This blog post explores how a lifelong curiosity about artifacts and ruins shaped my academic path. Through the journey of personal experience expanding into scholarly passion, I aim to deeply understand the significance of choosing archaeology and anthropology.
Motivation for Pursuing the Major (Reasons for Choosing the Major)
Since childhood, I have been deeply interested in artifacts and ruins, starting with Egyptian mummies. I have collected hundreds of books related to archaeology. Friends around me often reacted to my intense interest in artifacts and ruins by calling it old-fashioned.
However, I believe archaeology and anthropology is a progressive discipline that explores the civilization and spiritual world of the Korean people, grounded in the understanding and preservation of traditional culture. It also holds the appeal of solving historical problems that cannot be clarified through texts alone, using a modern perspective. Imagining how fascinating it would be to study the excavation, investigation, and analysis of artifacts and ruins, no other department caught my eye besides archaeology and anthropology.
Upon entering your esteemed institution with this passion for archaeology, I wish to conduct multifaceted research on the ruins and artifacts left behind by past human societies in their daily lives, from a cultural-historical perspective. I aspire to become a curator who can uncover and collect the material evidence left by humanity, and through its interpretation and study, elucidate human history and the history of daily life. I wish to establish this foundation at your institution to fulfill my childhood dream.
Academic Plan and Goals
Upon admission, my first priority will be to acquire fundamental knowledge across archaeology and anthropology, laying the groundwork to become a curator capable of reevaluating our cultural heritage. I plan to frequently undertake cultural field trips to observe sites and artifacts. Through a thorough and comprehensive understanding of foundational cultural heritage materials, I will cultivate discernment and creative abilities regarding culture.
Starting in my third year, I plan to make concrete preparations to become a curator after graduation. A curator not only plans and operates exhibitions but also conducts research related to exhibits and authenticates their genuineness. Therefore, during my undergraduate years, I will engage in deep study to acquire specialized knowledge about artworks, artifacts, and historical sites.
Additionally, I plan to utilize vacations for overseas volunteer activities through organizations like the Red Cross and Habibart to practice sharing. I also intend to travel extensively to broaden my horizons and cultivate an open mind.
Post-Graduation Plans
Holding the dream of becoming a curator, I will diligently study curatorial research after graduation to qualify for museum employment. There is no doubt that being a curator is a profession that carries the mission and pride of being a cultural messenger. I aspire to become a curator to experience the joy and fulfillment when our traditional artifacts, often undervalued, gain public appreciation.
I have frequently visited museums over the years, but I realize I was often drawn to aspects unfamiliar to the general public or to outward splendor, lacking a deeper understanding of the intricate beauty, artistry, and the technical aspects hidden beyond the surface. Therefore, if I become a curator, I would like to organize thematic exhibitions, such as experiential displays on the history of technology, where visitors can feel the discerning eye of our ancestors through traditional artifacts.
On my desk, the faded motto “Jin Insadae Cheonmyeong” (Do your best, and leave the rest to heaven) remains firmly affixed. I pledge to myself that throughout my life, I will dedicate relentless effort and passion to everything within my capacity.
Self-Introduction (Life Philosophy, Values)
The motto I hold dear is “一切唯心造” (Everything is created by the mind). This Buddhist term signifies that all things depend solely on the mind, meaning “Whatever one sets their mind to, they can achieve.” I believe difficult tasks and easy ones are fundamentally the same. If you approach a task thinking “this is hard,” it truly becomes hard. But if you think “this task will help me grow,” it becomes worthwhile and manageable.
I encourage friends and peers, seniors and juniors, saying “Let’s try just one more time. You can do it!“ This positive mindset sparked my motivation for studying, leading to a habit of finding joy in learning anything, which allowed me to consistently maintain top grades.
Moving forward, I will strive diligently, putting forth my utmost effort to take one step closer to my dreams, just as the saying goes: ”The most joyful thing in life is having a goal and striving towards it.”
