In this blog post, I have summarized my academic experiences, school activities, examples of consideration and cooperation during my high school years, as well as my reasons for applying to Dongguk University and my future plans.
Academic Experiences and Reflections
As soon as I entered high school, I was overcome by anxiety that I needed to study more in terms of sheer volume. Seeing the amount of work my friends were getting through, I clung to the thought that “I have to do that too,” and spent each day as if the only solution was to keep increasing the number of workbooks I worked through. I studied so relentlessly that I felt even a brief walk was a waste of time—except for eating and sleeping—and that effort paid off with visible results in my first year.
However, my relief at this success was short-lived; my grades gradually began to drop, and I tried to make up for it by studying even more. Instead, the stress only piled up, and my grades did not recover easily. One day, after pulling an all-nighter, I finally collapsed from overwork and was advised by a doctor to rest. It was then that I had the chance to stop and reflect deeply.
During my break, I realized that I had been studying without actually “thinking.” I had been obsessed only with the number of problems I solved and the length of my study sessions, without ever reflecting on why I solved them that way or what the concepts actually meant. I belatedly came to understand that true learning lies not in the act of solving problems itself, but in reflecting on and understanding the process.
After recovering, I changed my study methods. Instead of obsessing over daily progress, I reviewed my solution processes and first examined “why I solved it that way.” Through this, I discovered the fundamental concepts I had overlooked and my weaknesses one by one, and I consistently studied to address those areas. As a result, I developed a habit of prioritizing quality over quantity, and my problem-solving skills improved more steadily.
Major School Activities and Reflections
A major turning point for me came when, while busy with my activities in the broadcasting club, I happened to meet some friends who were volunteering and decided to join them. At first, I went along simply for comfort or as a break, but I was deeply captivated by the sight of the volunteers there. I was particularly struck by the fact that volunteering is not something you do because someone tells you to, but rather an action that stems from your own will.
Not all volunteers were driven by pure motives. Some friends participated to boost their college applications, but it was difficult to sustain such activities for long with that as their sole purpose. The ones who truly stuck around were those who genuinely enjoyed volunteering itself. People who silently continued picking up trash for over four hours, those who raised their voices on the streets holding donation boxes, and friends who sweated while carrying lumber during house-building projects all approached their work with an attitude of expecting no reward.
Drawn to them, I began tagging along with the volunteer group from the start of my sophomore year, and after the break, I officially joined the club and continued my activities. We performed at senior centers, prepared food parties at orphanages, and volunteered at various sites, including fundraising events and school clean-ups. Sometimes, we even took buses for hours to reach our planned locations.
The biggest change I felt through volunteering was a sense of pride and a sense of mission—the realization that “if I take action, I can make a difference.” A sense of fulfillment and responsibility filled my once-barren heart, and my perspective broadened as I encountered diverse people I wouldn’t have met at school. Watching those who put people at the center of their lives led me to reflect deeply on human life and values, and as a result, I developed a desire to explore new fields of study.
Examples of Consideration, Sharing, and Cooperation, and My Reflections
At one point, there was a major conflict at school that split the class in two. There was a significant gap in academic performance within our class, and it seemed that teachers were unconsciously paying more attention to the high-achieving students. Amid this atmosphere, the emotional divide between the group of high achievers and the group that struggled grew wider and wider. By the end of my sophomore year, the conflict reached its peak as controversy erupted over biased grading in performance assessments.
Although I belonged to the group of high-achieving students, I felt I couldn’t just stand by and watch as the class split and relationships soured. I decided it wasn’t right for the entire class to remain divided, so I resolved to be the first to make concessions and show consideration. When the groups were playing separately, I would intentionally approach the other side to strike up a conversation and even share snacks with them.
I lent them my notes, and when they faced difficulties, I stepped in to explain the situation to the teacher and try to mediate. At first, I actually faced criticism from both sides, but as I consistently reached out and treated them with sincerity, things began to change little by little. The students who had caused the conflict started to open up one by one, and I experienced the class atmosphere being restored.
Through this experience, I learned the power of sincerity. I realized that those who genuinely care for and consider others ultimately earn trust. Since then, I have made a conscious effort to treat people with all my heart and sincerity, and I have developed an attitude of being attentive to those around me and reaching out first when needed.
Efforts and Preparation Related to Motivation for Application and Career Plans
My reason for applying to the Department of Buddhist Studies at Dongguk University is clear. Even when those around me recommended departments that prioritize employment and practicality, I chose Buddhist Studies. Unlike my friends who often made pragmatic choices, I wanted to deeply explore the cause of the emptiness I experienced during high school. Facing my declining grades and the resulting emptiness, I felt the need for academic inquiry to uncover its root causes.
Dongguk University, with its long tradition and deep-rooted expertise in Buddhist Studies, naturally became my choice. Here, I intend to approach my studies with an open mind, setting aside all preconceptions and starting anew. By embracing the professors’ ways of thinking and teachings, I aim to redefine my intellectual framework and pursue more in-depth exploration.
Specifically, I plan to diligently complete my coursework on campus and build my critical thinking skills through foundational studies and the analysis of original texts. Additionally, if possible, I would like to participate in Dongguk University’s study abroad programs to experience and learn firsthand the local philosophies and traditions of places like India and China. Through these experiences, I hope to break free from the perspectives I have been confined to and pose questions from new angles.
Regarding my future career path, rather than settling on a definitive answer now, I intend to make my own decision based on my explorations during my undergraduate studies. If I feel that further research is necessary, I will continue my academic pursuits, while also keeping open the possibility of choosing a religious life. During my time at university, I will maintain a relatively quiet demeanor to cultivate my inner self and study diligently, yet I wish to live with an attitude of constant questioning and inquiry throughout that process.
