Chapter 1: Initial Impressions and Experiences

It's great to reconnect after a week! I cherish sharing my experiences as they provide moments for reflection on both the highs and lows of my journey.

Am I enjoying my time as a PhD student at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute? The straightforward answer is: absolutely! I vividly recall my early days here, particularly around August 20, when I went to pick up my ID card. The thrill of acquiring that ID and exploring the city while relying on Google Maps was exhilarating. Navigating Troy seemed intimidating at first, but Google Maps guided me along new paths to RPI every day.

On the day I received my ID and was heading back to my apartment, I heard a notification from Outlook. It was an email from my advisor sharing two theses with me, noting, “I know this is a lot to take in, but do your best.” That message was incredibly encouraging. I immersed myself in the details, and the experience has been nothing short of wonderful.

The memory of my first assignment in my Machine Learning class stands out. I’ve never been one for study groups or in-depth discussions, but I found myself doing just that. I spent long hours in the library, pondering the many assignments looming over me this semester. The initial assignment was challenging and felt like the toughest yet, but the second one proved even more demanding. What shifted was my level of preparation and mindset. Office hours became invaluable for discussing solution strategies with my friendly professor. Now, as the semester approaches its conclusion, the past doesn't seem daunting anymore; I’ve lived through those moments. It's crucial to acknowledge those feelings, as they were genuine at the time.

While I wouldn’t label this period as stressful, it has certainly been demanding. The most rewarding part is the wealth of knowledge I've gained. I feel like I've progressed, and that’s a gratifying realization. I take pride in this growth.

Chapter 2: Recent Activities and Presentations

The past week has been fulfilling. I dedicated my time to preparing for a presentation scheduled for today. Despite the nerves that creep in beforehand, I find joy in the act of sharing, engaging with the audience, and responding to their inquiries. I love discovering people’s interests and perspectives. Teaching has always captivated me; there's something incredibly satisfying about helping others grasp complex ideas, as evidenced today when an undergraduate student smiled and said, “This makes so much sense.” I left the stage feeling a sense of accomplishment.

Unfortunately, our professor was unable to attend class due to a health emergency, so he entrusted four of us graduate students, myself included, with managing the class and ensuring the presentations went smoothly. Everything was well-coordinated.

Additionally, my advisor tasked me with running an algorithm for animal identification on a real-world dataset. It was thrilling to troubleshoot a few issues and conduct the experiment. Our conversations are always insightful, and I value our interactions greatly.

I also took advantage of the weekend to catch up on sleep, albeit in short bursts on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. It may sound amusing, but I appreciated the rest. Sometimes, we all need that break. The temperature dropped to about 2 degrees Celsius today, and I found my hands nearly freezing whenever I ventured outside my pockets.

Chapter 3: Reflections on OpenAI Events

The recent news about the ousting of the CEO, who was also a founder of OpenAI, came as a shock. It felt like a dramatic thriller unfolding on X, and the subsequent chaos and regret expressed by the board painted a grim picture. Sam and Greg were well-loved, akin to family.

Even if Sam and Greg transition to Microsoft, there will always be a lingering sadness about not holding ownership over something they created and cherished deeply. However, to overcome this bitterness, it's essential to focus on the mission that drives us every day. That focus might bring some solace to Sam and Greg.

Over the years, I've learned that we must be passionate about our mission—the catalyst for our dreams. Institutions and circumstances may shift, but our aspirations and guiding principles should remain steadfast and evolve continuously. The world is interconnected, and while our institutions may differ vastly, we share common threads.

Looking forward to sharing more soon!

Much love!