In this blog post, I will outline my motivation for applying to Handong University and my career plans, based on my academic experiences, school activities, and examples of compassion, generosity, and collaboration during my high school years.
Academic Experiences and Reflections
The most difficult part of studying was when I found it hard to accept the results. The sense of loss I felt when my grades didn’t improve—even though I was clearly studying harder than before—was indescribable. I realized that how I coped with that sense of loss was crucial, and one day, I changed my mindset. I decided to accept the results but thoroughly investigate the causes. I concluded that while I couldn’t change the results themselves, I needed to identify the causes and make the necessary efforts to prevent the same outcome from recurring.
So, after each exam, I thoroughly reviewed my wrong answers and compiled the incorrect questions to analyze the question types. I identified whether I frequently made mistakes in reading comprehension, vocabulary questions, or grammar, and examined which areas I was lacking in. For example, if I had weaknesses in grammar—such as distinguishing tenses or differentiating between the progressive and present tenses—I focused intensively on strengthening those specific areas.
Once I identified the problem areas and weak sections, I addressed them through repetitive practice. I intensively practiced by solving 100 questions for each specific question type and another 100 for each weak section. Solving 100 questions was by no means an easy task, but I persevered with patience and consistency. After studying in this manner for three months following the mock exam, I saw an improvement in my scores on the next mock exam. My error rate decreased significantly, and my knowledge of the weak units became much more solid.
There were times when I grew tired of repeatedly studying only the difficult units, but as I saw my scores rise, I gradually regained my confidence and enjoyment. Through this experience, I learned how important it is in learning to adopt an attitude of identifying the root causes of problems and making improvements, rather than simply getting discouraged by the results.
Description of Major School Activities and Reflections
While in high school, I was active in “Hanuri,” a social and cultural debate club. Our club explored issues across society and culture, analyzed their causes, and shared our perspectives with one another. In particular, we often debated the expansion of cultural industries—such as Korea’s film and drama industries—and their impact. Although these were small-scale debates, we read newspapers and books every week to prepare evidence, enabling us to engage in more in-depth discussions.
Through these debates, my interest in social issues expanded significantly. Had I not participated in the club, my focus would have been solely on the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) and my studies. However, through these discussions, I became aware of realities I had never encountered before, such as domestic violence, and one case in particular left a lasting impression on me. It involved a woman who, after enduring prolonged abuse from her husband, ultimately killed him, sparking a social debate over whether her actions constituted self-defense. The psychological trauma suffered by that woman and her two daughters, as well as the public discourse surrounding the incident, had a profound impact on me.
Through these discussions, I realized that everyone has different perspectives and emotions regarding this issue. Even when faced with the same facts, judgments varied depending on an individual’s upbringing and experiences, which in turn revealed the origins of each person’s values. Through this process, I developed an interest in the thoughts, emotions, and values of others, and ultimately became interested in understanding and healing people’s hearts.
Writing About Examples of Consideration, Sharing, and Cooperation, and My Reflections
During my sophomore year of high school, our class worked hard to prepare for a choir competition. Since it was the last event we could fully enjoy before entering our senior year, everyone desperately wanted a good result. Our class stood out in our practice results—so much so that we were considered favorites to win—thanks to classmates majoring in music who served as our conductor and accompanist. Everyone practiced their hardest, and our expectations were high.
However, the student in charge of accompaniment was hospitalized due to an unexpected accident and had to wear a cast, leading to talk that we might have to give up on the choir competition. I suggested we find an alternative instead of giving up, and we quickly found a new accompanist. The new accompanist wasn’t perfect, but they had the basic skills to catch up with practice.
Although the accompaniment was a bit clumsy at first, we worked even harder to harmonize and refine our singing to compensate. Thanks to everyone’s efforts to support and complement one another, we overcame the adversity and ultimately won first place, claiming the championship at the choir competition. This experience deeply instilled in me the lesson that perseverance, cooperation, and diligent effort can overcome setbacks and adversity.
Efforts and Preparation Related to My Motivation for Applying and Career Plans
I grew up in a harmonious family, surrounded by love and trust. Although we weren’t wealthy or lived in exceptional circumstances, thanks to my family’s support, I developed a personality that doesn’t get discouraged by any situation and always maintains a sense of humor. However, upon entering high school, as I encountered articles and discussions about diverse family backgrounds, I realized that the environment in which I grew up wasn’t a given for everyone.
Some friends had to shoulder responsibilities at a young age due to the absence of a family, while others experienced conflict with their parents due to generational gaps. Listening to my friends’ stories led me to reflect deeply on how family environments influence personal growth and emotional well-being. As I observed how different family backgrounds are linked to anxiety, fear, or ways of adapting to society, I developed a strong desire to learn more about and research this topic.
This interest led me to major in Counseling Psychology. I wish to conduct in-depth research on the correlation between family and personal growth and to play a role in healing those who have been wounded by family relationships. Through your university’s Counseling Psychology program, I aim to learn psychological theories and counseling techniques, gain practical experience through fieldwork, and, after graduation, become a professional who researches family psychology and developmental psychology while helping those who have been wounded in counseling settings.
