This blog post introduces the core elements—career motivation, experience, passion, and diligence—that students aspiring to become teachers should include in their academic plans.

Writing About Academic Experience and Reflections

For a long time, I firmly believed that ‘public education had collapsed, and private tutoring was the only solution.’ Consequently, I relied solely on cram schools and private tutors for my studies, often ignoring my teachers’ words. School felt like just a place to kill time. However, that belief was completely shattered in my sophomore year of high school when I met my homeroom teacher.
The “limitations of public education” I often saw in newspaper articles or online comments were vastly different from the reality I experienced. In truth, my school had many passionate and capable teachers, and all this time, I had failed to properly recognize and appreciate them. In fact, during the period when I relied solely on cram schools, my grades didn’t improve—they actually declined. Reflecting on why this happened led me to deeply reconsider my study methods.
My homeroom teacher at the time gave me several heartfelt counseling sessions, and his words truly moved me. The saying, “If you listen well to your teacher, even in your sleep, you’ll get a rice cake,” became more than just a proverb for me then; it started to become reality.
From that day on, I resolved to be fully present in my school classes. To immerse myself in the lessons, I arrived at school an hour early every morning and began my day by thoroughly cleaning my desk. It wasn’t just cleaning; it was a ritual to organize my body and mind, preparing for the day ahead. Thanks to this, my previously foggy mind cleared, and I could engage more actively in class.
Furthermore, to ensure I didn’t miss any of the teacher’s words, I adjusted my sleep schedule and drastically cut back on nighttime tutoring. Before, I believed burning the midnight oil was the secret to improving grades, but now I was determined to finish all my studying at school. I memorized material the teacher told me to memorize immediately, and reviewed what I learned in class during every break. As these habits of ‘immediate review’ and ‘focused class participation’ took root, my learning efficiency naturally increased, and before I knew it, studying became enjoyable.
As a result, my grades rose noticeably, and most importantly, I regained confidence in my ability to study. I once thought I was “not smart,” but I realized that belief was a misunderstanding. I simply had the wrong “approach to studying.”
Through this experience, I learned two things clearly. One was that “simply focusing diligently during class time is enough to achieve sufficient results.” The other was the truth that “studying must be done promptly, immediately, to maximize its effectiveness.”
Even now, I sometimes smile when I think back to that version of myself. But at the same time, I feel grateful that those realizations and changes shaped who I am today. That’s why I really want to convey this to everyone reading this: Don’t ignore or take school classes lightly. Listen carefully to what your teachers say. You might unexpectedly find the key to transforming your entire academic journey right there.

Writing about key school activities and reflections

Leadership qualities learned through consistently serving as vice-class president
I served as vice-class president consistently for three years, from first to third year of middle school. The main reason I was able to serve as vice-class president every semester was, above all, the kind recommendations from my friends. Another reason was my sincere desire to assist the teacher and be part of the classroom.
From a young age, I felt a deep fascination with the profession of ‘teacher’. This naturally led me to want a role close to the teacher, and that desire became the driving force behind my voluntary sense of responsibility for the position of vice-class president. Through this role, I personally learned the important leadership qualities of ‘diligence’ and ‘steadfastness’.
The role of vice-class president demands far more meticulous effort than it appears. Collecting and checking homework from 30 to 40 classmates every morning may seem small, but it is never a simple task. Sometimes, it didn’t directly benefit me, and while others focused on their studies, I often found myself distracted by administrative tasks or looking after classmates. Though I worried a lot during those times, I silently tried to fulfill my duties, thinking, ‘Someone has to do this.’
Most crucially, I knew that if I neglected my role, the consequences would directly impact the entire class. I couldn’t slack off just because it was hard for me. Even if no one praised me, I needed to stay focused and see it through responsibly. Sometimes it felt disappointing not to be recognized, but what mattered more was considering how my actions could affect my friends.
That’s why I always aimed to be a ‘quiet but dependable leader.’ Even if I didn’t get as much attention as the class president, I resolved to work diligently for the class behind the scenes. I took cleaning time seriously with a sense of responsibility, listened attentively to the teacher’s words, and made an effort to open my heart and listen when friends faced difficulties or discomfort. If there was anything I could help resolve, I would suggest it to the teacher and try to bridge the gap.
One day, while doing my best in this unseen role, unexpectedly, some friends and the teacher recognized my efforts. Realizing that moments I thought went unnoticed had actually touched someone deeply, I felt an even greater sense of fulfillment and accomplishment.
The role of vice-class president was not merely a supporting position. Through this experience, I learned that true leadership isn’t just about stepping forward and shining. It comes from silently fulfilling one’s duties in the background and putting others first. I believe this lesson will be a valuable asset in my life, no matter what role I take on in the future.

