I began my Computer Engineering journey as an undergraduate at the University of South Florida, where I later continued directly into a Master’s program under Dr. Swaroop Ghosh. After completing my M.S. in 2015, I followed Dr. Ghosh to Penn State University to pursue a Ph.D.
A few years into the program, I found myself struggling—both physically and mentally. The cumulative pressure of research, teaching, and preparing for the qualifier exam took a toll, and I ultimately decided to step away from the Ph.D. program. This decision was not the result of external circumstances or anyone else’s fault. Instead, it came from my own realization that I had underestimated what the Ph.D. demands.
After leaving the program, I spent a year working in industry. During that time, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing. I had to figure out what I really wanted long-term: was I content climbing the industry ladder, or did I need to give the Ph.D. one more proper shot? Ultimately, I realized that if I didn't give the Ph.D. another genuine attempt, I might never get the chance again. That realization pushed me to return to academia.
I joined the SSRG Lab at Virginia Tech under the guidance of Dr. Binoy Ravindran, whom I consider one of the most influential mentors in my life. Under his mentorship, I learned not only how to conduct rigorous research, but also how to approach challenges in life with perspective and resilience. After six years, I earned my Ph.D. in Computer Engineering in 2024.
The reason I share this story is tied to something more personal. Recently, I watched Culinary Class Wars Season 2 (흑백요리사 2), where my favorite chef, Choi Kang Rok (최강록), competed—and won. I was initially uninterested in the show, but learning that he had returned to compete again caught my attention, as I never expected him to do so. After watching the show, what ultimately inspired me to share my own background was his final remark:
“재도전해서 좋았다” — “It was good to try again.”
That statement resonated deeply with me and reflected how I feel about my own decision to return and try again.
There are two lessons I hope to convey through my experience:
- Trying again is not a failure. Recognizing when something is not working, stepping away, and returning with clarity is a form of resilience. It is better to retry and risk regret than to never try again and live with unanswered “what ifs.”
- To me, Ph.D. does not stand for intelligence. It stands for Perseverance, Hard work, and Dedication. Success in a Ph.D. requires patience, luck, the right guidance, and—above all—the willingness to keep going even when things feel overwhelming.
If you’ve read this far and see parts of yourself in this story, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to share experiences or insights if they might help.
You can contact me at jw-jang [at] outlook [dot] com.
