In this blog post, I will explain why I want to study political science, based on my career decision—which stemmed from volunteer work I began in middle school—as well as my academic plans, post-graduation goals, and personal values.
Motivation for Pursuing This Field
The volunteer work I did with elderly people living alone, which I began in my third year of middle school and continued for four years, had the greatest influence on my career decision. I started out with a neutral mindset, but as I witnessed their difficult and lonely lives up close, I was deeply shocked by the fact that such a vastly different society coexists right here in our midst. As time passed, I came to deeply realize—albeit vaguely—the direction in which Korean society should move and the necessity of efforts to achieve it. I also reached the analytical conclusion that, while various support measures for the socially vulnerable currently exist, they are not always operated rationally due to cumbersome procedural issues or people who exploit the system. Ultimately, this realization helped me establish a clear goal: to become a respected politician in the future. Now that I have been admitted to your university, I wish to cultivate my aspirations as a future political leader.
Academic Plan and Goals
If admitted to your university, I believe that understanding fundamental principles is more important than anything else, so I will first focus my efforts on comprehending the vast and diverse range of major courses. Along with this, before the end of my sophomore year, I will develop perfect foreign language proficiency to ensure that the foundation I built in high school is not lost in the face of globalization. I plan to join a current affairs club to engage in meaningful discussions with seniors and juniors throughout my college life. Given that politics is a field that shapes the world, I intend to read extensively—something I did not do enough in high school—to cultivate unbiased thinking. Furthermore, in line with the saying “a healthy mind in a healthy body,” I will study kendo to improve my physical fitness and cultivate mental discipline. Starting in my junior year, I will prepare for the National Civil Service Examination with the goal of working as a civil servant in the National Assembly. Although I still have many shortcomings rather than being perfect, I will strive steadily with an even more proactive and active attitude, remembering that all completion begins with incompleteness.
Plans After Graduation
I believe that to engage in excellent politics, one must possess an interest in and affection for humanity and society, as well as the passion and leadership to overcome one’s own limitations and lead the community. Moving forward, I intend to research the unique characteristics of Korean politics while also studying advanced political systems from other countries in detail. Additionally, I plan to study psychology and sociology—fields that examine human behavior and social systems—to develop strategies for flexibly addressing the numerous unpredictable factors that arise in the political process. Furthermore, I aim to offer hope and a vision to the socially vulnerable and devise a political model where everyone can coexist, so that I may realize my dream in the real world ten years from now.
Self-Introduction
While reading Kim Gu’s *Baekbeom Ilji* (Diary of Baekbeom), I was deeply moved by his great spirit—a spirit that prioritized the nation and the people over his own safety. Since elementary school, I have taken an interest in domestic and international politics and current affairs through newspapers and broadcasts, and I have longed for the reunification of our nation. Through various essay contests, public speaking competitions, and my role as school president, I established my own values. Wishing to emulate my father, who always donates one-tenth of his income to others, I have, since elementary school, donated money collected from my allowance throughout the year to help the less fortunate. I also donated the prize money I received from volunteer competitions and the full amount of my school scholarships to the “Fruit of Love” charity. Although I was young, these experiences allowed me to realize, even if only a little, that “happiness grows the more you share it.” During middle and high school, I engaged in more direct volunteer work, such as assisting elderly people living alone, participating in environmental campaigns, and volunteering at nursing homes and rehabilitation centers. These experiences from my school days have become cherished memories for me, and I believe they will serve as valuable nourishment for my future studies in politics.
Based on the journey I have taken so far, I believe that if I work diligently, even if I do not become the best, the traces of my best efforts will remain beautiful and lasting. I will continue on this path, quietly doing my very best.
