In this blog post, I will summarize my academic experiences, school activities, examples of consideration and cooperation, as well as my motivation for applying and my career plans from my high school years.
Academic Experience and Reflections
In high school, I enjoyed Korean language classes, but I was worried because my grades didn’t improve as much as I had hoped. Since I hadn’t read many books when I was younger, my reading comprehension was weak, and I struggled particularly with long non-fiction passages. When I tried to interpret long passages sentence by sentence, time flew by, and even when I tried to identify the key sentences and words in each paragraph, I couldn’t distinguish them clearly, which made me feel frustrated.
People around me advised me to read more books, but given how busy I was preparing for the CSAT, it was realistically difficult to establish a new reading habit. So, I changed my approach: rather than forcing myself to read long books I wasn’t used to, I chose to expose myself to and analyze as many non-fiction passages as possible. However, instead of blindly working through every passage, I decided to select passages that matched my interests and skill level to improve my learning efficiency.
I chose the arts-related non-fiction section. Since I was interested in art and design, I realized that I could read even lengthy passages on those topics with interest. I purchased a non-fiction reading textbook on the subject and worked through one book per week to familiarize myself with the question types. The passages I encountered sparked my curiosity, and I began to enjoy the process of gaining new knowledge and information simply by reading.
The results of my study were clear. When reading passages that interested me, my reading speed increased and my comprehension improved, making it easier to solve problems. At first, I worried that focusing solely on art-related passages might be too narrow, but as I worked through several books, I saw that my non-fiction reading comprehension skills were gradually improving overall. Furthermore, I felt a great sense of accomplishment when I realized I could apply the reading skills I had acquired to non-fiction passages in other fields as well.
Description of Major School Activities and Reflections
I received specialized education in interior design during high school. Although I had originally considered majoring in traditional fine arts, I was drawn to the fact that architecture and interior design are also fields of design, which led me to participate in this program. Our school’s curriculum focused on harmoniously integrating design, technology, and the environment to create living space culture, and I learned a great deal and gained practical skills through this program.
During my first year, I learned graphic and image editing skills through basic information technology courses and practiced CAD in my introductory drafting class. In the furniture design class, I learned the design process and model-making techniques, developing a sense of craftsmanship through hands-on work. These foundational skills served as the basis for my subsequent major studies.
Starting in my second year, I began taking full-fledged major courses, combining architectural design drafting with interior construction practice. I created design drawings using computers and, based on those drawings, simultaneously learned color management, an understanding of paint materials, and considerations for architectural structures through hands-on construction practice. I created creative works by applying various structural elements such as wood, masonry, reinforced concrete, and steel frames.
In my third year, I completed more detailed and precise projects by studying the components of interior design, drawing, using 3D Max, and practicing portfolio creation. Progressing through architectural planning and construction to the final model-making stage allowed me to produce numerous projects that were much closer to real-world practice than those in my earlier years. I broadened my practical skills through various projects, including replica model making, environmental sculpture creation, interior model making, and residential complex model making.
In addition, club activities with fellow majors were also very helpful. The stage art practice club I joined designed and installed stages for events and performances. I researched and executed stage design, sound, lighting, and special effects operations firsthand, and even gained experience directing stage productions at festivals and events. We also generated revenue by providing stage support for public institutions and organizational events; through this process, I learned a sense of responsibility and professionalism, as well as how to apply creative planning skills.
Through club activities, I formed a sense of belonging and bonds with my teammates, and I came to deeply understand that the interior design field requires the cooperation of many people to be completed. By repeatedly working on projects connected to real-world practice, I developed an entrepreneurial mindset and gained confidence in practical work.
Examples of Consideration, Sharing, and Collaboration, and My Reflections
During my senior year of high school, I set a goal to win an award and prepared for a skills competition in the field of brick art. Brick art involves designing walls using decorative bricks to create beautiful works of art, requiring both masonry skills and a sense of design. As I planned to pursue a career in design, I felt that practical skills and winning awards were crucial, so I began building my skills alongside my team.
During the preparation process, I prioritized understanding the fundamentals of construction and developing creative design plans. Therefore, my teammates and I visited relevant fairs and exhibitions to observe a variety of works, including LEGO exhibitions, ice brick exhibitions, and model displays in the masonry sector. Through this, we specifically considered the scope of creativity and the unique identity our team could express.
During practical training, we prioritized the solidity of the foundation just as much as creativity. Since the upper structure depends on a sturdy base, we repeatedly practiced safe construction methods that remained stable even under vibration. Since we didn’t have many opportunities to practice with actual bricks, cement, and joints, we focused intently on completing each practice session, and my partner and I conducted multiple pre-simulations using LEGO or model bricks.
On-site, we adhered to the principle of not overreaching and implementing only what we had prepared, just as we had practiced. By dividing roles, showing consideration, and working together, our team won the gold medal in the masonry category. Through this process, I deeply learned the importance of collaboration, the effectiveness of role division based on trust, and that calm preparation leads to results.
Efforts and Preparation Related to Motivation for Application and Career Plans
I am a Christian who values consideration for others based on my faith. Myongji University emphasizes religious values and leadership—so much so that it offers a Christian Leadership track—which aligns well with my motivation for applying. In particular, the Department of Spatial Design is a major connected to the fields of architecture and interior design, which I have been interested in for a long time, so I applied because it fits my career plans.
My experience leading youth activities at church and serving as a leader in a Christian club at school laid the foundation for my application to the Christian Leader Track. Through these activities, I gained experience in organizational management and external outreach, and I aimed to demonstrate my religious convictions and active involvement through supporting documents and awards.
At the same time, I have a clear goal of becoming a designer—not a technician or contractor—in the fields of architecture or interior design. During high school, I developed practical skills and a sense of real-world application through specialized courses, club activities, and competition preparation, and I have also prepared a portfolio. After entering university, I plan to continue my creative work by studying artistic design styles that encompass both the exterior and interior of buildings, as well as the relevant history and theory, through my major in Spatial Design.
