Wednesday, August 11, 2004
Things I need to do:
- SMART'04 Paper which is due this Sunday, 15 Aug 04. I've basically finished writing up the paper. My supervisor had a look at it on Monday and made some comments and suggestions. Just need to update that and do a few touch-ups here and there. That would be the first conference paper that I plan and write but the second that contains my name as one of the authors.
- My main concern for the coming two weeks are the two courseworks which I am currently doing. The first is 'Linear Systems Theory' and the other ' Autonomous Mobile Robots' . The second wasn't too bad, but it is actually a speed course where we have a seminar/lecture two hourse everyday for two weeks. No assignments except for a 30-min presentation in a certain research area. The other coursework is more time consuming in terms of preparation and research. There's a two-hour tutorial/discussion every week for 5 weeks. We have to prepare one chapter and try to do some selected problems prior to the class. Sounds easy? Well, consider one chapter in a graduate textbook as one complete course to be given at the undergraduate level and also the short time frame for us to study, then you'll know how difficult it is to be in my shoes.
- Now that I've finally been granted my Australian permanent residency, I will be speaking with the Research Students and Scholarships Office of ANu in regards to my change of status and the consequences of this change. Hope to push for scholarship top-ups and other benefits and will have to see. Another thing I will discuss with them is my intention of suspending the PhD program and scholarship for 6 months early next year. It's more of a personal motivation because I think I need some time off after working so freaking hard for my studies and livelihood. Not that I will totally become a jobless and aimless person for the 6 months, but it would mean not having to submit for any PhD program deadlines. It would allow me to freely pursue my research, interest and business venture . Don't get me wrong, you'll still see me at RSISE or working on my SMA project but you probably won't see me working 9 to 5 in the office. That will be something to consider as there might be consequences to my suspension, most importantly how it would affect my scholarships.
- It's also time to plan for my trip to Singapore for the SMART'04 conference in November. Just been informed that my brother's wedding will be held on 2 December 04 instead of 31 Dec. So that means that I may probably just make one single, RSISE-sponsored trip backl to Singapore and Malaysia. I'll just need to purchase connecting flight tickets between Penang and Singapore. This would also mean that I may not be going back to Malaysia during Christmas this year. Instead, I might consider Chinese New Year in 2005.
- I think that I'm gonna be making myself and my family proud in the next few years. This is no boosting nor is it egoism. This is purely an expression of my determination and my feeling. I'm gonna be putting a lot of effort in making things work and it sure will be difficult. There's no easy way to a successful and fulfilling life. But first, my parents' advice, that health will be equally important. So good food and enough rest everyday... support and love from my loved ones... that should keep me on track.
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