Mastering the future begins with making the right choices. -Undergraduate Program, Class of 108 白惠凱
During my senior year of high school, I envisioned myself becoming a person with executive and management leadership qualities. This was my aspiration when I looked ahead to my university years. Over the past two years at the Department of Marketing and Tourism Management at National Chiayi University, I have continuously sought to find my own place. Undoubtedly, there were moments of self-doubt, but more often than not, I have repeatedly proven my self-worth and self-positioning through the resources provided by the school and the Department of Marketing and Tourism Management.
In the past two years, I have pursued my modeling dream by joining the National Chiayi University's Ambassador Team and have also utilized my expertise in high jump to represent the school in national competitions. Furthermore, I have participated in basketball and volleyball teams, despite not being particularly skilled in these sports, at the invitation of my peers. One of the most memorable experiences during my learning journey in the past two years was when a senior student from our department recommended me to join the "OM Marketing Newsletter Team" and the "Food and Agricultural Industry Management Program" established by the Department of Marketing and Tourism Management at National Chiayi University. Participating in these two organizations has made me different from other students. They have made my life busier, but also more exciting and fulfilling. Moreover, they have helped me clarify my career development direction, as I know I am gradually transforming into a marketer with executive leadership capabilities.
During my two years with the "OM Marketing Newsletter Team" established by the Department of Marketing and Tourism Management at National Chiayi University, I have had unforgettable and valuable experiences under the guidance of our department's teachers and senior students. For example, our interviewing team had the opportunity to interview Ms. Lu Yi-Jun, Director of the Cultural Bureau of Chiayi City Government, and Ms. Zhang Wan-Fen, Director of the Tourism News Division, where the two officials discussed the city's promotion of urban aesthetics and tourism marketing activities. Additionally, our newsletter team has also engaged in face-to-face discussions with President Ai Qun of Chiayi University and many new brand entrepreneurs on topics such as innovation, organizational reform, and establishing substantial industry-academia cooperation relationships.
Through multiple interview experiences, I have cultivated the art of speaking as an interviewer, the ability to express myself systematically, and various skills such as graphic design and copywriting. Although still developing, I keenly feel my growth, which fills me with joy. Our department professors and senior students not only guide us earnestly but also arrange for professionals from the industry to teach us, enriching our knowledge and practical skills. I believe that the experiences and abilities mentioned above are lacking in many young students. Therefore, looking back over the past two years, I deeply appreciate the choice I made to join the "OM Marketing Newsletter Team."
Due to the establishment of the "Food and Agriculture Industry Management Program" in our department, with the goal of cultivating "interdisciplinary talents," I joined the program during my sophomore year due to serendipity. As a member of this program, I have been fortunate to participate in various activities over the past year. In October 2020, I took part in the "Chongyang Respect for the Elderly Dining Fun Event" organized by the National Chiayi University's Food and Agriculture Industry Management Program, the Natural Farming School of National Chiayi University, the Shirakawa Town Community Development Association, FUTAI Orange Business Hotel, and the Natural Law Organic Food Store. Similarly, in April 2021, I participated in the "Encounter of Food and Poetry" event jointly organized by the National Chiayi University's Food and Agriculture Industry Management Program, the Natural Farming School of National Chiayi University, the Activated Humanistic Museum, the Tea Culture Business Management Department of Tatung Institute of Technology, FUTAI Orange Business Hotel, and the Natural Law Organic Food Store. Both events received high praise, with the "Encounter of Food and Poetry" event even gaining exposure in North America and Beijing, China, through coverage by NTD Television. Through my participation in these activities, I aspire to develop the ability to plan and organize large-scale events like our department's professors and senior students. Consequently, I am more convinced that with the comprehensive guidance provided by the Department of Marketing and Tourism Management at National Chiayi University, I will be able to move closer to my career goals.
Over the past decade, with the assistance of professors from the Department of Marketing and Tourism Management, National Chiayi University has successively established the Xinmin Greenhouse, Natural Farming School, and Food and Agriculture Industry Management Program. Through the promotion of agricultural and food safety education, our faculty and students have collectively built a high-quality image of "National Chiayi University's Xinmin Greenhouse Produce = Safe and Healthy Produce." This has attracted visits from renowned chefs such as Jiang Zhencheng and Xie Wen from Michelin-starred restaurants, as well as Lin Bizhu, Managing Director of the Michelin three-star restaurant group Jialin Restaurant and Hospitality Co., Ltd. My fellow students and I have had the opportunity to interact firsthand with these celebrities from the culinary world in the Xinmin Greenhouse, enriching my life with unforgettable memories.
Looking back on my two years in the Department of Marketing and Tourism Management at National Chiayi University, I have learned how to integrate theory with practice through my involvement in both the "OM Marketing Newsletter Team" and the "Food and Agriculture Industry Management Program." Not only have I acquired skills in marketing planning, team cohesion/integration, and video shooting and editing, but I have also learned to listen and empathize with people from various industries. Cloud Gate Dance Theatre founder Lin Hwai-min once said, "Wandering in youth is nourishment for a lifetime." With courage, I left my comfort zone in Taichung and bravely ventured to Chiayi City, eager for growth and change. Looking back on my past self, I am grateful that two years ago, among the four national universities I was accepted to, I chose to attend National Chiayi University's Department of Marketing and Tourism Management, which is only a five-minute drive from Chiayi Train Station. I am even more thankful for the resources provided by National Chiayi University's Xinmin Greenhouse, Natural Farming School, Food and Agriculture Industry Management Program, and the Ministry of Education's Higher Education Deep Cultivation Plan, which have allowed me to strengthen my abilities and fearlessly pursue my goals.
I believe that as long as you, like me, have dreams and aspire to live a fulfilling life, you will discover that the Department of Marketing and Tourism Management at National Chiayi University is abundant in resources and opportunities. If you have the courage and willingness to move forward, the school's support will be sufficient to carry all your dreams. I am Pai Hui-kai, a third-year student in the Department of Marketing and Tourism Management at National Chiayi University. I sincerely welcome you to further engage with us.
National Chiayi University, Department of Marketing and Tourism Management, Class of 108 Students
白惠凱 敬上