In this blog post, I’ll summarize my academic experiences, school activities, examples of compassion and service, as well as my motivation for applying and my career preparation process during high school.

Academic Experiences and Reflections

I believed that the essence of learning was fully encapsulated in class. My teachers’ lectures went beyond simple explanations; they served as a guide, pointing out the core concepts and key points frequently tested on exams. I believed that, through their extensive teaching experience, my teachers knew exactly what students needed and what kind of study would help us grow in the right direction. Therefore, I felt that if I followed the lessons diligently, I could learn sufficiently without the need for excessive supplementary study.
So I approached my classes with great diligence, always keeping a notepad next to my textbook to take notes. In language arts, I summarized the teacher’s explanations in my textbook and wrote down key words and points separately in my notepad so I could easily recall them during review. In math class, I made sure to write down every principle the teacher emphasized and organized them at the back of my notepad for easy reference.
Since I had to stay focused during class, I developed the habit of taking notes quickly and summarizing the key points. Thanks to this, I was able to solidify my understanding of concepts without needing additional cram schools or private tutoring, and I noticed my grades gradually improving as I reviewed the material, focusing on the points the teachers emphasized. Additionally, the various life experiences and advice I heard during class served as important clues when I was contemplating my own career path and life.

Major School Activities and Reflections

The reason I first joined the newspaper club was that I was deeply impressed by a senior. This senior was someone who was always active with a camera in hand, capturing various scenes around school with a sparkle in their eyes. Watching them, I felt a strong desire to become someone who takes an interest in everything, observes my surroundings, and documents them, which is why I joined the newspaper club.
Through my work with the newspaper club, I developed the habit of consciously observing my surroundings. Learning that I had to seek out exclusive stories on my own, I constantly pondered what issues should be covered in that month’s paper and whether there were any matters I was overlooking. Naturally, I became familiar with the school’s various systems and the behind-the-scenes efforts, and I gained a deeper understanding of how teachers and other members of the school community run the school, as well as the challenges students face.
Being able to consistently practice writing in the newspaper club was a great blessing for me. I used to struggle even with writing a single paragraph, but thanks to the guidance and patience of my seniors, I was able to improve rapidly. Although I still have many shortcomings, I believe that through this process, I’ve solidified the basics of writing and laid the groundwork for becoming a journalist in the future.
What I found most appealing about the newspaper club was “passion.” The club was full of people who were always exploring and preparing in search of something new. I found great happiness in that passion, and it strengthened my resolve to study and work even harder to become a journalist who is truly authentic.

Writing about examples of consideration, sharing, and cooperation, along with my reflections

One of the friends I met through the newspaper club was a student who couldn’t attend school often due to a weak immune system. Amid the difficult situation of frequently visiting the hospital to find the cause of his condition, he sometimes felt alienated from school life. While writing an article about their story, I came to deeply empathize with their situation and decided to help them directly.
The help I could offer was to regularly share the class notes I had organized. Since I usually focused intently on class and took thorough notes, my summaries of key points and concepts were well-organized, and I thought sharing them with my friend would help with their studies. So, I sent him my notes periodically and told him to ask if he had any questions.
Through this process, I realized that I gained even more myself. The thought that I needed to do better in order to help someone made me focus more intently on my classes and review the material more thoroughly. At first, I thought this act of sharing was one-sided, but it actually had a positive impact on both of us, and it became an opportunity for me to strengthen my own attitude toward learning and my sense of responsibility.

Efforts and Preparation Related to Motivation for Application and Career Plans

The main reason I decided to apply to the Department of Journalism and Broadcasting is that I want to be a “beacon” that amplifies the voices of those who lack social protection and shares their stories with the world. While working for the school newspaper, I witnessed many instances where students suffered disadvantages because important news or issues that should have been widely known within the school were not properly communicated. Those experiences resonated deeply with me and led me to the conviction that correcting such situations is exactly what I want to do for the rest of my life.
To prepare for my career, I have cultivated the habit of taking notes and practiced constantly observing my surroundings. I believe the habit of immediately jotting down thoughts or questions is essential for a journalist, so I consistently practiced this throughout high school. I also realized that breaking news isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you seek out—so I always observed my surroundings and strove to uncover what others might overlook.
After entering college, I plan to balance theoretical studies with gaining practical experience. Through club activities and various reporting assignments, I will continue to write and cover stories on-site to develop my skills, and based on this foundation, I will work diligently to become a newspaper journalist who advocates for the voices of the socially vulnerable.