In this blog post, I will summarize what I learned and how I felt, focusing on the efforts I put into my Korean language studies and my activities in the library club during my high school years.
Academic Experiences and Reflections
Believing that the Korean language is the foundation of all learning, I devoted the most time and effort to studying Korean during high school. I particularly enjoyed studying literature, and I strove to develop the ability to analyze literary works logically and critically, rather than simply reading them and writing reviews. Through this process, I learned how to develop my thoughts and mastered the skills to structure essays effectively and write persuasively.
To systematically develop my communication skills, I divided my efforts into speaking, writing, listening, and reading, setting specific goals for each. I honed my speaking skills through presentation classes and improved my listening skills by repeatedly listening to speeches and other spoken materials. I naturally developed my reading and writing skills by regularly reading books and writing reflections on them. Additionally, to avoid focusing solely on literature, I paid attention to non-fiction reading, such as opinion pieces and explanatory texts on social and scientific topics.
By reading a variety of texts and developing the habit of summarizing their key points, I trained myself to quickly grasp the author’s intent, which also helped me understand exam questions quickly and write answers effectively. In particular, when writing essays, I repeatedly practiced creating outlines to clarify my arguments and supporting evidence. I also integrated creative writing with essay writing, drawing on my creativity and imagination. I always kept in mind that interpretations can vary depending on how one critically evaluates literature and applies unique perspectives, and I strove to write pieces that reflected my own viewpoint.
This training not only helped me improve my Korean language scores but also greatly contributed to developing my critical thinking and expressive abilities. Through repeated practice in critical reading and persuasive writing, I developed the foundation to construct my own logic and explain my ideas even when faced with unfamiliar works or topics.
Additionally, several books I encountered during high school had a direct impact on my study habits and interpretive skills. First, “85 Modern Korean Novels” is a book that provides both author introductions and work interpretations, helping me develop the ability to understand works not covered in textbooks. This book was a great help in broadening my exposure to literature so that I wouldn’t be flustered when encountering unfamiliar works during college entrance exam practice tests.
“The Joy of Reading Poetry Philosophically” was the first book I bought with my own money after entering high school; it taught me how to interpret poetry philosophically. Approaches such as linking Kim Soo-young to Foucault to discuss democracy, or connecting Heidegger to Kim Chun-su to discuss existence, were unfamiliar and difficult at first. However, the process of reading repeatedly and looking up related terms to understand them ultimately deepened my thinking. Writing infused with philosophical thought also helped me present more persuasive arguments in essay exams.
Major School Activities and Reflections
Upon entering high school, I applied for and was accepted into the library club. As someone who had always loved libraries, I was deeply drawn to the sense of calm found in a well-organized space and to the library’s role as a hub of information where I could immediately find answers to my questions. My time in the library club was an experience that went beyond a simple hobby; it helped cultivate my character, sense of responsibility, and attitude toward knowledge.
The selection process for our school’s library club was highly competitive due to the limited number of spots, and once selected, members were expected to serve for three years. While preparing for the interview, I emphasized my unique reading habits and my approach to books. When compiling my reading list, rather than simply listing a large number of books, I selected memorable titles by genre, connected them to my personal experiences, and submitted detailed reviews. During the interview, I answered questions with sincerity, focusing on the reading list I had submitted in advance and the content of my personal statement.
During the interview, I made a sincere effort to express my love for books and the significance of the library, and I demonstrated my diligence by highlighting my experience in the library club since middle school. Thanks to this preparation and attitude, I was selected as a member of the library club. I took on my role with pride and was able to broaden my literary knowledge by engaging with a wider variety of books. My involvement in the library club not only increased my reading volume but also taught me how to communicate with others through the medium of reading.
Examples of Consideration, Sharing, and Cooperation, and My Reflections
The library club held monthly events, including the “Bookworm of the Month” contest, book report awards, a library film festival, and the “Book Sharing Campaign.” Among these, the activity I participated in most actively and found most meaningful was the “Book Sharing Campaign.” This event served as a platform for sharing, where people donated books they no longer read at home to the library; donors received a small gift, and the donated books were shared among participants.
As a member of the library club, I not only helped receive donations but also actively donated several books I had read myself. In accordance with the event’s requirements, I donated at least five books. Of these, I kept three to contribute to library research and revitalization, and I put two up for exchange so that others could read them. Through this process of donating and exchanging, I not only acquired new books but also felt a sense of fulfillment in helping to expand the library’s collection.
Participating in the event provided many opportunities to discuss the books other students had donated, their reasons for doing so, and the lessons they had learned from them. As we introduced our reading experiences and shared our thoughts, communication flowed naturally. I introduced the books I had brought, explaining their significance and the impressions they had left on me. This process went beyond a simple exchange of items to become a space for collaboration where we shared thoughts and experiences, and I deeply realized that sharing leads to empathy and the expansion of knowledge.
Through the “Book Anabada” campaign, I experienced firsthand the impact that small actions can have on a community. In the process of sharing items, I came to understand others’ tastes and backgrounds, and the conversations sparked by sharing even led to recommendations for new books. These experiences allowed me to truly feel the meaning of consideration and cooperation, and they inspired me to resolve never to forget the importance of sharing knowledge.
