In this blog post, I’ll summarize what I learned through my study methods, school activities, and volunteer experiences during high school, and how my interest in Spanish developed.
Academic Experiences and Reflections
When it came to learning languages, I firmly believed that “understanding” was more important than “memorization.” Since I’ve always disliked rote memorization, I would quickly lose interest if my approach relied too heavily on it. So, when studying English, instead of simply memorizing grammar rules, I made an effort to accurately understand their structure. I learned by grasping the flow of sentences so that I could naturally read, write, and speak based on that grammar.
Specifically, rather than mechanically memorizing textbook passages or vocabulary, I read in a way that allowed me to infer meaning within sentences and let the entire sentence sink in naturally. By trying to understand sentences as a whole, I was able to grasp the usage and nuances of words more effectively, and as a result, they stayed in my memory longer. While grades achieved through rapid memorization were soon forgotten, the language knowledge I gained through contextual understanding translated into actual speaking and writing skills.
Learning English this way gave me the confidence that I could confidently learn other foreign languages as well. In fact, I tried teaching myself the basics of Japanese and Chinese, and as I was exposed to various languages, I became firmly convinced that language learning must ultimately be based on understanding. In particular, my desire to learn languages that are not commonly encountered grew stronger, and Spanish became one of the languages I became interested in.
Major Extracurricular Activities and Reflections
First, I joined the history club, where I focused primarily on world history. I joined the club after hearing that studying world history could help me understand how various cultures formed and how languages evolved, which piqued my interest. The club had many members who, like me, were interested in the connection between world history and language, and we studied together by reading books we recommended to each other and attending lectures. I wanted to know the context in which languages originated and spread, and studying world history allowed me to find answers to those questions.
Through my study of world history, I learned about the process of language diffusion and how the spread of culture through war or exchange influenced languages; this led me to realize that learning a language is, in essence, learning about that country’s history and culture. I was particularly interested in Spain, so I collected and studied materials on Spanish history and culture separately, and I organized and presented that information to the club to share with others. These activities deepened my learning and served as a source of ongoing motivation.
Second, I participated in a school-wide presentation competition, preparing and delivering a PowerPoint presentation based on materials related to Spanish culture. I was selected to participate through a school recommendation, and I chose PowerPoint because I believed that incorporating visual aids would convey the content more effectively to the audience. Through the process of collecting and analyzing relevant materials and preparing my script, my understanding of Spanish culture deepened significantly, and I developed a desire to learn even more.
As a result of the presentation, I won second place, and this experience motivated me to study Spanish systematically to build a broader base of knowledge. Through the process of gathering materials and preparing the presentation, I developed a research mindset, the ability to organize and convey information, and gained confidence through public speaking.
Examples of Consideration, Sharing, and Cooperation, and My Reflections
I have been volunteering at a center that supports cultural activities for people with disabilities. This volunteer work went beyond simple daily assistance; we participated in cultural activities together, such as visiting art museums and watching movies while sharing our impressions. People with physical mobility challenges faced various difficulties in accessing cultural spaces, and at times, they were hurt by the stares of those around them. At first, I felt bitter about such cold reactions, but I came to realize that it is our consistent efforts through ongoing volunteer work that bring about a change in public perception.
During my volunteer work, I actually experienced moments when people with disabilities showed consideration toward me. They treated us not as mere recipients of help, but as equals with whom to share conversations, and genuine communication blossomed through small acts of kindness and dialogue. People with intellectual disabilities also occasionally showed their care through their actions or words, and those experiences served as a catalyst for shattering the stereotypes I had held.
Through this volunteer work, I learned how to let go of prejudice and the importance of respecting others and maintaining an attitude of mutual learning. I also realized that the value of volunteering lies not only in helping others but also in recognizing and expanding our shared human worth. I intend to continue participating in volunteer work consistently, spreading the value of service to those around me and striving to be a person who practices empathy and communication.
Efforts and Preparation Related to Motivation for Application and Career Plans
My motivation for applying stems from a deep interest in the Spanish language and Spanish culture. During high school, I gained a practical understanding of how to learn languages, and through my participation in the World History Club and presentations on Spain, I developed a strong desire to learn more about the country. These experiences went beyond mere interest and led to my goal of continuing my academic exploration of Spanish language, culture, and history in college.
In terms of specific preparation, I used language learning methods based on English to acquire a foundation in Japanese and Chinese, and I explored the historical context of languages through world history materials. While preparing a presentation on Spanish culture, I developed my skills in data collection, analysis, and public speaking, and gained practical motivation and confidence in learning Spanish. Additionally, through volunteer work, I cultivated communication skills and a considerate attitude toward others, striving to develop international perspective and a sense of community.
In college, I intend to build upon this foundation to deepen my Spanish proficiency, broaden my knowledge of Spanish history and culture, and cultivate an international perspective. Moving forward, I will maintain a learning approach centered on language comprehension and study diligently. Through on- and off-campus activities and volunteer work, I aim to become a person who puts both academic passion and a spirit of service into practice.
