That’s how we do things in Taiwan

I walked straight to the meeting room, to meet the manager of the bootcamp. The Bootcamp collaborates with the Taiwanese government to help integrate the unemployeed people to be hired in IT industry.

It was supposed to be a presentation about my final project. But I wanted to talk about something else today.

I wanted to talk about the straightforward-feedback of the teachers to their manager. He was taken aback — — either shocked or surprised — -that this is the first time he heard an alternative opinion.

He was taken aback also by my flat hierarchy— — “That’s not how we do things in Taiwan. But it’s okay. Because you lived abroad for many years, and maybe that’s not your style. You should have first reported to the mentor.”

“Oh right, I did. But her salary wasn’t enough for her to report students’ opinions up to the managing board. So I choose to enclose my experience in the most honest way — — by including every stakeholder in an email.”

He did listen to my perspectives on the teachers’ attitude, their knowledge levels, and their way of conveying knowledges. I have to be honest here— — I think some older generations should be retired. They are not progressing with the latest technology, as I observed. However, the younger teachers are really passionate and do their best to pass down the knowledge to the students. I so much appreciate that. And sooner or later, presumably everyone is going to be replaced. That’s why learning HOW to learn is more important than learning WHAT to learn. Because ultimately, nature evolves, technology evolves, and so does industry. Such is life.

The manager shook my hand, said “Thank you. This is the first time someone ever told me their very honest feedback. ” Well, I did my best to bare honesty, and hope the next generation will have better lives than I do. The rest is in your hand.