As a child, I always heard the phrase "time flies like an arrow," yet I always felt that time passed slowly, especially when waiting for school holidays that seemed to never arrive. Now, as I grow older, I find that trying to hold onto time is like trying to cut through water with a sword—utterly futile. This is especially true for beautiful moments, which vanish in the blink of an eye. The start of university and the days of military training are still vivid in my mind, as if they happened only yesterday, yet it is already the winter break. Sometimes I wonder if my memory has simply improved, but I find that is not the case. It turns out there is only one truth: time flies like an arrow!
I do not like to plan my life meticulously because the future holds too many unknowns. You might find one field interesting today and discover another tomorrow. Therefore, I only know that I should do my best to excel at what I currently enjoy. Consequently, before entering university, I did not think too much about it. My imagined university was simply a quiet self-study classroom paired with a rich library. Arriving at South China Normal University (SCNU) was indeed a bit unexpected and came with some regrets, but that was all. Although I once worked hard to aim for more prestigious universities, that journey has become a valuable experience. Now, when chatting with friends, I have one more story to tell. This is, I must say, a wonderful thing!
Looking back at this semester of university life, I seem to have many reflections, yet upon closer thought, I find myself at a loss for words. University is truly a garden for growth. In just half a year, I have found that I have grown up, matured, and aged a bit. After all, it is not uncommon for sophomores or juniors to address me as "senior." However, I am more willing to explore my inner child. I have become more optimistic and cheerful; I try to find joy in every small matter of study and life, knowing that contentment brings happiness. In particular, I cherish every moment spent with those I value most, keeping them in my heart and reminiscing with delight.
For the sake of a precious memory, I joined the radio station and became a "radio person" at SCNU. Of course, I still have my usual trait: I have no special talents, so I mostly do miscellaneous chores, just as I did in high school (though back then, I might not have even qualified for chores). Within this platform, I want to savor the experience, attempting to make up for the time I missed during high school.
I believe many people see university as a field full of competition, a belief likely strengthened after watching the movie 3 Idiots. However, I feel exactly the opposite. Long ago, I adopted the view of "not following the crowd where there are many people," so I prefer to do "niche" things. University should be a platform for diligent study; we do not yet have enough capability to compete. Therefore, I have given up participating in all competitions, and I will stick to this for the next few years of university. Of course, this is not because I am "aloof" or despise competitions, but because competitions truly do not suit me. The most obvious point is that I can never solve competition problems—this was already the case in high school.
No matter where I am, I will do my best to do what I love, and that is enough. As a student in the Department of Mathematics, I spend my days carrying around physics books like Theoretical Physics and Quantum Mechanics because that is where my interest lies, and I benefit greatly from it. Many classmates jokingly ask me why I didn’t apply for a physics major. In truth, if I had, I would have become a physics student who carries around math books all day; there wouldn’t be much difference. In short, if I have a choice, I will certainly do what I love. Even if there is no choice, I will try to move as close to it as possible. This is not just about studying, but a conviction for living.
Since starting university, I have not been in contact with astronomy for four or five months. However, when I came across the magazine Amateur Astronomer again, I felt a sudden urge to burst into tears. People say that for a couple, "a brief absence is better than a honeymoon"; I surprisingly have a similar feeling toward astronomy. Perhaps it will be an interesting thing for a mathematics student to pursue a career in astronomy in the future. One of my most unforgettable experiences in high school was the Astronomy Olympiad. Through it, I first met astronomy enthusiasts from all over, communicating and learning with them, which introduced me to the frontiers of science. In fact, within that fun and humorous atmosphere, it didn’t feel like a competition at all, but rather a series of social gatherings. Only this kind of competition allows me to enjoy myself. In university, I still maintain my love for astronomy. If possible, I will establish an astronomy club at SCNU.
I have rambled on for over a thousand words, speaking quite vaguely. Much of this is just reflections from my heart, and I feel this article is even less organized than a "running account." However, I am still willing to call it a running account. After all, time really is like flowing water, trickling forward. When you listen with your heart, it sings with sound and breath; when you are slightly distracted, it flows away silently. Recording these bits and pieces—isn’t that exactly what it means to keep a "running account"?
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