In this blog post, I’ll focus on my academic experiences, school activities, acts of kindness and giving, and career-related efforts during my time in high school.

Academic Experiences and Reflections

I didn’t originally have good grades. Back then, I didn’t know how to study effectively, and I attended classes thinking that simply understanding the material was enough. Since I believed that understanding alone was enough, I neglected memorization and paid attention in class only to the extent that I could grasp the material. As a result, I couldn’t retain much of the content for very long.
The turning point in my study habits came when I observed how a classmate studied. That friend studied by memorizing the entire contents of the textbook verbatim. Watching them, I realized how complacent I’d been in my studies and came to accept that mere understanding wasn’t enough.
From then on, I posted a note on my desk that read, “Thorough organization, thorough memorization,” and resolved to stay focused. Starting with my sophomore midterms, I developed the habit of taking meticulous notes during class, writing down everything the teacher said, and organizing that material after class. I began summarizing and memorizing the textbook content one by one, even meticulously memorizing parts I had previously thought were unnecessary.
My study load increased about threefold compared to before, and it was tough because there were many days when I had to cut back on sleep to study. However, I kept pushing myself, driven by the expectation that my grades would improve. Eventually, my grades naturally improved, and I clearly felt the difference between understanding and mere knowledge. There was a huge difference between merely “understanding” something and knowing it thoroughly, and from that point on, I learned to maintain a regular routine through time management, increasing my study time and using it efficiently.

Write about major school activities and your reflections

During high school, I experienced severe stress. The pressure to perform well academically was so great that I suffered from anxiety and lethargy; at its worst, I couldn’t even sleep. As my fear of college admissions grew, even daily life felt overwhelming, and I felt a desperate need to clear my mind and find inner peace.
That’s why I joined the calligraphy club. Even holding a brush felt awkward, and it had been a long time since I’d bought new calligraphy supplies—since elementary school—but once I actually started, calligraphy gave me a great sense of calm. At first, I felt pressure to perform well, but as I practiced stroke after stroke, I realized that the essence of calligraphy isn’t about “creating something spectacular,” but rather focusing on how to handle the brush, ink, and paper, and applying the right amount of pressure to each stroke.
During calligraphy class, I had to focus solely on the brush, ink, and paper in front of me, and in that process, my distracting thoughts vanished. Those three to four hours spent holding a brush with my friends once a week in that quiet setting brought me a sense of peace. As my emotions stabilized, my personality became calmer than before; I moved away from the person who used to struggle with worry and became someone who smiles more often and speaks sparingly.
As I cleared my mind, various questions arose. I began to reflect on why I had been so anxious all that time, why calligraphy had been such a source of strength for me, and what people truly need. I came to the conclusion that everyone’s needs are different. Some find healing through active pursuits, while those with severe anxiety, like me, may need quiet concentration. On the other hand, I realized that rest can sometimes be counterproductive, so an individualized approach is crucial.
Through this experience, I set a goal for myself to become someone who can identify what people need, guide them toward methods that suit them individually, and offer support.

Writing About Examples of Consideration, Sharing, and Cooperation, and My Reflections

After the school break ended, a friend stopped coming to school. Since this friend was usually cheerful and got along well with others, everyone was taken aback. Sensing that my friend needed help, I went to their house myself.

Although I wasn’t the class president or vice president at the time, I couldn’t just ignore my friend’s situation.
At first, they wouldn’t see me, but I persuaded them by saying I just wanted to talk, and we were finally able to start a conversation. I began by sharing my own experience. When I honestly told them how I had overcome anxiety through calligraphy, my friend gradually began to listen, and eventually opened up about their own situation.
I was surprised to hear my friend’s story. Since my friend’s mother was Japanese, my friend felt that the content covering the Japanese colonial period in Korean history and language classes at school was an insult to her mother. She said she felt pain every time she attended those classes, and as this situation repeated itself, she became afraid to go to school.
With my friend’s permission, I brought the situation to the teacher’s attention, and as a result, the teacher became more cautious in how the lessons were conducted and explained. I consider that my first experience with counseling. Although the process of visiting the school in person to listen to my friend’s concerns and communicate with the teacher was difficult, it was ultimately very rewarding and beneficial. I also learned how important it is to strive to understand others and build bridges of communication.

Efforts and Preparation Related to Motivation for Application and Career Plans

Overcoming my anxiety through calligraphy and the experience of listening to my friend’s story and connecting her with support had a significant impact on my career path. I developed an interest in understanding people’s inner thoughts and finding approaches tailored to each individual, which naturally led me to consider a career in helping others.
Throughout this process, I’ve actively practiced the importance of active listening and empathy. I believe that my experience of patiently listening to my friend, striving to understand his perspective, and mediating between the school and the teacher will be a valuable asset for my future studies and practical training.
Moving forward, I intend to deepen my knowledge of counseling and psychology. My experiences in high school led me to reflect on what people truly need, and I plan to continue my professional studies to find the answer. Ultimately, I aspire to become someone who can help people find their own solutions when facing anxiety or conflict, and connect them with appropriate support when necessary.