In this blog post, I’ll summarize my academic habits, school activities, and experiences with conflict management during high school, as well as the career plans I’ve developed based on them.

Academic Experiences and Reflections

When I started high school, I was deeply impacted by a documentary on “memory” that my homeroom teacher showed us. The documentary compared factors that impair memory with methods to enhance it, and I was particularly struck by the point that reliance on media significantly contributes to memory decline. It explained that the habit of constantly watching videos on smartphones and TV weakens memory, as it effectively replaces information that needs to be memorized with visual content.
On the other hand, I also learned that the key to improving memory is “prompt review.” The habit of reviewing immediately during break time right after class ends and going over the material one more time before bed helps me remember what I’ve learned more firmly and for longer. This kind of review wasn’t just simple memorization; it helped me retain what I’d learned right away and later apply formulas effectively.
Following that realization, I decided to change my daily habits. To reduce my smartphone and TV usage, I switched to a 2G phone to block unnecessary content consumption, and I developed the habit of reviewing what I had learned that day immediately after class. When I got home, even if I was tired, I made sure to review the day’s material one more time, and I wrote down anything I needed to memorize separately, carrying it with me in the morning to recite repeatedly.
As I consistently practiced this quick review, the amount I could retain gradually increased, and I became able to quickly apply what I’d learned to problems. Even during exam periods, I no longer had to cram intensively for a day or two; instead, my regular review built up over time, allowing me to achieve good results with relatively little effort. That’s why I still trust in the power of review and maintain this study habit to this day.

Major School Activities and Reflections

I was fortunate enough to serve as class president for all three years of high school. While I didn’t often take on leadership roles in middle school, once I entered high school, both my friends and teachers told me I had a strong sense of responsibility, so I naturally continued serving as class president. I dislike being late, so I woke up 30 minutes earlier than usual to ensure I arrived on time for school, and I always completed my homework without fail. During breaks, rather than chatting, I tried to set an example by reviewing my material, which led my friends to recommend me, and I was re-elected as class president through an election.
While serving as class president, I realized that the most important quality for a leader is “the ability to listen carefully.” If I don’t listen carefully to the teacher’s instructions, misunderstandings can arise when I relay them to my classmates, and it creates the hassle of having to keep asking the teacher for clarification. Additionally, I need to be attentive to my classmates’ difficulties and concerns so that I can understand their situations and offer help. That’s why I always made a point of listening carefully to the situation and communicating it clearly.
On the other hand, I also felt that “speaking sparingly” is important for a leader. As class president, there are moments when I find myself stepping in to nag, just like a teacher might, but that kind of attitude can actually damage relationships. So, I tried to lead the class by minimizing unnecessary criticism or nagging, quietly fulfilling my responsibilities, and setting a good example. I believe that kind of attitude earns more trust from my classmates.
Furthermore, as the old saying goes, “Cultivate oneself, regulate one’s family, govern the state, and bring peace to the world,” I believe that to be a leader, one must first set a good example for oneself. I tried to refine myself by strictly following the rules and approaching classes with diligence. Guided by the belief that I can earn trust in a leadership role only when I am true to myself, I worked to improve myself every day.

Examples of and reflections on practicing consideration, sharing, cooperation, and conflict management

The act of consideration I engaged in most frequently during my school life was mediating conflicts among my friends.

Since we were in our teenage years, even small misunderstandings would often escalate, causing relationships to sour. For example, during a group project, a student might not participate fully, leading the group leader to reprimand them, which would then spark an argument. I also frequently witnessed situations where friends who had been close suddenly drifted apart for no apparent reason, or where a new transfer student struggled to fit in and ended up feeling isolated.
In such cases, I never let the problem go unaddressed. If friends were fighting, I would approach them first and calmly listen to each side’s story. As I listened, I often found that even issues that seemed trivial on the surface felt significant to those involved. Rather than adding fuel to the fire by pointing fingers, I tried to calm their emotions by reminding them of the good times they’d shared. Sometimes, I would place the two in the same group so they would naturally encounter each other, helping them confront and resolve the conflict directly.
Whenever I saw a new student or a student being excluded, I would approach them first, talk with them, and help connect them with the rest of the class. By simply being there as a listening ear or involving them in small activities, those students would naturally blend into the class atmosphere. As a result of these cumulative efforts, our class maintained a harmonious atmosphere and became known among students as a class where conflicts, even when they arose, were resolved quickly and didn’t linger.
What I learned through this process is that “conflict can be resolved with the will to do so.” I realized through experience that simply taking someone’s side, listening attentively, and confronting the problem can restore relationships, and this led me to adopt an attitude of wanting to help others even more as class president.

Efforts and Preparation Related to Motivation for Application and Career Plans

I aspire to become someone who can consistently see a task through to completion. My experience as class president during high school, along with the perseverance I cultivated in my daily life, has shown me that this is a talent of mine. While I used to envy classmates with creative talents, I came to realize that even they value their own consistency in completing their work as a strength—which convinced me that my own perseverance can also be a significant asset.
Building on this perseverance, I began to dream of a career as an administrative professional. I believe an administrator is someone who quietly carries out necessary tasks within a system and set of rules, rather than seeking the limelight. Rather than chasing adventure, I wanted a role where I could maintain stability within an organization by adhering to established systems; for this reason, I applied to Chungnam National University to develop my expertise in the Department of Local Government Administration.
At the university, my first priority is to systematically study the concept of self-governance. I believe self-governance is not merely the act of governing but the very core of organizational management. By learning the principles of self-governance, I hope to develop a concrete plan for managing my own life and career path. Additionally, I aim to master the overall structure of public administration and practical skills so that I can immediately apply them in the field.
My specific preparation plan includes bringing my proficiency in software essential for administrative work (such as Excel and document drafting) up to a professional level, and focusing on improving my English skills and obtaining relevant certifications. English proficiency that enables communication in a global environment, along with administrative certifications, will serve as a foundation for building trust as an administrative professional. To this end, I will combine diligent academic study with consistent self-development.
I intend to support my dreams with diligence, learning and growing at Chungnam National University, with the ultimate goal of becoming a professional who contributes to my organization and, by extension, to society. Based on perseverance and diligence, I will do my best to build my expertise and become a student who brings honor to Chungnam National University and the Republic of Korea.