In this blog post, I’ll summarize my study methods and learning experiences during high school, the lessons I gained from school activities, examples of my consideration and communication skills, as well as my motivation for applying to mechanical engineering and my career preparation process.
Academic Experiences and Reflections
I wasn’t afraid of making mistakes. Instead, I focused more on how to study the problems I got wrong and what I needed to change to avoid repeating the same mistakes. So, after taking a test, rather than stressing over the results, I prioritized analyzing my incorrect answers and viewed the test as an opportunity to identify what I could learn from it.
Specifically, after each exam, I would dedicate myself to organizing my notes to the point of filling an entire notebook with my incorrect answers. First, I would compile the incorrect problems at the front of the notebook, then reconstruct where and why I had made mistakes for each problem while writing out the solution process in detail. Doing this allowed me to naturally distinguish between “problems I already understand” and “problems I still don’t fully grasp.”
I collected the problems I didn’t understand separately at the back of the notebook and tried to resolve them by asking my teacher during class or break time. When I still didn’t understand even after hearing the teacher’s explanation, I reviewed the relevant section from the beginning to check which parts I had missed. I supplemented my learning by combining the review of my mistakes with the basic theory, focusing on both memorization and understanding.
I mainly used my morning commute—when my mind was clear—for memorization. Applying what I had memorized that morning immediately during class or while studying gave me a sense of fulfillment—knowing that I was “putting what I’d memorized to good use”—and this was a huge help in maintaining my motivation to learn. Through this habit of turning mistakes into learning opportunities, I was able to cultivate an attitude of learning from my errors, an openness to accepting outcomes, and the mental resilience to overcome exam-related pressure.
Description of Major School Activities and Reflections
Through my participation in the science club, I discovered both the joy of experimentation and gained insight into my future career path. I initially joined the club simply because I found experiments fun; starting with small hands-on activities like making lottery tickets or bouncy balls, I gradually developed an interest in handling laboratory equipment itself. Since lab equipment can be damaged with even a moment’s carelessness and requires delicate handling, it sometimes felt as though I were caring for a tiny living thing. I found great joy in this attention to detail and in the process of observation itself.
I was greatly inspired by seeing my clubmates, each with their own distinct goals, as we talked together. One friend dreamed of becoming a physicist and could recite the journal articles by heart, while another studied theories like string theory with the dream of discovering new materials. Seeing them made me realize that I, too, needed to define my dreams more concretely.
After deep reflection, I discovered that I was more interested in the process of handling and assembling machines than in the experiments themselves. I was fascinated by how even a small defect in a machine could significantly affect its overall operation, and how adjusting a tiny component could cause the machine to function in an entirely different way. Based on this experience, I gradually shifted my focus from the experimental aspects of physics toward mechanical engineering.
In the club, I was often tasked with repairing and assembling machines, which allowed me to develop practical skills in working with them. I started with simple projects, such as a small device that automatically filled water or attaching a motor to make it easier to move heavy equipment. I also built simple electrical devices to repair problems with heaters or lab equipment. As I repeated these small projects, I found great satisfaction and interest in the work itself, and I naturally decided that I wanted to continue pursuing a career related to machinery.
Examples of Consideration, Sharing, and Cooperation, and My Reflections
Through the school’s buddy program, I spent a semester with an international student, and my experience with a Turkish friend—with whom communication was particularly challenging—left a deep impression on me.
At the time, neither of us was fluent in English or Korean, so we had almost no common ground for conversation, and the significant cultural differences made it difficult to adapt. Then, I discovered that my friend knew sign language, which inspired me to try learning it myself.
We started by exchanging greetings and basic vocabulary in sign language. As we gradually expanded our vocabulary, I helped him understand school rules, classes, homework, and campus culture. My Turkish friend had idealized Korea, and was sometimes taken aback when actual school life turned out differently than expected. During that time, he also faced racial prejudice and difficulties adjusting.
As I consistently tried to communicate with him, he gradually adapted to life in Korea, and after about a year and a half, he was speaking Korean at an intermediate level and had successfully adjusted to school life. Through this experience, I deeply realized that sincere communication truly makes a difference. I learned that even when languages and cultures differ, approaching others with sincerity can break down barriers and foster mutual understanding.
This experience made me rethink the meaning of consideration and sharing. I realized that going beyond simply offering help—and instead making an effort to communicate by finding solutions from the other person’s perspective—leads to true cooperation. I also confirmed that empathy and concern serve as stronger bonds between people than any inherent boundaries.
Efforts and Preparation Related to Motivation for Application and Career Plans
I aspire to be someone who “takes on new challenges.” I do not fear taking on challenges in unfamiliar fields; rather, I enjoy them, and I aim to forge paths that others have not chosen. Because of this disposition, I was drawn to the field of mechanical engineering, and I came to believe that through mechanical engineering, I can contribute to the important role that machines will play in future society.
If I major in mechanical engineering, I do not want to simply secure a job at a company; rather, I want to use technology to create new forms of leisure, convenience, and value. Building on the knowledge gained through my studies, I plan to gain practical experience while exploring how specific products or systems can transform people’s lives.
At university, I intend to broaden my experience by balancing academic study with practical work. Even in my first year, I will broaden my horizons by meeting and interacting with a diverse range of people, and I plan to intentionally increase my interactions with international exchange students to break down cultural biases and learn from diverse perspectives. Through this, I will strive to ensure my thinking does not become confined within a specific framework.
Furthermore, through hands-on training and internships, I intend to directly observe the differences between the theories learned in school and the technologies used in the field. Regardless of whether I am paid, I plan to work as an intern at various companies—even for short periods—to gain practical experience. Building on this foundation, I aim to move into fields such as entrepreneurship or technology development to bring about tangible change. Ultimately, my goal is to grow into a professional who combines practical experience with critical thinking skills and to continuously take on new challenges.
