would if you were a child.
During my tenure at the University of Washington, I have had the privilege of witnessing countless individuals realize their potential. The achievements of my friends have been a source of joy and motivation. Emily has been accepted into UW Medicine. Katherine has secured a place in a collaborative concert with the UW Symphony. Henry is traveling across Europe after completing his degree in Neuroscience. Wen is exploring the world. Andy has obtained an internship at Microsoft and is perhaps on the verge of marriage. There is much to celebrate and be grateful for—and yet, there remains much to accomplish. The future, however, appears promising.
Growth is not a linear journey. It comprises a series of steps forward, backward, and sideways. Yet, with each movement, we learn, we adapt, and we grow.
Finally, choose kindness over harshness, even when the latter feels justified. Kindness, in its quiet manner, often prevails.
Sincerely,
Kevin Lee
