A journey of no return and no regrets

Abstract

This article describes the author's personal journey from childhood to a career in physics. The beauty and truth that the author finds in physics has been the primary driving force and inspiration for her relentless pursuit of knowledge and her constant push for cutting-edge research, despite all obstacles and odds against her as a "double minority" (an Asian woman) in a predominantly white male profession. Based on her 20 years of research and teaching at one of the world's leading academic institutions, the California Institute of Technology, the author observes no differences between men and women in their scientific talents, thereby dispelling the misconception of possible inferiority of women as scientists. She further stresses the urgent societal needs for more talent in various sciences to address many of the important issues facing the planet. In this context, society must promote gender equality in science so that one half of the talent does not go to waste. Finally, the author shares her thoughts with young people about how to be better prepared to face the challenges in life and fulfill their dreams.