In this blog post, I will reflect on the academic efforts I made during high school, my participation in school activities, my practice of caring, sharing, and collaboration, the insights I gained from these experiences, and my thoughts on my future career path.
Academic Experiences and Reflections
Putting in a little more effort and studying a little harder—I believe that studying is an activity where you can perform as well as you put your mind to it. It’s easier to understand if you compare it to a romantic relationship. Just as you focus on your partner and think about what they want in a relationship, I felt that studying is not just about spending time on it, but rather about understanding the types of questions and the context of the exam, identifying your weaknesses, and then approaching it systematically—that is the path to real progress.
This method wasn’t some secret formula I came up with entirely on my own. I was greatly influenced by watching my older sister, who is just a year older than me and had already entered university, study, and based on that experience, I began to place the greatest emphasis on “understanding question types” when I started studying. From the language section, foreign language section, social studies section, to even the math section—which carries relatively less weight for liberal arts students—I approached my studies by first understanding the question types in each section and then identifying and addressing my weaknesses.
For me, exams were not a source of stress but an important tool for identifying my strengths and weaknesses. So, rather than simply increasing my study hours, I focused on taking frequent practice tests, reviewing the results daily, and analyzing why I got certain questions right or wrong. Through this process, I clearly identified the reasons for my mistakes, addressed the root causes, and gradually improved my grades.
While studying, I alternated between being strong in conceptual understanding but weak in application, and vice versa—strong in application but weak in concepts. I learned how to strike a balance between these two, and above all, I realized that “identifying the root cause” is crucial in studying. As a result, rather than blindly relying on others, I became able to find and implement customized study methods suited to my specific situation.
Description of Major School Activities and Reflections
When I began volunteering with multicultural families, I first sought to understand the purpose of the activity and the realities on the ground through personal experience. There were volunteer organizations near our school that supported multicultural families, and they always welcomed the participation of Korean high school students. At first, I started out of curiosity—wondering why they needed us and what kind of help was required—but as I continued my work, I realized that the issues faced by these families could not be resolved simply by improving welfare.
What pained me the most on the ground was the clear existence of “discrimination.” While differences arising from varying regions of origin and cultures are inevitable, the reality that these differences lead to exclusion and prejudice based on skin color or appearance was causing significant emotional harm, especially to the children. There were even cases where some elementary school students refused to attend class or stopped coming to school simply because they looked different. Witnessing this, I felt I could no longer take this issue lightly.
What I could do was communicate directly with the children and help them with basic studies such as Korean, history, and math. I also tried to provide emotional support by talking with them about the wounds they had experienced in Korean society. Through this process, I learned how important it is to go beyond simply imparting knowledge to understanding cultural differences and healing each other’s wounds. Through this experience, I too was able to break free from fixed perspectives and gain a new point of view.
As I continued to reflect on what it means to “understand” one another, I came to see “understanding” as more than mere agreement or acceptance. I realized that rather than drawing a line between right and wrong, what is needed is an attitude of acceptance—recognizing that “that could be the case.” This realization became the catalyst for clarifying what I wanted to do in college. I developed a dream of becoming someone who coordinates and connects nations and people with different cultures and interests.
Writing about examples of consideration, sharing, and cooperation, along with my reflections
To put my realization about “understanding” into practice, I tried to start with small acts of consideration and empathy in my daily life. Having grown up under my parents’ warm care, I had previously been unable to deeply consider others’ pain or complex circumstances. However, through volunteer work, I became aware of the various problems each person faces, which helped me develop an attitude of observing people more attentively and striving to empathize with them.
For example, when working on group projects, rather than getting angry immediately if someone failed to complete their part, I would first accept the situation and, after the task was finished, quietly approach them to ask what had been difficult. There were classmates who couldn’t participate due to illness, mental exhaustion, or personal circumstances. When I listened to their stories and tried to understand them, conflicts naturally decreased, and cooperation and harmony emerged.
As minor conflicts disappeared, the team’s performance improved, and I voluntarily took on the role of fostering harmony whenever we prepared for important events, such as class presentations or competitions. Through this experience, I personally realized that “understanding” is not just a simple emotion but a force that drives a community. I learned that when people feel understood, they experience greater intimacy and motivation, which leads them to support those around them and participate together.
Moving forward, I aim to be a leader who fosters cooperation based on this “power of understanding.” I will apply the small acts of consideration and communication I learned in school to the broader society and the international stage, continuing to embrace and connect with others’ perspectives.
Efforts and Preparation Related to Motivation and Career Plans
My volunteer experience in multicultural families and my attitude of seeking to understand others helped me decide which path I want to take in college. My interest and goal have become mediating conflicts that arise when people with different cultures and interests meet, and building positive relationships. This interest naturally led me to fields that require a mediating role between people and cultures, such as international relations, multicultural policy, and diplomacy.
In my practical preparation, I focused on cultivating an analytical mindset while drawing on the hands-on experience gained through volunteer work. Academically, I developed the habit of identifying and addressing my weaknesses through exams, and I actively participated in conversations and discussions with friends to practice embracing diverse perspectives. Furthermore, I believe the communication skills I honed through team projects and volunteer work have laid the foundation for the negotiation and coordination abilities required in professional settings.
In college, I aim to build on my theoretical knowledge with practical experience to develop the ability to mediate culture and understanding in the international community. Through my studies and activities, I hope to deepen my understanding of how to respect and coordinate with others’ perspectives, and ultimately grow into a person who can contribute to the harmonious development of relations between nations.
