In this blog post, I will summarize my academic experiences and school activities during high school, examples of acts of kindness and generosity, as well as my motivation for applying and my career plans.
Academic Experiences and Reflections
From a young age, I enjoyed language-related subjects, but I found other subjects difficult and boring, so I couldn’t muster much interest in them. However, I realized that to get into college, I needed to prepare equally for all subjects, so I began to think about ways to make even the subjects I wasn’t interested in more engaging. As a result, I devised and implemented a study method I called “Connecting to My Interests.”
For example, I used to view geography as a subject focused solely on memorization. However, once I shifted my perspective and framed it as knowledge necessary for exploring countries I love and planning trips, geography became much more interesting. Thinking of it as something I was learning to navigate as a traveler and understand regional characteristics gave me motivation, and studying itself became enjoyable.
I approached math in a similar way. I felt that the process of understanding and applying mathematical formulas was similar to learning English grammar and applying it to problems. Just as knowing a single grammar rule allows you to solve various problems, I realized that once I grasped the meaning and usage of math formulas, solved various problems to become familiar with different types, and practiced applying them, I could effectively use them. Thinking about the similarities with English reduced my anxiety about math and sparked my interest.
In addition, I applied the note-taking habits I used for English to other subjects. By organizing material I needed to memorize or key points in my notebook, carrying it with me at all times, and reviewing it whenever I had a spare moment, I found that what I wrote down was not easily forgotten. As a result of consistently applying this method, I saw my grades improve, and I realized that shifting my focus and changing my perspective greatly enhances learning efficiency.
Major School Activities and Reflections
Among the meaningful activities I participated in during high school, the English Drama Club had the greatest impact on me. As it was my first time participating in such an activity and the fact that we performed plays in English, it was both a major challenge and an opportunity for me, and that experience ultimately inspired me to dream of majoring in English Language and Literature. My previously introverted personality became more outgoing through the stage and club activities, and my shyness also changed significantly.
My time in the club was a period of steady personal growth. I never missed a meeting, and even during exam periods, I did not shy away from the intense rehearsals required for the plays. In my sophomore and junior years, I served as the club president, maintaining discipline, addressing issues as they arose, and encouraging others to stay passionate. I also fondly recall the times we stayed up all night together to build the stage.
Through this experience, I learned three key lessons. First, realizing that the world is vast and full of people more talented than myself taught me to avoid complacency and adopt a mindset of constant self-improvement. Second, my stage experience significantly boosted my self-confidence. Although I was initially afraid to shout or express my emotions in front of others, I gradually grew accustomed to it and became more proactive in presentations and external activities. Third, I learned the value of cooperation. While I used to prefer working alone, collaborating with others taught me that by filling in each other’s gaps and joining forces, we can accomplish much greater things.
The English Drama Club went beyond being just an activity; it became a source of precious memories from my school days and a catalyst for personal growth. Regardless of the achievements listed in my portfolio, I remember it as an activity that had a lasting impact on my personality and attitude toward learning.
Examples of Consideration, Sharing, and Cooperation, and My Reflections
When I was a sophomore in high school, each class president was given a unique title. My title was, somewhat modestly, “The Class President Who Picks Up the Most Trash at School.” From the very beginning of my freshman year, I was shocked to see the school environment becoming increasingly messy, and I decided that I needed to take the lead in caring for it. This was because as students advanced to higher grades, they ate more and moved around less, leading to frequent instances of snack wrappers and crumbs being left behind in classrooms and hallways.
From then on, whenever I saw trash during breaks or while walking through the hallways, I began picking it up, and I carried a bag with me to clean up the area during lunch and evening breaks. This was something I did on my own initiative, not because someone told me to. After becoming class president, I took on even more responsibility and worked hard to keep the classroom and surrounding areas clean.
I also came to realize the impact that small actions can have on those around me. At first, I thought it was “just something I was doing on my own,” but as time went on, my classmates began to follow my lead and pick up trash, and the teachers came to trust me. Previously known simply as someone who was good at English, I gradually came to be recognized in the class as a diligent and reliable person. Through this experience, I learned that small acts of consideration and consistent effort can change the atmosphere of a community, and I plan to continue looking out for those around me until I graduate.
Efforts and Preparation Related to Motivation for Application and Career Plans
The reason I am applying to the Department of English Language and Literature at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies is not simply to learn English, but because I want to systematically build my skills through a curriculum that cultivates linguistically gifted individuals. In today’s world, international communication skills are more important than ever, and I believe a solid linguistic foundation is essential to achieving my dreams. My goal is to become a “content planner” who introduces and trades Korean content to the world.
Observing the active export of Korean content—such as Korean dramas, movies, books, and webtoons—to overseas markets, I became convinced that I want to be the person responsible for planning and distribution at the center of this trend. To achieve this, I determined that I need not only English proficiency but also an understanding of literature and various forms of content; therefore, I hope to accumulate ideas by broadly engaging with literary works and content across multiple genres during my time at university.
After enrollment, I aim to develop my content analysis and planning skills grounded in literature, while also gaining practical experience and building a professional network through HUFS’s diverse clubs and interactions with upperclassmen. Additionally, I plan to cultivate teamwork and collaboration skills through campus activities and continue learning various languages to strengthen my international communication abilities. Ultimately, I aspire to become a planner who thrives in the global market, leveraging the content and ideas I have gathered.
