Response to a poem with a poem

An Older Scholar's Advice
by Ha Jin

After you get your master's degree
you will have to work hard for some years
to be promoted to a lectureship. Then you can relax.
Don't you think that if you go on working in that way
you can get your professorship. First,
you must have enough teaching experience.
In my school, only after having taught for 24 years
will you be qualified for consideration as an associate professor. Second,
you must publish enough papers.
It is not hard to write them but it is not easy
to publish them. In fact, you can publish anything
if you have connections. My colleagues told me that
publications is also an important filed of study.
Well, if you "study" it thoroughly
you may be able to get your papers out,
but you will have to pay a lot for it.

For me the most practical thing to do now
is not to worry about my professorship.
So many lecturers are not qualified for it
until they are qualified for retirement
or for death. I just ignore it for the time being.
In the morning I practice Tai Chi.
In the evening I watch TV and go to bed early.
I have to quit smoking but drink two cups of wine
everyday. Wine can warm your blood.
Don't indulge yourself in sex.
It will weaken your young kidneys.
As long as you are in good health,
as long as you live longer than others,
eventually you will get you professorship.

You can wait for that.

A Younger Scholar's Advice
by Albert Dang

After you get your High School diploma
you will still have to work hard for some years
to be promoted to a college degree. Then you can relax.
Don't think that if you go on working in that way
you can get your degree. First,
you must have enough course credit.
In my school, only after obtaining 120 credits
will you be qualified for consideration
as a graduate student. Second, you must write enough papers.
It is not hard writing them but it not easy
trying to start them. In fact, you can start anything
if you have the right creativity. My classmates told me that
starting papers is an important skill to learn.
Well, if you "learn" it thoroughly
you may be able to get your papers done,
but you will have to restart a lot.

For me the most practical thing to do now
is not to worry about my graduation.
So many students are not qualified for it
until they are qualified for their 30s
or for their 40s. I just ignore it for the time being.
In the morning i eat cereal.
In the evening I play video games and go to bed late.
I have to quit procrastinating but I have to study everyday.
Studying can make you smarter.
Don't indulge in junk food.
It will weaken your heart.
As long as you are in good standing,
as long as you are in better health than others,
eventually you will graduate.