In this blog post, I will outline how I plan to prepare and approach my studies, focusing on my motivation for studying Korean Classical Literature, my academic plan, my post-graduation goals, and a self-introduction.
Motivation for Enrollment
When I was in elementary school, I lived briefly at my grandmother’s house in the countryside. There was a traditional private school (seodang) near where we lived at the time, and my parents took me there, saying I would learn a great deal there. As a result, I was able to study calligraphy, the Thousand Character Classic, the Mirror of the Mind, and the Analects for about two years. However, what helped me more than that knowledge was etiquette. The strict yet righteous teachings of the seodang master helped me develop proper conduct and a sound mindset. Furthermore, whenever the master praised and encouraged me, I gained confidence rather than arrogance in everything I did, and I was able to cultivate a diligent attitude toward life. The interest in Classical Chinese that began at that time continued to grow, leading to a desire to study Classical Chinese literature more deeply, and eventually, I developed a dream of becoming a professor of Classical Chinese literature and teaching children. If admitted to your university, I aspire to become a scholar equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to study the literary works of Korea’s ancient sages and to preserve traditional culture through research in Classical Chinese literature.
Academic Plan and Goals
Starting from my freshman year—a time when it is easy to become complacent—I will cultivate the reading comprehension skills necessary to interpret a wide range of classical texts written in Classical Chinese, and I will deepen my understanding of Korean classical literature through poetry, novels, prose, authors, and criticism. I will build a foundation of knowledge for understanding classical Korean literature by comprehensively reading, savoring, analyzing, and interpreting major works from throughout Korean history across various genres. Additionally, I will take care to maintain a healthy body so that I can balance my studies with my hobby of learning kendo. During school breaks, I plan to attend a calligraphy academy to immerse myself in the charm of Chinese characters, which have reached the realm of art. I also plan to consistently take Hanja proficiency tests to assess my own Hanja skills. Furthermore, since focusing too much on a single field can lead to narrow-mindedness and a loss of perspective, I will meet people from various fields to broaden my horizons.
Plans After Graduation
My dream is to major in Classical Chinese Literature in graduate school and eventually become a professor of Classical Chinese Literature. When I told a friend about my dream, they reacted by asking how I could study such an old-fashioned discipline for so long. However, I would like to define Classical Chinese Literature not simply as impractical ancient texts, but as Korea’s classical literature written in the Chinese characters of the past. Therefore, I want to become an educator who can show students with preconceptions about Classical Chinese just how fascinating this field—often perceived as stuffy and old-fashioned—actually is. I also hope to conduct consistent research in Classical Chinese Literature to create opportunities for this field to step out of the ivory tower and engage with the real world. Additionally, through social service activities such as “Classical Chinese Translation for the Visually Impaired,” I wish to give back to society the knowledge and experience I gain at university.
Self-Introduction
Reading Paulo Coelho’s *The Alchemist* led me to reflect deeply on how to find one’s dreams and how to achieve them. The most significant lesson I learned was about making choices. Sometimes I feel anxious, wondering whether the task I’m about to invest my time in will truly lay the groundwork for the dream I want to achieve, or if the plan I’m currently setting out to accomplish might fail, causing me to waste a significant amount of time and effort. However, I’ve come to understand that there’s no need to over-predict the future for the sake of a present choice, and that living faithfully in the present is the best I can do.
I’ve come to realize that even the seemingly trivial tasks I’m doing right now can be individual steps toward my dream, and that I must stay committed to the present with a positive mindset. Just like Santiago, the protagonist of this book who finally achieved his dream, I’m striving to overcome my fears about the future by taking decisive action on the things I want to do without hesitation.
