In this blog post, I’ll outline my academic experiences and school activities during high school, examples of my acts of consideration, sharing, and cooperation, and my career preparation process, in that order.
Academic Experiences and Reflections
A presentation I gave in chemistry class remains a defining experience that helped shape my academic direction. During my sophomore year of high school, I prepared a presentation on “The Ingredients, Efficacy, and Uses of Medicines.” I chose this topic because I’ve always been interested in the development of new drugs and cosmetics. I wanted to educate my friends on how to choose and use medications properly. While preparing the presentation, I conducted in-depth research on drug ingredients, combinations, manufacturing processes, and side effects—which brought me one step closer to my career goal of becoming a researcher in new drug and cosmetic development.
I structured the presentation so it wouldn’t be just a simple explanation. Focusing on aspirin and acne medication—which teenagers frequently use—I compared various types and ingredient compositions, emphasizing proper dosage and precautions. I included a quiz and a Q&A session in the middle to capture my friends’ attention and take time to correct any misconceptions they might have. The response was positive, and I felt a sense of pride seeing how the information I prepared was actually helpful.
Specifically, I organized information on acne treatments, aspirin, and Tylenol in a “Q&A to Address Curiosities About Commonly Used Medications” format and presented it in a question-and-answer style. Acne treatments commonly used by teenagers are divided into topical and oral medications. Topical treatments, which contain ingredients like retinoids, antibiotics, and benzoyl peroxide, help reduce bacterial inflammation, while oral medications—such as isotretinoin, antibiotics, and hormonal treatments—suppress sebum production or regulate hormones. Since my friends weren’t fully aware that topical treatments can cause skin irritation and oral medications can lead to gastrointestinal side effects, I made sure to explain these points clearly.
Through this process, I realized how important it is to be able to gather and analyze information and convey it to others, rather than simply memorizing facts. Furthermore, while studying drug safety and side effects, I developed the mindset that, as a researcher, safety must be my top priority, and I confirmed that the training I received in comparing and analyzing various ingredients was practically helpful in preparing for my future career.
Description of Major School Activities and Reflections
Since school classes alone could not satisfy my desire for chemistry experiments and inquiry, I founded a chemistry club called “Chemicalizing.” The club primarily focused on experimenting with and observing the interactions of various chemical substances, and we also held discussions on controversial chemical issues in society. By organizing the club and managing its activities on my own, I was able to develop my planning skills and leadership abilities.
One day, when a controversy arose in Korea regarding harmful substances in sanitary pads, I proposed to my club members that we address this issue, and they agreed, so we began our investigation. We divided into two teams to investigate the detected chemicals, analyze their toxicity, and present our findings. We were all surprised to discover that many household products contained high levels of harmful substances. I emphasized that safety is particularly important for sanitary pads, as they come into direct contact with the skin.
The investigation revealed that the products in question contained total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) as well as various substances such as benzene, toluene, xylene, and styrene. We confirmed that some of these substances can cause respiratory irritation, headaches, and disorders of the nervous system and physiological functions when exposed to low concentrations over the long term. We were particularly shocked to learn that benzene, an aromatic compound classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, had been used in adhesives and other products—substances that have been classified as carcinogens.
While news reports merely listed the names of the ingredients, making it difficult to assess the specific risks, we developed our analytical skills by directly investigating the causes, mechanisms, and effects on the human body through our club activities. I emphasized to my club members the importance of using ingredients that consumers can trust and shared the mindset of a researcher who prioritizes safety above all else. Through this activity, I was able to significantly improve not only my knowledge of chemistry but also my ability to analyze problems structurally and explain them to others.
Examples of Compassion, Sharing, and Cooperation, and My Reflections
Having volunteered at facilities for people with disabilities and childcare centers since middle school, I continued to participate in volunteer work consistently throughout high school. In particular, volunteering at a nursing home was a time that offered me warm comfort and reawakened the meaning of sharing, especially when I was exhausted from the stress of academics and college entrance exams. While assisting individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities—helping with bathing and meals—I performed various volunteer tasks alongside my friends, such as mopping floors, doing laundry, keeping the elderly company, and giving them light massages.
When one elderly woman told me, “I used to be as pretty as you,” I reflected on my own life and resolved to make better use of the time ahead. Through volunteering, I felt gratitude for my own physical and mental well-being and developed an attitude of cherishing even the smallest things around me. I clearly realized that helping others brings me great joy and a sense of fulfillment.
Frequently encountering skin conditions and itching symptoms among the elderly at the nursing home led me to set a specific career goal: to become a researcher who develops medications and cosmetics to address skin-related issues. This volunteer experience was more than just an act of service; it provided practical motivation for my career path and gave me the conviction that a heart for caring for others can lead to research that finds scientific solutions.
Efforts and Preparation Related to Motivation for Application and Career Plan
My career path has crystallized into becoming a researcher in cosmetics or new drug development, and to this end, I have been steadily accumulating relevant experience since high school. My experiences—such as researching and presenting on the ingredients and efficacy of medicines and cosmetics, educating friends on proper usage, and founding a club to investigate and analyze issues related to harmful substances with my peers—have all been part of the process of cultivating the foundational competencies necessary for a researcher.
My specific preparation plan involves majoring in a relevant field in college, building a broad foundation of knowledge through a double major or interdisciplinary courses, and then strengthening my research capabilities by pursuing graduate studies. Additionally, to gain laboratory experience, I plan to participate in research lab internships or industry-academia collaboration projects during my undergraduate years, while continuing to cultivate a research mindset that prioritizes safety and ethics above all else.
My club activities and volunteer experiences went beyond mere participation; they became the driving force behind my career path and allowed me to practice the process of identifying problems and finding solutions in real life. Moving forward, I will aim to conduct practical research that contributes to the health and safety of others, while balancing my academic studies with research activities to further develop my skills.
