In this blog post, I’ll summarize what I learned and how I prepared for my future career through my academic efforts, school activities, and experiences with empathy and collaboration during my time in high school.
Academic Experiences and Reflections
During high school, I didn’t limit myself to simply maintaining my grades; instead, I focused my efforts on learning that would directly benefit my future career. Central to this were studying German and building a foundation in the humanities. Having set a goal to major in the humanities—specifically German language and literature—in college, I chose German as my second foreign language in my sophomore year of high school. Although it was a subject chosen by only a few students, I persisted in my studies without giving up on the charm of German pronunciation and the intrigue of its sentence structure that I felt from the very beginning.
In addition to my German coursework, I actively sought out and read German-language children’s stories and works of world literature whenever necessary to expand my vocabulary and expressions. Along with language learning, I naturally developed an interest in German history and culture, which served as an opportunity to broaden my humanistic curiosity and way of thinking. I came to realize that language is more than just a means of communication; it is a window into a society’s way of thinking.
To cultivate my humanities background, I participated in a book club where we read a designated book each month and engaged in presentations and discussions. While exploring works such as Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’, contemporary novels, and well-known classics, I strove to go beyond mere appreciation and analyze the social context and spirit of the times through the lens of characters and narrative. By analyzing these works, I was able to discern how the social climate of the time interacted with individual lives, and this interpretive process played a major role in solidifying my interest in the humanities.
Description of Major School Activities and Reflections
The school I attended was a general-track girls’ high school that operated a special program designed to foster female leadership. I was introduced to a leadership-related program during a creative elective class, found it resonated with me, and decided to apply. Through this program, I participated in various activities that simultaneously cultivated my language skills, cultural understanding, and artistic sensibilities. I had the opportunity to deepen my language proficiency through German and English lectures and classes taught by native speakers, and in the process, I also learned about the cultures of those countries.
Cultural and artistic activities included attending art exhibitions, shows, concerts, and musicals; rather than simply observing these events, I wrote reflective essays to compile into a portfolio. These activities helped me develop my sensitivity and expressive abilities, ultimately contributing to the cultivation of my intellect, character, and refinement. When comparing my emotional intelligence scores from the beginning to the end of the program, I could tangibly feel that my empathy and communication skills had improved.
Particularly memorable activities included makeup classes related to cosmetics and an external lecture. After attending a lecture by a German cosmetics company, I came to understand makeup not merely as a form of adornment but as a tool for image-making. This experience sparked a career aspiration to study cosmetics and makeup more deeply and grow into a professional. During the career planning sessions within the program, I was able to solidify my dreams by presenting my plans and receiving feedback from my peers.
Examples of Consideration, Sharing, and Collaboration, and My Reflections
The activities that began with the makeup class ultimately led to a makeup show presented at the festival. At first, I realized there were negative perceptions about makeup simply because we were students, but upon hearing the lecturer’s explanation that “the face is a canvas,” I came to understand the appeal of using makeup to transform a person into a work of art. This shift in perspective also fostered an attitude of mutual respect for each other’s ideas within our team.
While preparing for the show, our group held numerous meetings to review the necessary elements one by one. We divided up specific tasks—such as casting models, securing a venue, establishing a concept, and selecting cosmetics and makeup techniques—and researched makeup styles that would complement each model’s skin tone, body type, and personality. Since communication and role coordination among members were paramount, we worked together while being considerate of each other’s schedules and opinions.
Collaboration with a fashion design club was key to securing the outfits, and coordinating the music and runway route required close cooperation with other departments. When differing opinions arose, we reached a consensus by reminding each other of our respective roles and the overall concept, which ultimately allowed us to present a spectacular and polished show. The audience’s applause confirmed the success of our collaboration and preparation, and I deeply appreciated the value of teamwork.
Efforts and Preparation Related to Motivation for Application and Career Plans
My career goal is to grow into an expert in the cosmetics and makeup field, building on my background in German Language and Literature and my humanities-based thinking. I began studying German in earnest in high school and cultivated depth of thought through book clubs and humanities-based discussions. Additionally, I developed an international perspective and a deeper understanding of corporate culture through women’s leadership programs and external lectures. These experiences laid the foundation for solidifying my choice of major and my career goals.
Specifically, I aspire to become a professional who collaborates with international companies, leveraging my language skills and cultural understanding. To this end, I have continued studying German while engaging in activities that cultivate my analytical skills and sensitivity in the humanities. Additionally, through preparing for makeup shows and participating in external lectures, I have gained practical experience in developing a sense of the industry, planning capabilities, and the ability to collaborate with others. Moving forward, I intend to further solidify my dream through practical experience gained from relevant major courses, hands-on training, and internships.
