我回來了！/I am Back!

今年最重要的是事之一，就是通過博士第二年的資格考。系裡對資格考的規定是完成一篇論文的撰寫與口頭報告，並獲得系裡所有有終身職的教授的許可。寒假過後，幾乎全部的心力都放在論文的資料分析與撰寫上。終於，在5/19順利通過我的資格考，正式成為博士候選人了！
One of the most important tasks this year, is to pass my qualify exam.  In our department the qualify exam is defined as writing a paper, presenting it in front of all the professors with tenure, and getting approval from them.  After the winter break I devoted my whole time to data analysis and paper writing.  Finally I successfully passed my qualify exam on May 19, and formally became a PhD candidate!

忙完了資格考後，當然先是好好放假休息一下。過去這兩週研究完全被我拋到腦後，專心研讀食譜準備晚餐，以及規劃八月的人生大事。不過這清閒的日子也只剩十天，就要回到愛荷華開始工作了。

After the qualify exam, the first thing, of course, is taking a break to recover from the pressure.  In the past two weeks, all I did was studying recipes, preparing dinner, and planning the biggest event in my lifetime.  However, the lazy days will not last long.  Soon I'll have to go back to Iowa and start working on research.

今年在愛荷華的暑假目標：

1. 努力修改論文，希望有機會可以發表

2. 學會使用Latex

3. 一週運動至少兩次

4. 開始規劃畢業論文的題目

The goals this summer in Iowa are:

1. Revise my paper - hopefully the paper will have a chance to be published

2. Learn to use Latex

3. Exercise at least twice per week

4. Explore the possible topics for my dissertation

還有三年，加油！
Three more years, go!