My First External Grant Application

My first external grant application failed!!!

Last wednesday, I run into a colleague in the hallway and she was very excited to tell me that her GRF application was successful. I went back to my office and checked my application. It shows me that my application was unsuccessful. It is exactally my expectation since I almost did not pay any effort on it, but still feel a little bit depressed.

Since I came to Hong Kong, my publications have been pretty successful, which made me feel I can really do the academia. Indeed I didn't invest enough in the grant application, and I do deserve it. However, when I see my colleagues have gotten it, I still feel sad. I started to feel regret. I could have done a better job on it if I treated it same as publications. Emtionally, it is still hard to learn the words "do not take it personally"! But I do believe I will move on.