Looking back in 2018

2018 has been a year full of changes and new stuff for me.

Before anything else, I would like to quote a part of some lyrics. It is from the Japanese anime Attack on Titans:

Wohlan Freie! Jetzt hier ist an Sieg
(Well friend! Here’s to the victory)
Dies ist der erste Gloria
(This is the first glory)
Wohlan Freie! Feiern wir dieser Sieg
(Well friend! Let’s celebrate this victory)
für den nächsten Kampf
(For the next fight)

Yes, 2018 is a year of glory to me.

Actions are the beginning of dreams

“Actions are the beginning of dreams”, in Traditional Chinese. A souvenir from Taiwan.

Being born in Hong Kong in this era, it means lots of hopeless political struggle and living under the giantic shadow of China. Some people take proud of being a Chinese, some take advantage of it. To me, Hong Kong was a hometown I grew up and I loved. And now it is ripped off hope and future. I see nothing for me in Hong Kong, no matter in terms of career development or just having a decent life.

There is no saving for the city. I intend to leave it, for good.

International Life highlights

When it comes to career choices, I always prefer working in foreign-based companies over Chinese/Hong Kong companies. Not just because I can gain international exposure there, but because I can work and live like a person, not a tiny gear in a machine.

Therefore, I chose a German tech international corporation in Hong Kong. During the working days there, I have busted my ass and learned everything I could. I fought my way and earn every opportunity and exposure myself. The local Hong Kong branch didn’t have many resources, it means the assist I can get is very limited. In other words, I was on my own.

I was shaped as a lone wolf.

After learning and trying all kinds of stuff, I felt it is time to move on. I start bulk applying jobs, including the holding company of that Hong Kong branch. To be completely honest, I applied that particular post for fun. Surprisingly, the recruiter got back to me with a technical test in SQL. And the more surprising thing is: I knew all of them. I had 4 Skype interviews afterward and I managed to get myself an offer.

An offer to work in Berlin.

This opportunity is way more than a mere position on my resume. It was a game changer for my whole life. It means moving upward in social class, it means a higher salary, and it means more opportunity to learn. I am getting away from Hong Kong, and getting one step closer to my dream: Working as a Data Scientist.

One of my farewell parties back in Hong Kong

Oh, and I got engaged as well. After securing a way out of Hong Kong, it is finally okay for marriage. If I am still stuck in Hong Kong, there is ABSOLUTELY no room for having a life.

Goals: Data Science, Career and so on

In the show of “Attack on Titans”, there is a rescue mission of the protagonist Eren. Commander Erwin got ambushed by a titan and his whole right arm got bitten off by a titan. His immediate reaction was not screaming with pain. Instead, he commanded the legion of scouts to keep on advancing for the mission.

It is one of my favorite scenes of Attack on Titans.

This scene did not just show how determined Commander Erwin is, but also taught me a lesson: If you are determined and committed enough, there is nothing can stop you.

To me, Data Science is not just a career choice. It is a calling, a mission. And on top of everything, it is a kind of power that would dominate the world in the near future.

The pay is indeed handsome, but no, it is not my major motivator. Data Science is the power that can improve people’s welfare, and governments and corporations have a great tenancy to use it for their own agendas. Power should stay in the people’s hands. Although we would sometimes suffer from human stupidity, democracy is still the most optimal choice on Earth at this moment.

With power serving as deterrence, governments and corporations should be fear of the people. And as a result, there will be freedom for people.

I know, it sounds like naive Liberal nagging. Yet, I believe so. People need something to believe in, and this is the ideal I choose to root.

For the wings of freedom of the people, I will strive in 2019.

“Jiyuu no Tsubasa” (“Wings of Freedom”), “Attach on Titans” season 2 opening theme song

Wohlan Freie! Jetzt hier ist an Sieg
(Well friend! Here’s to the victory)
Dies ist der erste Gloria
(This is the first glory)
Wohlan Freie! Feiern wir dieser Sieg
(Well friend! Let’s celebrate this victory)
für den nächsten Kampf
(For the next fight)

無意味な死であった と 言わせない
(“They died in vain” I won’t let anybody say it)
最後の一人 (一矢) になるまで
(Not until I become the last lone arrow on the battlefield)

Der feind ist grausam Wir bringen
(The enemy is cruel, we take them)
Der feind ist riesig Wir springen
(The enemy is riesig, we jump on them)

両手には Gloria (鋼刃) 唄うのは Sieg (凱歌) 背中には Flügel der Freiheit (自由の翼)
We gripp two steel blades of glory, sing the song of victory, and have the wings of freedom on our backs
握り締めた決意を左胸に 斬り裂くのは Linie der Torheit (愚行の螺旋)
蒼穹を舞う Flügel der Freiheit (自由の翼)
With our determination held close to our chests. We sever this ring of folly
Dance into the sky, Wings of Freedom

“Flügel der Freiheit” (“Wings of Freedom”), the logo of the Scouting Legion