In this blog post, I will summarize my academic efforts and school activities during high school, examples of how I practiced consideration and generosity, as well as my motivation for applying to the Department of Environmental and Energy Engineering at Myongji University and my career plans.
Academic Experience and Reflections
During high school, I considered adhering to the school curriculum to be of the utmost importance. I believed that an attitude of studying diligently with a sense of responsibility as a student, while adhering to rules and principles, would ultimately lead to academic achievement. Therefore, I not only focused during class but also actively sought to fill in any gaps by asking teachers questions without hesitation whenever I didn’t understand something.
I did not view class as merely a process of listening; rather, I believed that the true value of learning is realized through the process of thoroughly mastering the material covered in class and resolving any uncertainties on my own. I never dozed off during class; instead, I listened attentively to the teacher and approached each lesson with the intention of thoroughly digesting every detail.
Since managing my grades is directly linked to my performance on school exams, I treated the class content and the teacher’s explanations as my primary benchmarks. By consistently maintaining this study attitude, I was able to achieve excellent grades. I also actively participated in assignments, discussions, and performance assessments given during class, which deepened my understanding of the curriculum while simultaneously developing my leadership and practical skills.
By diligently completing assignments, I was able to grasp the subject matter more quickly and deeply, and this was reflected in my grades. This experience of faithfully engaging in all aspects of the school curriculum served as an opportunity to fulfill my duties as a student while steadily building my capabilities.
Major School Activities and Reflections
I have demonstrated leadership through various leadership roles, starting as class president, then serving as vice-chair of the Student Council’s Discipline Committee, and eventually becoming Student Council President. By fostering unity among my classmates and carrying out Student Council duties, I naturally learned how to lead an organization. In particular, I was recognized for my strong interpersonal skills, which allowed me to communicate comfortably even with people I met for the first time. Thanks to this, I was able to take on the role of leading and organizing various Student Council events, festivals, and sports competitions.
Through my work in the Discipline Committee, I received awards for exemplary conduct and good deeds. After being elected Student Council President, I focused on serving as a bridge between teachers and students to facilitate communication. I strove to resolve issues and improve the school atmosphere through genuine dialogue and cooperation, rather than treating the position as merely a title. I believe this leadership experience will be a valuable asset in both my university and professional life, and I hope to contribute to enhancing the school’s value through communication with others in my major studies and research.
I have also consistently participated in ecological conservation activities for local streams. The stream in my neighborhood used to emit a foul odor and was in poor environmental condition, prompting local residents to launch a campaign to revitalize it. When I had the opportunity to participate in a related program through my school, I joined the effort, feeling a sense of responsibility as a member of the community. At first, seeing the odor and pollution, I felt overwhelmed about how to improve the situation, but as many residents came together with a love for the stream, I could see change beginning to take place.
For three years, I spent my weekends picking up trash and raising awareness among residents about the importance of the stream through revitalization campaigns. During this time, I witnessed firsthand how the stream gradually became cleaner. Through this process, I came to realize that the conservation of local ecosystems leads to environmental restoration on a national and even global scale. This led me to decide to major in Environmental and Energy Engineering so that I could contribute to the preservation of nature.
Examples of Compassion, Sharing, and Cooperation, and My Reflections
As part of my student council activities, I volunteered at a nursing home to provide emotional support. I started with the lighthearted intention of simply keeping the elderly residents company, but as I continued my volunteer work, I actually learned a great deal from them and found comfort in my heart. The experiences and advice of those who have lived long lives resonated deeply with me, and I realized the true essence of volunteering through the elders’ attitude of maintaining their independence in areas they could manage, even while receiving assistance.
Volunteering was not merely a one-sided act of giving; it was a way to realize the value of living together. While physical assistance is important, I felt that sharing emotions, empathizing, and understanding through conversations with the seniors provided deeper support, and I found great fulfillment in that process.
I also practiced warm-hearted sharing by participating in Save the Children Korea’s hat-knitting campaign and youth advocacy group activities. The fact that a single hat could save a life deeply moved me, and I gained a new understanding of the meaning of volunteering—that even a small investment of time could save someone’s life.
The experience of spreading awareness about human rights and the value of life through my work with the advocacy group was also invaluable. As I promoted the campaign and encouraged participation, I began to reflect on what we can do for children who face hardships because their human rights are not guaranteed in their daily lives, and I felt a sense of fulfillment knowing that these efforts contribute to realizing respect for human rights in the world.
Efforts and Preparation Related to Motivation for Application and Career Plans
Once I enter university, I plan to focus on my major studies while actively seeking out and participating in various activities such as university student support groups, extracurricular activities, and internship experiences. In the Department of Environmental and Energy Engineering, I intend to systematically build a foundation of knowledge regarding water quality, air, emissions, pollution, and the natural environment. Afterward, I plan to select the field where I feel the most purpose and can best utilize my talents to study it in depth.
I am particularly interested in renewable energy and sustainability. I wish to research technologies that achieve high efficiency without harming the natural environment, and approach energy issues from a convergence technology perspective to seek a path that simultaneously considers the national interest and the health of the planet. To this end, I will proactively research relevant industry and technology trends and gain diverse practical experience to develop my expertise.
I understand that the Department of Environmental and Energy Engineering at Myongji University provides an excellent educational environment by hosting research centers supported by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Ministry of Environment, and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. I intend to actively leverage this support and these resources to gain research experience using not only theoretical knowledge but also state-of-the-art experimental and practical equipment, and to grow into a professional equipped with practical industry-academia collaboration skills and research and development capabilities.
Furthermore, I intend to expand my scope of activity beyond Korea to the international stage, studying foreign case studies and continuing research that benefits our country. My goal is to become a professional capable of solving environmental problems from a global perspective by acquiring foreign language skills and participating in international joint research. I will actively utilize the programs offered by the Department of Environmental and Energy Engineering at Myongji University to grow into an environmental engineering expert recognized both domestically and internationally.
