In this blog post, I’ll summarize my academic efforts and school activities during high school, examples of compassion, generosity, and collaboration, as well as my motivations for applying to college and my career plans.
Academic Experience and Reflections
Rather than simply studying a lot of core subjects, I tried to study by identifying the “learning skills” required for each subject and focusing on developing them. This is because I believed that a different approach was needed for each subject, rather than mindless repetition. Developing learning skills meant understanding the essential elements of each subject and consistently practicing accordingly.
I viewed practical language proficiency as the core of English, so I adopted a learning method focused on becoming comfortable with listening and speaking. To develop practical skills, I frequently listened to a variety of audio materials and worked to improve my expressiveness through conversation practice. For math, I determined that conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills were crucial, so I studied one grade ahead and reinforced key concepts by reviewing them twice to ensure mastery.
My approach to Korean language began with the belief that it cannot be mastered solely through simple text interpretation or literary appreciation. I viewed background knowledge and logical reasoning as essential skills for Korean language learning, defining logical reasoning as a systematic thought process for identifying objective correct answers. When reading literary passages, instead of relying solely on personal experience for subjective interpretation, I repeatedly practiced finding evidence that anyone could accept.
To improve my logical reasoning, I focused on combining reading with essay writing practice. I visited libraries and bookstores to find passages related to my curriculum or commentaries on modern and contemporary literature, and I chose books at a level that matched my interests to maintain the joy of reading. Rather than simply reading, I created and followed a reading plan, wrote essays based on what I read, and had my writing reviewed to verify its logical coherence.
Major School Activities and Reflections
Based on my reputation as a model student, I joined the Student Discipline Committee, and within that group, I participated in the anti-smoking supporters program with a sense of purpose. The supporters were not merely an enforcement team; their goal was to help students develop the motivation to quit smoking on their own. I believed that encouraging voluntary participation was key.
Fieldwork proved more challenging than expected. During breaks or lunch, we would spot students smoking in the alleys around the school and, working in pairs, monitor and guide them. However, students often failed to respond properly to questions from teachers or the Student Discipline Committee, or they would run away. Witnessing this reality, I keenly felt the limitations of discipline activities, which are prone to becoming merely formalistic.
To address this issue, we held a general meeting of all supporters to explore a fundamental approach and devised a program to set up a permanent anti-smoking booth on campus. We established the booth in the first-floor lobby to provide information on the harms of smoking, anti-smoking policies, and cigarette price hikes, and distributed alternative items like peppermint candies to attract students’ interest.
The results of a survey conducted at the booth also helped dispel prejudices against students who smoke. We learned that many students started smoking due to a lack of information, simple curiosity, or being swept up in the atmosphere, and that many struggle to quit even when they want to because they don’t know how. Based on this situation, we determined that an educational and counseling-based approach was needed, rather than mere enforcement.
Examples of Consideration, Sharing, and Cooperation, and Reflections
Through our activities as anti-smoking supporters, I gained a deep understanding of the meaning of consideration. Realizing that existing counseling systems often ended as one-time events and that the very fact of receiving counseling felt like a stigma, I strongly felt the need for systemic improvement. We proposed and implemented a continuous, step-by-step program that allows students to seek help without feeling burdened.
First, we compiled and distributed informational materials on the harms of smoking and its health effects, providing information to help students who smoke recognize the problem themselves. Subsequently, we offered practical alternatives, such as distributing alternative snacks, to help them gradually improve their behavior, and we also provided guidance on supplementary methods like nicotine patches or smoking cessation cigarettes as needed.
Above all, continuous management was crucial. Rather than ending with a one-time consultation, we proposed and implemented a system at the school that involves long-term monitoring and support to prevent students from relapsing. This system was successfully implemented, resulting in several students successfully quitting smoking, and we felt a great sense of fulfillment witnessing this process.
Through this experience, I learned how the power of collaboration and the practice of care can bring about tangible change. I realized that true consideration goes beyond simply demanding compliance with rules; it involves understanding the individual’s circumstances and working together to devise practical solutions that offer real help.
Efforts and Preparation Related to Motivation and Career Plans
From a young age, I had a firm dream of becoming a police officer. Because I have always valued a proper attitude toward life and have a personality that strives to uphold principles, I naturally concluded that a career as a police officer suited my temperament. Therefore, I have consistently managed my academic performance with this goal in mind since high school.
After entering university, I plan to focus on my studies while systematically preparing for the civil service exam based on my major’s knowledge. I value personal growth over a carefree college life and intend to build my foundation step by step, from the basics to the applications of my major. I plan to enhance my skills by sharing ideas and engaging in discussions with my peers through collaborative learning.
My goal is to pass the police civil service exam by the time I graduate. I intend to leverage my network of senior alumni to gather exam preparation strategies and information. Once I pass, I plan to share my experience with underclassmen and serve as a role model for my department’s alumni. Ultimately, my career plan is to become a professional in the field of police administration who contributes to the nation’s development.
To this end, I will consistently participate in study groups and gain practical experience during my time at university, while also acquiring the necessary qualifications and competencies. My hope is to pass the exam on my first attempt through perseverance toward my goal and preparation grounded in collaboration with others, and to share that joy with my classmates who studied alongside me.
