我來美國念研究所的原因，其實很簡單——因為在我們那個年代，來美國留學幾乎是所有優秀大學生共同的夢想。

大約在1970到1980年代，台灣的研究所並不多，選擇也有限。我記得當時系主任曾說過：「一個學校好不好，不是看大學部，而是看研究所。」因此，很多人如果想繼續深造，自然會把目光投向美國。雖然後來台灣陸續成立了各種研究所，例如商學研究所等，學生也開始可以留在台灣進修，但在我那個年代，出國留學，尤其是到美國，仍然是最主流、最令人嚮往的選擇。

我畢業後也就順理成章來到美國。另外，我姐姐當時已經在美國，她也鼓勵我過來發展。

我們那一代人，從小閱讀了許多描寫留學生生活的小說，對美國充滿想像與嚮往。同時，大學生普遍聽美國音樂、看美國電影，對美國的文化、藝術、流行歌曲都非常熟悉。在我們眼中，美國幾乎代表著更好的生活、更廣闊的世界。

那個年代甚至流傳一句話：「美國遍地是黃金。」很多父母為了讓孩子能到美國留學，即使沒有獎學金，也願意賣掉房子或土地，只為給孩子一個更好的未來。因為一旦來到美國，不僅前途看好，回台灣發展也更有競爭力；如果留在美國，還可以賺美元、取得綠卡，甚至把父母接過來。

此外，當時台灣的政治局勢也讓不少家庭感到不安，擔心兩岸可能發生戰爭。因此，讓孩子到美國發展，也被視為一種為家庭預備未來的方式。

在這樣的時代背景下，我選擇來美國念研究所，其實是很自然的決定。完成學業後，我也選擇留在美國工作，一方面是機會較多，另一方面當時美元對台幣匯率約為1比40，在美國工作、寄錢回台灣，經濟效益非常明顯。

對我來說，美國在那個年代就像一個充滿希望與機會的地方，是一個讓人嚮往的夢想之地。而我也很幸運，能夠在那個時代實現自己的美國夢！

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 What Motivated Me to Go to Graduate School？

My decision to pursue graduate studies in the United States was, in many ways, both simple and deeply rooted in the spirit of my generation. I came to America because, at that time, studying in the United States was not just an educational choice—it was a dream shared by countless young people in Taiwan.

During the 1970s and 1980s, graduate education in Taiwan was still relatively limited. There were fewer programs, and opportunities for advanced study were not as widely available as they are today. I vividly remember my department chair once saying that the true strength of a university is reflected not in its undergraduate programs, but in its graduate schools. That idea stayed with me. For many students who wanted to continue their education and broaden their horizons, going abroad—especially to the United States—felt like the most natural path.

At the same time, the influence of American culture was strong in our daily lives. We grew up listening to American music, watching American films, and reading novels that often portrayed the lives of students studying overseas. These stories painted a picture of freedom, opportunity, and a wider world waiting to be explored. To us, America was not just a country; it was a symbol of possibility.

My personal circumstances also played a role. My older sister was already living in the United States, and she encouraged me to come. Her presence made the idea feel more tangible and less intimidating. With her support, what once seemed like a distant dream became something I could realistically pursue.

For many families in Taiwan at that time, sending their children to the United States was seen as an investment in a brighter future. There was a widely held belief that America was a land of opportunity—a place where hard work would be rewarded and where one could build a stable and successful life. Some families made significant sacrifices, even selling property, to support their children’s education abroad. There was a saying that “America is a land where gold can be found everywhere.” While we knew this was an exaggeration, it reflected the optimism people felt.

In addition, the political climate in Taiwan during that period created a sense of uncertainty. Many families were concerned about potential conflict across the Taiwan Strait. Studying in the United States was not only about education; it was also seen as a way to secure a safer future. If a student could establish a life in America, it could eventually provide a pathway for the entire family.

After completing my graduate studies, I chose to remain in the United States and begin my career. Compared to Taiwan at that time, America offered broader opportunities and greater economic rewards. The exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Taiwanese dollar was highly favorable, which made working in the United States even more attractive.

Looking back, my decision to attend graduate school in the United States was shaped by a combination of personal ambition, cultural influence, family encouragement, and historical context. It was not just about earning a degree—it was about stepping into a larger world and embracing the possibilities it offered.

Even today, I feel grateful that I was able to pursue this path and fulfill a dream that defined my generation.