In this blog post, I’ll summarize what I learned, focusing on the academic efforts I made during high school, my participation in school activities, and my experiences with compassion, generosity, and collaboration.
Academic Experiences and Reflections
Believing that there are no shortcuts to learning, I chose to “stick to the basics”—in other words, to improve my grades by following the right path. I didn’t want to boost my scores through cram-style tutoring or short-term tricks; instead of merely accumulating test-taking strategies, I prioritized building a solid foundation. To this end, I developed the habit of focusing as much as possible during class. I thoroughly prepared for and reviewed each lesson, made sure not to doze off during class, and tried my best not to miss a single word the teacher said. Since I approached each class with anticipation about what I would learn, it was easier to concentrate, and I naturally became more active in class.
Seeing that I stayed awake and participated actively throughout class, my teachers offered me even more advice. They shared various tips with me—from which study methods suited me best and how to plan my career path to specific ways to improve my grades. Based on that advice, I steadily built my foundational skills and was able to practically apply the know-how I gained in class to my own studies.
In addition, I took mock exams once a week at a set time, solving problems as if they were real tests and meticulously reviewing my wrong answers. I analyzed each mistake one by one to identify weak areas, then went back to the basics to relearn them. At the library, I spent my weekends consistently building my skills—taking a mock exam one day and reviewing my mistakes and reinforcing weak areas the next. By prioritizing exams and maintaining a mindset focused on avoiding repeated mistakes through my error log, I strengthened my foundational knowledge, developed patience, and saw my grades gradually improve.
Major School Activities and Reflections
The activities I found meaningful and participated in consistently were volunteer work at a shelter for abandoned dogs and related campaigns. Seeing the dogs there—those who had been hurt and abandoned—I felt a deep sense of mission. Witnessing the reality that many stray dogs roam the streets due to human greed or neglect made me frequently reflect on the fragility of life and the responsibility we bear. It broke my heart to see dogs abandoned shortly after being brought home simply because they were cute, or abandoned because their owners could no longer care for them due to circumstances.
I also shed many tears seeing stray dogs that, despite being hurt by humans, still followed people. Each time, I gained a deeper understanding of the preciousness of life and the pain they endure, and that emotion became the driving force behind my volunteer work. Not only did I gain valuable experience through direct care activities at the shelter, but the process of planning and executing campaigns to change public perception was also a great learning experience.
While preparing the campaign, we held repeated internal discussions to determine the timeline and specific activities, and we deliberated on who to target and how to convey our message. While animal lovers responded positively, those who weren’t animal lovers generally turned a blind eye, so we sought ways to reach them more easily and enjoyably. Ultimately, we decided to take a hands-on approach by taking stray dogs from the shelter for walks while holding signs, and we carried out a variety of activities, including a photo exhibition and a petition drive to establish a shelter. Throughout this process, I encountered a wide range of opinions—from support to opposition—and learned that every perspective has a valid point.
Nevertheless, I developed a firm conviction to stand up for vulnerable animals and take action on their behalf. That’s why I’ve continued to volunteer consistently and run regular campaigns, never ceasing my efforts to change people’s perceptions.
Writing About Examples of Compassion, Sharing, and Cooperation, and My Reflections
Although I was generally good at math, I realized that many of my friends struggled with or disliked the subject. While forming a study group with them, I discovered a common stereotype: many of my friends believed that you had to be naturally gifted to excel in math. I believed that mastering basic concepts, consistently solving problems, and persistent effort were more important, so I wanted to dispel that prejudice. Therefore, I gathered friends who were struggling with math and started a study group.
We met regularly to focus on math for two hours at a time, and whenever someone encountered a problem they didn’t understand, we’d ask each other questions and explain the solutions. For friends who weren’t sure how to study, I offered guidance and helped them find personalized learning strategies. Seeing friends who had tried private tutoring multiple times but felt frustrated because they didn’t see results worth the cost, I wanted to prove that expensive tutoring isn’t the only answer—and that consistent interest and practice are more than enough to improve grades.
As we continued the study group, although there were differences among the friends, most of them began to see their grades improve little by little, and through that process, I learned the joy of helping others and working together. The sense of pride I felt when seeing someone’s grades improve and their confidence restored was difficult to put into words. I also realized that helping others provides a great deal of energy, and in that way, I came to truly understand the meaning and value of sharing.
