It takes hard work to make things look easy. It takes a lot of effort to make something look natural. The trick in art lies in hiding the hard work and the effort, or else it is neither art nor artifice, but that doesn’t mean the work or effort isn’t there.
Conrado de Quiros in Kewl, There’s the Rub
I remember this popular statement that you will commonly hear during thesis defense in late February. While the graduating students eagerly present their yearlong research findings and conclusion, the lower batch students watch in dismay. “Thesis na ‘yan?” [That's a thesis already?], they exclaim (or whisper).
In our field that encompasses a wide range of topics: Electronics, Communications, Computers… there are a lot of things that you can do for your thesis. The problem lies in “THE application”. The problem lies on “focusing”. What do you really want to accomplish with what you are doing? Are you doing something relevant? Will that help the society, especially those who are in dire need? What good will it give the world? Is it innovative or is it just ‘another project’? What is the extent of your research? Will it all end this year? Will it continue on? Will it help you for your future career? Are you even thinking about your career already? Does it matter? Will you earn from it? Do you want to earn from it? Why? How?
But sometimes, the students simply want to get by. “I just want the grade for me to graduate on time.”
This is one great challenge, as a research mentor. You always want to guide your students. You always want them to be highly motivated. You want them to love what they are doing and trust that whatever it is that they are currently focused on will bring some good—not just to themselves but to others as well. You want them to believe and to work harder. You want them to succeed.
However, there are different definitions of success for every person. For research, it could be whatever the “end” is. Did you get a high grade from it? Are you able to present in a conference? Did you win contests? Are you getting enough profit from it? Are you happy and satisfied with what you did? Are you proud of it?
Is it serving its purpose? Is its purpose to serve others?
Success can come in different faces. But where should it come from? From your own realization? Or from others’ point of view?
These questions are too difficult for me to answer. Yes, I don’t have the answers. I’m simply trying my best to work on finding the best path, the best options, the best activities that will lead to our whole team’s success, whatever that means.
Yet as simple as it seems to talk about and do… the reality is but harsh. Of course, there are those who are not pleased enough. “Thesis na ‘yan? Naglalaro lang kayo.“
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I wrote this around the same time last year. After all has been said and done (and I’m now in Japan), I now have the guts to publish this post. After the school year, 2 Wii Groups got the best research departmental award. Congratulations Guys! You all deserve it!
