In this blog post, I’ll focus on how I studied during high school, the activities that sparked my interest in architecture, my experiences practicing cooperation and consideration, and my career plans.
Academic Experiences and Reflections
During high school, there was a significant gap in my grades between science and humanities subjects. I was naturally interested in science subjects, so I invested a lot of time in them and achieved good results. On the other hand, I had little interest in humanities subjects, so my grades didn’t improve as much as I’d hoped; language arts, in particular, was a frustrating subject where my scores seemed to plateau no matter how much I studied. To change this situation, I realized I couldn’t study both subject areas the same way, so I decided to establish separate study methods tailored to each.
Since I enjoyed studying science subjects, I tended to become overly absorbed in specific areas. For example, because I liked the statistics section of math, I often found myself focusing exclusively on solving problems in that area. To maintain balance while studying, I limited the number of problems I solved each day. I set a limit of 50 problems per day for math and science combined, and specifically limited statistics problems to five per day, paying close attention to time management to prevent excessive immersion.
On the other hand, I found it difficult to concentrate on even five consecutive problems for Korean and English, but I felt they required more investment. Since I hadn’t spent much time on them before due to a lack of interest, I had to make a conscious effort to focus on them. Consequently, I solved 15 Korean and 15 English problems each day, thoroughly reviewed my mistakes, and took the time to deeply reflect on why I got them wrong. By approaching the science and humanities tracks in distinct ways and implementing a plan tailored to my ability and study style, I achieved improved grades in both areas.
Major School Activities and Reflections
Among the school activities I valued and worked hard on, the one that had the greatest impact was my participation in the choir club. I joined the club casually because I liked singing and wanted to develop teamwork skills, but since our club participated in choir competitions more frequently than other clubs, it soon became an active commitment that required me to attend external events every weekend. At first, the weekend schedule felt burdensome, and I even considered quitting because I wanted to rest, but as I continued, I discovered a dream I had never anticipated.
Since choral competitions are often held inside large buildings, I had the opportunity to see many impressive structures firsthand alongside my seniors. As I observed how not only the unique exteriors but also the interior design, layout, and lighting details influenced people’s experiences, I gradually developed an interest in architecture. I found it fascinating that each building is designed differently according to the company’s vision or purpose, and I became even more deeply immersed in the subject by subscribing to architecture-related news and magazines.
As the joy of choir activities combined with the joy of exploring buildings, I began to look forward to participating in competitions. Later, upon the recommendation of my seniors, I took on the role of club president. In this role, I led my friends, carefully managed schedules and meals, and learned about communication and leadership. While I participated in the competition during my freshman year simply for the fun of viewing architecture, in my sophomore year, I found great fulfillment in caring for and collaborating with my teammates, which also became an opportunity to reflect more deeply on myself.
Examples of Consideration, Sharing, and Cooperation, and My Reflections
Throughout my school life, I primarily tried to help friends who were struggling with their studies. Through various experiences, I came to realize that most students with low grades struggle not because they are unintelligent, but because they lack proper study habits or methods. I, too, once felt frustrated because my grades wouldn’t improve despite my hard work, but after accidentally learning the study methods of a top-ranked student, I realized the importance of meticulousness and time management. By adapting those methods to my own style, I was able to improve my grades, and I wanted to share the same methods with other students.
I sought out friends who were struggling with their grades to explain my study methods, and for the subjects I excelled in, I helped them by working through problems and providing explanations right alongside them. At first, some friends felt uncomfortable accepting help, but as we studied together consistently, they eventually expressed their gratitude, and their results improved as well. Since I didn’t attend many cram schools or private tutoring sessions, I understood the importance of study methods themselves, and I had learned through experience that correcting habits is more effective than spending money.
I also learned a great deal about how studying together motivates each other. While studying alone can lead to distractions, studying together fosters a sense of responsibility and consistency, encouraging more diligent study. Through this process, I not only helped my friends but also studied harder and more systematically myself.
Efforts and Preparation Related to Motivation for Application and Career Plans
The first emotion I felt when looking at a building was “awe.” I was deeply moved by the idea that people could create such massive structures with their own hands, and that people could live comfortably and happily within them. I believe that if the buildings I design coexist with nature without harming it, while considering both internal convenience and beauty, the small moments of happiness people experience within them will come together to create a greater meaning.
If I am accepted into the Department of Architecture at Myongji University, I plan to approach my studies with the mindset of learning something new every day. I intend to practice and study even more than I did yesterday, aiming to cultivate both an international perspective and a deeper understanding of traditional Korean architecture. The fact that Myongji University was the first in Korea to receive international accreditation for architectural education, along with its long-standing tradition and excellent alumni network, is one of the reasons I wish to study here.
In the long term, I aspire to become an architect who designs buildings embodying Korean aesthetics based on the history and culture of traditional Korean architecture, and who introduces these designs to the global market. My goal is to reinterpret the meaning and value of traditional architecture—which is gradually fading away—by harmoniously blending it with modern trends, and to create spaces where people can feel comfort and happiness. To achieve this goal, I will continuously build my capabilities through theoretical and practical coursework in the undergraduate program, as well as diverse field experiences.
