This blog post explores how to structure your reasons for choosing aesthetics as a major to create a compelling motivation statement. It provides detailed guidance on logically incorporating artistic experiences, philosophical interests, and academic potential.

Motivation for Choosing Aesthetics as a Major

My interest in aesthetics began naturally when I read the book “Aesthetics Odyssey” during my first year of high school. Having always held a deep interest in both art and philosophy, I found aesthetics—which blends elements from both fields—extremely appealing. Later, a teacher who knew of my interest recommended I read “Gombrich’s The Story of Art.” Reading this book, I gained a new understanding: art possesses not merely beauty, but encompasses a broad range of social contexts and meanings. Aesthetics is the discipline that analyzes these elements, helping us approach the essence of humanity.
Contemporary art has become far more diverse than before, and its forms have also changed significantly. While the public has grown closer to art, they are simultaneously perplexed by its complexity, often feeling unable to understand it and developing a sense of rejection. In this context, I came to believe there is a need for critics who can bridge the gap between the public and artistic works. For this reason, I am applying to your university’s Department of Aesthetics. Based on your institution’s systematic teaching, I aspire to become someone who helps the public and art communicate more effectively.

Strengths I consider superior to others and weaknesses needing improvement

I am fundamentally a very curious person. This inclination led me to personally establish a comprehensive arts club called ‘○○○’ that spans diverse fields like music, film, and comics. I also actively participated in various school activities such as the Egg Drop Contest, the Self-Assertion Contest, and debate competitions, winning awards. My abundant curiosity allowed me to experience more diverse things than my peers, and my wide range of interests naturally formed various conversation topics, greatly helping me make many friends.
On the other hand, I have a tendency to be somewhat hasty in my judgments. Because of this tendency, I have sometimes made quick judgments about people or things, failing to see their true essence and moving on. Reflecting on moments of regret stemming from hasty judgments, I am now striving to cultivate the habit of taking time to observe more carefully. I particularly believe aesthetics is a field that should not be rushed through with hasty judgments. Therefore, I am well aware of the need to nurture a disposition for more careful thinking and deep reflection, and I am working diligently towards this goal.

Describe up to 3 volunteer activities that best demonstrate your service-oriented nature

I often felt awkward and hesitant to approach activities directly assisting the physically challenged or elderly. There were times I’d linger uncertainly, unsure what to do, but I felt I couldn’t just stand by doing nothing during volunteer work. So, while searching for tasks I could handle, I noticed volunteers preparing food in one area. Although I wasn’t skilled enough to handle crucial cooking tasks myself, I did my best to assist by running errands and helping the volunteers, even if it was just in a supporting role. I believe that my ability to find work to do on my own, even when no one specifically assigned me tasks, stemmed from my underlying spirit of volunteerism.
During volunteer work at the ○○ Medical Center, I visited a space dedicated to those who devoted their youth to our country. Our task there was weeding. Though it was just removing weeds from the lawn, the winter weather was bitterly cold, few people were out walking, and the frozen ground made the work even harder. It was grueling, my hands numb with cold, but I tackled it diligently. Though no one was watching, I worked silently, imagining the people who would stroll across the well-maintained lawn come spring. Then, an elderly woman saw us and expressed her delight, saying how admirable we were. In that moment, I felt immense fulfillment. It warmed my heart to realize once more that even a small act like weeding could bring someone genuine joy.
To conclude naturally and coherently, my various volunteer experiences confirmed that when approached wholeheartedly, regardless of scale or form, they can create meaningful change for someone. These experiences have further strengthened the mindset needed to understand and care for others’ lives.