CVPR Daily - Wednesday

What is the most important thing that you learned from these postdocs and research? I learned a lot of things. I guess it might be perseverance. But you knew how to persevere before that! In research, you can get stuck when things are not working. There are times when you’re like, “ Let’s cut this project ” or forego this submission. Postdocs and seniors would tell me to push harder. Results will come out eventually. Were they right? So far, I guess yeah! [ laughs ] Isn’t it difficult to spend so much time away from home, family, and friends and be an international researcher? That’s probably the most difficult part for me throughout the years, especially with the pandemic. Ever since I left home post-high school, I’ve always been flying back. Hong Kong and Manila is just like an hour flight. I was back at least three or four times a year. It was a regular thing. The US is the first time that I’m further away. Very much further away. The pandemic disabled travel as well so, prior to this, I haven’t been back in over a year. Wow! So that is a very well deserved and long overdue visit home. Yes, it’s alright now because I can use video calls and FaceTime. You are in Manila now? That’s right. Tell us something about the Philippines that we don’t know. Traffic is really bad! [ laughs ] This we know already! I come back home for the people, notjust for the place. Family and friends are all here. Something that is good here: me and my close friends all grew up with a very tight-knit family structure. Family always comes first. Don’t you ever think you would have had it easier if you had stayed in Manila? That thought is always on my mind! It’s a common process, especially when you wonder why am I doing this? It could have been easier. I live with no regrets since I am already here. I do enjoy myself. I do enjoy the work that I 22 DAILY CVPR Wednesday Women in Computer Vision Stanford Friends