The Meaning of Being a Teacher

For growing children, a teacher is more than just a conveyor of knowledge; they are an important presence who ponders life’s direction alongside them. Children often don’t fully understand the world yet, and their hearts aren’t fully matured, so they frequently don’t know which path to take or how to act. That’s why the role of a teacher is so crucial.
But during that crucial time, I couldn’t fully trust my teacher. I relied solely on private tutoring, pushing myself relentlessly, and in the process, I lived a life that felt like carving away at my own flesh. I studied hard, but my heart grew increasingly weary.
The person who caught me when I was falling was my homeroom teacher in my second year of high school. She quietly listened to my story and, through sincere counseling, gently soothed my heart. Thanks to her, I was able to turn around grades that were on the verge of collapse and gradually regain stability in my life, which had been shaken by family circumstances. Looking back now, it was because my teacher was there during that time that I could get back up.
Through that experience, I deeply realized for the first time ‘why students need teachers’. Children often don’t know where they are going or what they should do. At such times, teachers look at us objectively and, if we are going down the wrong path, quietly correct our direction.
After that, I made an effort to get closer to my teachers. Witnessing their passion, hard work, and deep affection for their students up close moved me profoundly. It was then that I began to dream of becoming that kind of person, that kind of teacher.
Now, I understand the true meaning behind the word ‘teacher’. It doesn’t just mean someone who teaches; it means a precious being who quietly shines light into someone’s life.

Examples of Care, Sharing, and Cooperation and My Reflections

“Mediating Fights and Paving the Way for Reconciliation”
Being boys, they often take sports very seriously, staking their pride on the outcome. Especially in competitive situations, they become more sensitive and sharp-tongued. Add the emotional ups and downs of adolescence, and even small things can easily escalate. This happened during a soccer match at the fall sports day in the second semester of second grade.
Our class was confident in soccer, and the opposing team was also quite skilled. The game was intense from the start, with everyone—players and cheering friends alike—on edge. Even the slightest questionable call could spark heated reactions; everyone was highly sensitive. Then, an incident occurred. A player from the opposing team accidentally stepped on a teammate’s leg, and our teammates, mistaking it for intentional, protested vehemently, escalating into a fight.
I was the vice-class president and soccer team captain at the time. Feeling responsible, I thought I had to stop the fight despite being flustered. I immediately stepped in to mediate, pulling both sides apart.
However, the game had already been ruined, and the teachers were extremely angry. Ultimately, the teacher firmly stated that if the fight didn’t stop and they didn’t reconcile, the game would not resume. At that moment, I resolved that for our class’s sake, I absolutely had to resolve this fight and get everyone smiling again to continue the game.
First, I began persuading my classmates. I calmly explained that no matter how hurt they felt, getting angry without even listening to the other side was clearly wrong. At first, the angry friends were reluctant, but one by one, they started listening to my words. Gradually, voices calling for “Let’s stop fighting” began to emerge.
Next, I went directly to the opposing class’s president, vice president, and soccer club captain. I said to them: “Let’s be real men and make up within an hour. That way, we can all enjoy this game with smiles, right?” Did my sincerity get through? The other side readily agreed, and we finally reconciled before lunchtime.
As a result, the game could restart, and everyone could focus on the match with one heart. Of course, winning mattered, but that day, there were no winners or losers. Everyone ran with smiles, genuinely enjoying the festival.
Through this experience, I realized an important truth: conflicts can arise anytime, but with a willingness to understand each other and the effort to communicate, they can always be resolved. Especially when someone finds the courage to reach out first, conflict can become an opportunity that binds us even stronger.
That day’s experience of mediating the fight and leading my friends to reconciliation taught me that the word ‘cooperation’ is not just a simple phrase, but a real power forged through action. I want to continue being someone who never forgets the value of consideration, sharing, and cooperation, and puts it into practice through my actions.

Efforts and Preparation Related to Motivation and Career Plans

I am steadfastly pursuing my dream of becoming a teacher.
I am a small person with the dream of becoming a teacher.
Many people told me to give up. They advised that “with your grades, it’s difficult to get into a teacher training program,” suggesting I choose a similar major to complete teacher certification or even abandon my dream altogether. But I refused to abandon my dream simply because my grades were low. Instead, I believed that someone like me—whose grades might be somewhat lacking but who is truly sincere about their dream—could absolutely become a good teacher.
Holding onto that belief, I applied to the teacher training program at Gangneung-Wonju University. I was certain that there, I could cultivate my potential and grow step by step as a teacher. This was not a choice made merely to complete teacher certification. I have a clear goal: to follow a proper educational program and grow into a well-prepared teacher.
I have only one reason for wanting to become a teacher. I want to reach out to children who, like my younger self, feel lost and wandering in the darkness of uncertainty.
I believe a good teacher is someone who possesses not only knowledge but also a warm heart and character. When I was young, I too wandered in vague fear and anxiety about the future. It was only because I met teachers who recognized me, approached me first, and understood my worries without me having to say a word that I could become who I am today. They generously gave me advice and comfort that even my parents or siblings couldn’t provide, imparting essential lessons for navigating life.
The importance of punctuality, the courtesy of treating others with respect, a sense of responsibility, and the attitude of living each day with sincerity. The teachers I encountered embodied and taught these fundamental attitudes of life through their own actions, and those lessons became a major compass for my own life.
Now, I aspire to become that kind of adult. I want to be a warm adult who guides children toward the direction of life and stands silently by their side, a teacher like that.
Of course, I still have many shortcomings. My virtue, knowledge, and experience are insufficient. But I intend to fill those gaps. By diligently completing the teacher training program at Gangneung-Wonju University, and through diverse experiences and learning with friends, I will discipline and grow myself, striving to become a teacher who can sincerely connect with children.
My pace may be slow, but I walk my own path steadily, one step at a time. At the end of this journey toward my dream, I aspire to stand beside children as a teacher who provides a warm, protective presence. That is why I chose this path, and it remains my unwavering goal.