In this blog post, I’ll summarize the lessons I gained from my study habits and school activities during high school, as well as from practicing consideration and cooperation.
Writing about my academic experiences and reflections
I believed that rather than trying to turn studying into some special secret or a short-term miracle, it was better to approach it as a “habit.” So, I set a goal to always attend classes and study in the same place, maintaining proper posture. Rather than expecting major changes or miracles, I focused on the small daily tasks and made a consistent effort to keep the promises I made to myself.
I established a specific daily routine and followed it. Every morning, I memorized 30 English vocabulary words and reviewed them in the evening to check my retention. During the morning, I solved one math problem and one social studies problem each. During breaks, I graded the problems I had solved and reviewed the ones I got wrong. In the evenings, I focused on reviewing my weak areas in language arts, memorizing the theory and explanations for the questions I had answered incorrectly. I also regularly took one English practice test to maintain my test-taking skills.
I always participated attentively in class and did not attend any private tutoring centers. I believed that the core of all learning lies in the classes themselves, so I studied by consistently reviewing the knowledge gained in class and independently identifying and resolving any areas I didn’t understand. Through this process, I aimed to repeatedly recall the material and embed it into my long-term memory.
By studying this way, my grades never dropped significantly; although there were periods of stagnation, my scores generally rose steadily. This experience convinced me that there is no shortcut to studying and that consistency is ultimately the answer. I learned that the habit of accumulating small daily efforts creates greater strength than hoping for a single stroke of luck or sudden success. Ultimately, I believe I learned how to study—that is, how to put in the effort.
Write about major school activities and reflections
What first sparked my interest in the English Drama Club was a performance by upperclassmen during the exhibition period. My preconception at the time was that “a play performed in English must be boring or just a show-off,” but the actual performance left a deep impression on me with its high level of polish and immersion. The delicate touch of the seniors operating the lighting, the way they immersed themselves in their roles wearing handmade costumes, and the scenes where emotions were fully conveyed despite the English dialogue—all of this drew me to the club.
As soon as I joined the club, I was cast in the lead role, and that choice was both a major trial and a challenge for me. I was naturally not used to standing in front of people, and I had never held a position like class president or vice president. Ironically, even the career of “teacher”—a dream I’d had since childhood—was a source of anxiety for me, given how daunting it was to stand in front of others. At first, I even told the upperclassmen that casting me in the lead role was a mistake.
However, the senior in charge of directing told me that I actually had potential. His words—“It’s not the naturally gifted who should be the lead, but those who practice consistently”—were a great source of comfort and motivation for me. I believed in those words and threw myself into practice. I regularly repeated the routine of memorizing lines and correcting my pronunciation, and I continued to go to the auditorium to practice speaking out loud. My voice, which had been small at first, gradually grew louder, and I found myself projecting an unexpectedly powerful voice; through this process, my confidence grew.
My involvement in theater also changed my perspective on English. While many of my friends viewed English merely as an exam subject, I saw it as a process of learning another country’s language. Through theater, I realized the joy of experiencing that language and culture, much like going on a journey. As I studied pronunciation to deliver my lines and created costumes that matched the cultural backdrop to bring the world of the play to life, I realized that English was not a boring subject but an enjoyable experience.
In the end, we successfully completed the play, and I still cannot forget the applause I received on stage and the immersive experience. Through this activity, I learned how to overcome fear, the power of consistent practice, and how to turn English into a joy in my life.
Examples of Consideration, Sharing, and Cooperation, and My Reflections
In my sophomore year of high school, I served as president of the English Drama Club. I took on the role at the recommendation of my seniors, motivated by a desire to better manage an activity I loved, but I felt a great deal of pressure while fulfilling my duties. In particular, I felt a strong sense of responsibility to recruit and guide new members, and I was very worried about whether my peers would follow through on the activities I had planned.
While preparing for the club’s activities, I noticed a junior quietly reading a book. He had a good voice when speaking and seemed diligent, so I wanted to invite him to join the club. At first, he was thinking of taking on the role of a writer or director, and he tended to be afraid of standing in front of people. I judged that he had plenty of potential to grow as an actor, so I personally persuaded him and encouraged him to join the club.
Although they hesitated at first, I consistently cheered them on, praised their small achievements, and boosted their confidence. Through repeated praise, support, and opportunities to practice, they gradually broke out of their shell and were able to step forward as an actor. In the end, they participated in the performance and did well, and our play concluded successfully.
This experience finally helped me understand the meaning of the praise I had received from a senior a year earlier. I realized that a small word of encouragement can bring about significant change, and I felt a growing desire to share the love and lessons I had received with other juniors. Through this, I learned that consideration, sharing, and cooperation are more than just virtues—they are practical forces that enable the growth of a community.
