In this blog post, I’ll summarize what I learned, focusing on my academic experiences, school activities, and examples of how I practiced consideration, sharing, and cooperation during my time in high school.
Academic Experiences and Reflections
As I aspired to become a doctor of Korean medicine, the subjects I studied with the most confidence were math and English. Focusing on these two subjects, I created my own review notes and organized the material whenever I had free time. At school, I served as a study mentor for my friends, helping them understand concepts they didn’t grasp. Even friends who were initially reserved opened up after seeing my passionate attitude, and I naturally gained confidence in my school life.
As a result of these efforts, I achieved the dual distinction of winning first place in the English Speaking Contest and a silver medal in the Math Competition. This experience meant much more to me than just grades. It was a valuable time during which I learned how to motivate myself, clarify the purpose of my studies, and find meaning in my learning.
However, after transferring schools, my familiar environment changed, and I felt immense stress after receiving a low grade in math—a subject I had always been confident in. Although the differences in the curriculum and the pressure to perform weighed heavily on me, I decided not to give up and resolved to systematically review the material from the basics.
I reviewed the concepts using my math textbook and workbooks, and I devoted myself to previewing and reviewing whenever I had a spare moment. I studied late into the night to fill in the gaps in my understanding, and even when I felt tired, I pushed forward with the single-minded determination to “give it my all.” As a result of consistently working to improve my weaknesses, my math grades gradually recovered by the second semester of my sophomore year, and I was able to receive the Academic Excellence Award and the Grand Prize in the school math competition.
Through this experience, I realized the importance of persistent effort and never giving up. I also learned that in unavoidable situations, an optimistic attitude and patience are necessary to accept the circumstances and find ways to improve. I experienced firsthand that learning outcomes improve with effort, and I came to understand how important it is to motivate myself and find meaning in my studies.
Description of Major School Activities and Reflections
Ever since I was young, I’ve dreamed of becoming a Korean medicine doctor who heals people. Throughout high school, I read relevant books and participated in career exploration activities to make that dream more concrete. Through books I read in my early years, I came to understand the challenges and rewards faced by doctors and was able to broaden my foundational knowledge of both Korean and Western medicine.
I also formed a study group with friends who shared the same dream, where we discussed the role of healthcare professionals and patient-centered care. By considering issues from various perspectives and striving to understand the patient’s point of view, I was able to assess for myself the qualities required of a doctor.
During my sophomore year, as part of the school’s career exploration program, I participated in a two-day, one-night internship at a nearby hospital, which gave me the opportunity to experience the medical field firsthand. In the mornings, I attended meetings with doctors and accompanied them on rounds to understand their daily routines, and I received explanations about the roles and collaborative processes of various departments, such as physical therapy, radiology, and physical medicine and rehabilitation.
By entering the operating room to observe surgeries, I personally felt the sense of responsibility and mission that doctors carry, and I gained a new realization that the attitude of carefully observing and caring for patients is the foundation of true medical care. This hospital experience served as a catalyst that further solidified my resolve to study Korean medicine and become a healthcare professional who brings hope to patients.
As a leader in the science club, I spearheaded various research activities, including solid-fuel experiments, microphone construction, ammonia fountain experiments, and aspirin synthesis. Even when I didn’t get the desired results, I refused to give up; I stayed in the science lab to repeat the experiments multiple times and persevered, even using break and lunch times to achieve the desired outcomes.
Through these experiments, I keenly understood the need to consider various variables and the importance of thorough preparation.
I identified problems and devised solutions; rather than jumping to conclusions on my own, I discussed them with friends to address any shortcomings. After numerous attempts, I achieved the desired results, and this experience taught me the value of collaboration and the importance of a scientific mindset.
In this way, the activities I undertook at school greatly contributed to my personal growth and helped me clarify my career goals. Through hands-on practical experience and the process of solving problems in collaboration with peers, I was able to gradually develop the attitudes and competencies necessary for a career in healthcare.
Examples of Compassion, Sharing, and Collaboration, and My Reflections
As I had always been interested in helping others, I proposed forming a volunteer club to practice small acts of giving with my friends. After several discussions with our advisor, we selected officers alongside the founding members and began our activities. In the early stages, I served as vice president and was responsible for laying the foundation for the club.
Initially, the club lacked structure, leading to a mass exodus of members, and the president began to neglect club activities due to college entrance exam pressures, so I took over the management of the club myself. I led the club for two years as an officer, establishing and implementing operational plans and managing members; however, in the early days, frequent conflicts arose within the team due to a lack of activity plans and funding.
Taking pride in my role as an officer, I discussed each issue with the members one by one, seeking solutions through dialogue. As a result, we devised a plan to make and sell beverages at the school sports festival, allocating part of the proceeds to the club’s operating funds and donating the rest. I actively incorporated the members’ opinions and assigned roles—such as the poster design team, public relations team, sales team, and finance team—based on their individual strengths and interests.
Reflecting on the meaning of sharing, we selected a charity and decided to donate to an international organization dedicated to helping refugees. After many twists and turns, the project was successfully completed, and through this process, I learned how to accept and reconcile differing opinions. I also realized that even small acts of service take on greater meaning when done together.
Leading the club helped me develop leadership and drive, and I truly appreciated how valuable it is to collaborate with others to achieve a common goal. Learning that small acts of kindness, when pooled together, create greater synergy was a deeply meaningful lesson for me.
