In this blog post, I’ll summarize what I learned based on my academic efforts, school activities, and experiences with caring for others and giving back during my time in high school.
Academic Experiences and Reflections
The two things I focused on the most were reviewing my mistakes and maintaining a balanced study routine. I devoted a great deal of care and thought to reviewing my mistakes, as it allowed me to assess my current level of learning and pinpoint exactly where I went wrong. On the other hand, maintaining a balance in my studies served as a mechanism to keep me from getting sidetracked between subjects I liked and those I disliked.
I had distinct preferences for different subjects. I loved math and physics so much that I would seek out additional material on my own, but I struggled to get into language arts and foreign languages, so I often ended up neglecting them. Even when I firmly resolved to “study a foreign language for an hour,” I would often find myself engrossed in math problems before I knew it. Therefore, I had to make a conscious effort to encourage and discipline myself so that I could consistently study the subjects I didn’t enjoy.
For my method of organizing wrong answers, I used a sketchbook-style notebook in 8-jeol size rather than a standard notebook. I wrote out problems in large characters to give myself more room to think, and divided the space below into two equal parts to write down my own solution process and the official explanation side by side for comparison. I carefully examined the differences between the theories and formulas used in the official explanation and my chosen solution method. I also deliberately organized Formula A, which I rarely used, and wrote down the related theory in the adjacent column. This process allowed me to identify my weaknesses on my own and continuously improve my learning.
To overcome bias in my studying, I actively utilized a timer and a study schedule. By setting a timer and switching subjects according to the times listed on my schedule, I created an environment that consciously maintained balance, and as a result, I was gradually able to achieve better grades. An important insight I gained through this process was that, even in studying, it is necessary to first “understand the situation.”
Major School Activities and Reflections
The activity I found most meaningful and dedicated myself to was the debate club. What first led me to join the club was the strong encouragement of a senior. Impressed by his words—“If you join our club, you’ll see a whole new world!”—and his expression, I participated in my first debate session with some skepticism.
The first topic was “First Year of High School,” and contrary to my expectations, it encompassed a variety of issues, including the pressure of college entrance exams, relationships with teachers, changes in friendships among students, and the loss of leisure time for activities like reading and music. Through that debate, I realized how unconsciously I had been going through my daily life without a critical awareness of these issues. Previously, I had acted based on the stereotype that “this is just how a high school girl should be,” but the discussion led me to reflect on myself and resolve to change.
In the club, I broadened my perspective by addressing various social issues. We worked to tackle a wide range of topics—including labor issues, the wealth gap, racial discrimination, prejudice against international students, school-related problems and welfare, and personal debt—through research, presentations, and discussions. This process went beyond simply acquiring information; it expanded my perspective on society.
Above all, the greatest gift I gained from the debate club was “how to exchange opinions.” I learned that debate is not a fight, but a process of broadening each other’s horizons through well-reasoned arguments. The experience of listening to others’ arguments and refining my own perspective deepened my critical thinking skills.
Furthermore, by expanding my club activities into exchanges that transcended regional and national boundaries, I was exposed to a wider range of perspectives. I would arrange debates with friends from other regions through our website, meet in person with like-minded friends to exchange ideas, and interactions with international students introduced me to fresh perspectives. These exchanges served as a driving force that continuously nurtured the growth of my thinking.
Examples of Consideration, Sharing, and Cooperation, and My Reflections
The volunteer activity I consistently participated in at school was serving meals in the school cafeteria. While the cafeteria staff primarily prepared the meals, there was a policy where students could voluntarily sign up to help serve them. I continued this activity for three years because I appreciated the staff’s generous and accepting attitude.
Although there were occasional mistakes, big and small, during our work, the staff members would laugh it off and work together to resolve the issues rather than blaming one another. There were various situations—such as spilling rice or soup, or having to make last-minute changes when orders didn’t match the menu—but they actually enjoyed creating new dishes together and even shared leftover food with one another. That atmosphere felt both unfamiliar and warm to me.
Having grown up in an apartment in the city, I had few opportunities to experience the practice of “sharing,” so it felt unfamiliar at first, but gradually, I came to find it incredibly thoughtful and beautiful. Although I was always busy due to a lack of volunteer hours and meal breaks, I still stayed until the very end and participated consistently.
I also learned that “giving” is more than just personal fulfillment—it’s a vital way to build relationships. By sharing what I had and looking out for my friends’ needs, I was able to forge deep friendships with many of them. Through this volunteer work, I realized that giving and nurturing relationships are key to building trust and intimacy between people.
