In this blog post, I will summarize my study management techniques and daily study group activities during my GED preparation, what I learned from volunteering at a local children’s center, my motivation for applying to the Department of Economics at Sookmyung Women’s University, and my career plans.

Academic Experience and Reflections

I attended a humanities-focused high school until my first year, but I withdrew due to health reasons and began preparing for the GED. I underwent major surgery to treat a chronic illness I had suffered from since childhood, and as a result, I spent a year in the hospital, experiencing a different kind of time compared to my peers. However, I decided not to view that year spent in illness as merely a loss, but rather as a stepping stone for the rest of my life. The decision to start over without giving up on my studies or my dreams was a major turning point for me.
My original dream was to become a human rights lawyer, specifically a legal professional dedicated to protecting workers’ rights, particularly in the context of labor law. Since my high school did not have a law department, I determined that I would also need a background in economics to fully understand labor issues, so after passing the GED, I set my sights on majoring in economics. I began preparing for the GED exam at the end of my sophomore year of high school, and the realization that I was falling behind others in my studies made me focus and work even harder.
Balancing rehabilitation therapy with my studies was a significant physical burden, but I tried my best to find a way to make steady progress without overdoing it. I adopted a flexible study method based on monthly goals. After creating an exam preparation plan for the entire year, I identified specific tasks to tackle each month and set priorities—for example, dedicating one month to completing the CSAT math curriculum. At the same time, I studied a set amount of material from other subjects every day to maintain my grasp of them.
Thanks to this approach, I was able to review all subjects at least once within six months while effectively managing both my study progress and physical stamina. On days when my body wouldn’t cooperate, I didn’t push myself—I took a day off and made up for it on days when I felt better. Through this experience, I deeply realized the importance of a realistic study plan, the value of consistency, and the necessity of managing my studies while considering my physical condition and natural rhythm.

Write about major school activities and reflections

Since most of my preparation time for the GED was spent studying alone, I organized a daily study group to prevent loneliness and loss of motivation. While there were others like me who preferred self-study, sitting alone at a desk for more than eight hours a day was lonely and made it easy to lose motivation. So, unlike study groups focused on academic goals, we created one focused on correcting daily habits.
The daily routine study group consisted of checking morning wake-up times, meal times, afternoon breaks, and confirming when everyone had left. We also added daily study progress reports and a weekly mock exam. Since the group was centered around exam candidates we met at the local library, we established a rule where fines for breaking promises were collected and used for snacks to foster a sense of responsibility. These rules and commitments were instrumental in building mutual trust.
I used to have trouble waking up in the morning and had irregular eating and sleeping habits, but my study group members consistently checked in on me—notifying each other of wake-up times and setting morning alarms—which led to a noticeable change in my daily routine. We shared small acts of care and consideration while eating lunch together, and I was able to break my habit of just grabbing a quick meal. Regular meals and rest improved my concentration and laid the foundation for more efficient studying.
During our afternoon break, we would share our struggles with studying or take a short walk to recharge. We checked in with each other after 10 p.m. to confirm everyone had returned home safely; if someone stayed up late to study, it served as a psychological incentive for me to push myself harder as well.

Weekly mock exams and daily progress updates helped me identify my weaknesses and allowed me to set a more systematic study plan than when studying alone.
Through the study group, I realized the benefits of studying alone as well as the power of studying together. In the process of looking out for each other’s well-being and encouraging one another’s learning, I developed a sense of responsibility and teamwork, which I feel will serve as an important foundation for my future college life and organizational activities.

Writing About Examples of Consideration, Sharing, and Cooperation, and My Reflections

I learned a great deal while volunteering once a week as an educational volunteer at the “Dream Study Room” at a local children’s center. The children welcomed me warmly, and I tried to approach them as an older sister figure. At first, I wasn’t used to taking care of young children, but just as the senior who introduced me had said, the presence of an older brother or sister—someone a little older than their peers—proved to be a great comfort to them.
At the center, in addition to caring for the children and playing with them, I counseled those facing difficulties with friendships or school life, listened to their stories, and provided simple academic assistance when needed. While I didn’t have enough time to offer one-on-one tutoring, I helped fill the gaps in their learning by working through and explaining the parts they found difficult together. I served as a mentor at times, a counselor at others, and a study assistant at still others.
The center’s operations were not fully active, so there was a shortage of programs; there were many children but not enough teachers. Reluctant to leave once my volunteer hours were up, I would assign homework or activities to keep the children who were left behind from getting bored, and I taught them games or learning activities they could do on their own. Though these were small activities, they became joyful moments for the children, and I felt the joy of practicing care and sharing.
The time and attention I gave to the children were immediately returned to me. The affection and trust they showed me were deeply rewarding, and I learned so much more through the process of helping them. Through this experience, I realized firsthand how much of an impact an attitude of understanding others’ situations and practicing small acts of kindness can have.

Efforts and Preparation Related to Motivation and Career Plans

I applied to the Department of Economics at Sookmyung Women’s University because I aspire to become someone who protects workers’ rights. Although my original dream was to become a human rights lawyer, I realized that an understanding of economics is necessary to effectively address labor issues. After studying the labor market, corporate structures, and the mechanisms of wages and employment in the Department of Economics, I plan to build upon that foundation with knowledge of labor law to respond professionally.
My specific career plan is to study law and economics in an integrated manner in the Department of Economics and then take the Certified Labor Attorney exam. After graduation, I intend to gain practical experience as a Certified Labor Attorney while working, and subsequently pursue a law degree to become a labor law specialist. I aspire to become a professional equipped not only with theoretical knowledge but also with practical skills, so that I can contribute to the protection of workers’ rights in the field.
The period I spent preparing for the high school equivalency exam was not merely a time to pass a test, but also a time to solidify my career path. Through that process, I learned how to set long-term goals and pursue them consistently, and through study groups and volunteer work, I internalized the importance of cooperation and consideration. These experiences will serve as a foundation not only for my attitude toward learning in college but also for my future growth as a professional.
Furthermore, my personal health issues and the resulting interruption in my studies fostered empathy and concern for socially vulnerable groups. Witnessing people around me struggling with non-regular employment or low wages motivated me to work toward improving workers’ rights, which became the specific reason I decided to study both economics and law. I will continue to diligently pursue my studies and gain practical experience to become a professional who can provide tangible support to the socially vulnerable.