Dear Readers,
The beginning of a new semester is filled with anticipation – probably incoming freshman more than returning seniors – but no matter how big or small, everyone is looking forward to the changes this semester will bring. I am no different. Or to be more accurate, I probably am more, especially because this semester marks another new beginning for me as the new Editor-in-Chief of The KAIST Herald.
Changes are happening all around us. Referring to our Feature section (pages 8 and 9), new policies, events, and facilities that the Undergraduate Student Council One Step labored to create this fall semester are outlined. Moreover, KAIST is seeing changes in its administration and ever evolving in the field of science and technology, and even in the rankings amongst other global universities, thanks to the brilliant minds of the university’s scholars and its prestigious facilities As each change has been made for the benefit of the members of this community, I hope that each of you will take advantage of them to improve or even inspire your life here at KAIST.
Yet despite all the frenzy of changes surrounding us, perhaps it is you who need some kind of change. Not to worry - flip along the pages to our Weekend section (pages 14 and 15), where a guide to get back in touch with your right-brain is exclusively given. It is important to realize that it is okay to break away from the ambience of science and academics we are constantly submerged in. In the Korean society, deviation from a set course can often be viewed as a waste of time or a luxury that cannot be afforded. Well, I beg to differ. We are not robots with an infinite amount of energy supply; meaning, there is a need to recharge when our body is running on low battery (even if you have a high performance lithium-air battery like the one on page 5), and what better way to replenish your mind and soul but with the arts!
For The KAIST Herald, we too have been undergoing some changes: we have welcomed five new talented reporters to our family, rejoined by familiar faces who were on temporary leave; some have ascended to new positions, including our new assistant editor; and we are once again connected to our readers, both old and new, for whom no words can express our gratitude.
Personally, I see this period of transition, which follows in any type of organization when there is a change in leadership, as a scale with two emptied plates, on which the reporters and I have a duty to add any ingredients necessary to reestablish the delicate balance. We are not completely without guidance - as we can refer to the admirable traces of our previous editors and reporters and of course, the voices of our most cherished readers. At the same time, each addition to the scale will be made with a meaning and purpose of its own. As the editor-in-chief, I hope to make the transition a smooth one and more importantly, a memorable one. All I ask for from the readers is a bit of patience and mercy for our mistakes, as I assure you each one is made in a genuine effort to advance our paper. If I dare say so myself, your act of kindness will not be for nothing, just wait and see.
