This blog post focuses on how the choice of economics stemmed from specific experiences and concerns, examining in detail how a statement of purpose can effectively demonstrate suitability for the major and sincerity.
Reasons for Pursuing the Major (Why I Chose the Major)
After my father passed away, I read many books. I read a lot of books on ideas and philosophy in particular. Though many parts felt difficult and overwhelming to my young self, I read these books while consulting seniors and was deeply impressed by the thinkers’ insights and their commitment to social improvement. From that time, I developed a dream to genuinely research for the benefit of humanity and society. I wanted to emulate their compassion for humanity, their concerns for society, and their sense of mission. I believe economics, in particular, is the core of our society and capitalism, and the most practical field. I believe that only by properly analyzing this can we create theories that contribute to society, which is why I decided to major in economics.
One of the most problematic issues in modern society is the economy. I believe that proposing effective solutions to this reality is another way to contribute to society. People who actively engage in economic activities are absolutely essential to society. However, I also firmly believe that people like me, who engage in inquiry, are equally indispensable.
Academic Plan and Goals
I believe university is a space where one studies voluntarily for their own dreams. I want to fully utilize the diverse opportunities available at this institution during my enrollment. In my first and second years, I plan to take not only major courses but also various liberal arts courses and expand my social connections through club activities. Through this, I aim to become a person who grows intellectually while also maturing socially and personally.
Regarding my major specifically, I will cultivate an interest not only in mainstream economics but also in non-mainstream economics. As the saying goes, “You see only what you know,” I will strive to develop a broad perspective, particularly in economics. I believe diverse liberal arts courses and social connections will also significantly aid in re-examining economics. During my junior and senior years, I plan to use my major as a foundation to engage extensively with students studying other fields, building a theoretical groundwork.
Post-Graduation Plans
According to the book “Entropy,” which left a deep impression on me, the current instability stems from an economic growth structure overly focused on capital and energy. This led to the U.S. financial crisis, which in turn caused global economic hardship. Now, Middle Eastern nations possessing fossil fuels seek to adopt an energy-consuming economic structure similar to what the US once pursued. The 21st century is an era where issues of resource depletion and environmental pollution are coming to the fore. I intend to focus my economics research on these problems. While concentrating on studies concerning nature and humanity, I will also maintain a sustained interest in issues of labor alienation. While not unique to our society, I also wish to study wealth distribution to propose solutions beneficial to our community. Of course, I realize such endeavors won’t be easy. However, if I maintain a sense of mission and persistently research with a critical awareness, I believe I can one day become an outstanding economist.
Self-Introduction (Life Philosophy, Values)
In my first year of middle school, my father passed away suddenly. Witnessing my father’s life and death as a devout Christian, alongside the immoral behavior of religious figures, led me to feel deep religious skepticism. Going through this process made me realize that simply offering comfort for practical hardships does little to truly help people or society.
I wanted to find something that could directly help people. Eventually, I came to believe that economics is what can realistically provide direct help to people. Looking at social problems, most of the reasons people suffer are economic issues. I too experienced such hardship.
I still remember the doctor who changed his attitude over a few hundred thousand won and was cold toward my father’s death. Witnessing that attitude from a doctor who considered himself highly educated made me realize that scholarship should not merely become a functional stepping stone for livelihood. If that doctor had truly felt a sense of mission as a physician, I believe he wouldn’t have acted that way. Therefore, I believe the most important and fundamental virtue for a scholar is humanity. I aspire to become a scholar who researches with a sense of mission, not just for myself but for many people.
