In this blog post, I will outline my academic experiences, school activities, examples of consideration and cooperation, and my motivation and preparation process for becoming an elementary school teacher.

Academic Experiences and Reflections

There were times when I hit a slump while studying, lost sight of my goals, and felt listless. When I entered high school and felt overwhelmed by the pressure of college admissions, the increased workload, and more difficult problems, the person who saved me was my homeroom teacher in my first year. The teacher genuinely cared about the students, noticed my state of mind, and actively offered counseling. Through those sessions, I was able to open up and share my concerns.
The teacher encouraged me, saying that a slump can happen to anyone and that I could certainly get through it. She also presented various possibilities—such as the causes of my declining grades, college admissions information, and strategies tailored to me—which were a great help in finding solutions. Through ongoing counseling, I was able to objectively analyze my situation and worked hard to find study methods that suited me.
My teacher pointed out that while I had good concentration, I struggled to maintain it for long periods. Based on this, I focused as much as possible during class and made sure to rest sufficiently during breaks so I could refocus for the next class. For self-study and homework, I maintained a pattern of studying for one hour followed by a 10-minute break, in line with school guidelines.
By adjusting my study schedule to suit my concentration style and consistently following this routine, I gained the stamina to study without burning out. Meeting a great teacher who analyzed my strengths and weaknesses allowed me to develop efficient study methods and overcome my slump.

Major School Activities and Reflections

I actively participated in the school’s traditional senior-junior mentoring program. Although I initially joined to gain admissions information and tips from upperclassmen, I gradually moved beyond simply sharing information to building relationships and communicating with a diverse group of people. Through mentoring, I practiced introducing myself and conveying my knowledge persuasively, which helped me develop my empathy.
Mentoring became more than just a means of gathering information; it evolved into a time for healing stress and sharing feelings. I continue to foster a relationship of mutual learning by sharing my experiences of overcoming slumps and tips for improving grades with my juniors. Their passion for studying and their spirit of challenge serve as a positive inspiration to me as well.
Reading was another major pillar of my life. Driven by pure curiosity, a desire to improve my skills, and a wish to cultivate philosophical thinking, I read consistently and built a broad base of knowledge by exploring various genres. My teachers recognized my extensive reading, and thanks to that, I was recommended to participate in the school’s reading debate competition, where I won first place.
Reading allowed me to view a single topic from multiple perspectives—such as culture, science, history, and philosophy—and enabled me to use rich evidence and diverse expressions during debates. While preparing for the competition, I practiced “focusing on the opponent’s arguments to identify key points,” “active listening,” “projecting a confident voice,” and “speaking slowly.” This experience has been instrumental in improving my public speaking and persuasion skills.

Examples of Compassion, Sharing, and Collaboration, and My Reflections

As vice president of the student council, I served as a central point of communication and fulfilled various roles. I assisted with the principal’s requests and student council duties, boosted morale through communication with fellow members, and distributed tasks while offering encouragement. Gathering feedback from members and conveying it to the student council president and school administration, then receiving their responses, was a crucial responsibility.
Through my student council activities, I developed the ability to coordinate interpersonal relationships, acquired basic social skills, and cultivated leadership and empathy. I believe that the experience of carrying out assigned tasks responsibly and listening to and coordinating the opinions of others will be a great asset in my future college life and career as an educator.
In my volunteer work, I focused on donating my educational skills. Teaching children and conversing with them brought me great joy, and I felt a deep sense of fulfillment in practicing generosity through teaching. At first, I thought I was simply giving unilaterally, but as I volunteered, I realized that I actually gained more strength from the process of mutual exchange.
Through educational volunteering, I personally experienced how sharing fosters consideration and cooperation. Through my interactions with children, I gained a deep understanding of the meaning of consideration and cooperation, and these experiences have greatly influenced the kind of educator I aspire to be.

Efforts and Preparation Related to Motivation for Application and Career Plans

I believe the essential qualities required of an elementary school teacher are “teaching skills” and “the ability to communicate with children.” Elementary school students are between the ages of 7 and 11, a period when the foundations of their character are being laid. Therefore, I believe that not only the skills to effectively convey educational content but also the ability to genuinely understand and communicate with children at their level are crucial.
An attitude that sincerely understands children’s concerns and earns their trust is an essential quality for an educator. Additionally, designing creative experiential activities and educational programs to help children discover their dreams and aptitudes is an important role for an elementary school teacher. After deeply reflecting on these points, I decided on my path as an educator.
Above all, I have emphasized the importance of personal character. This is because a teacher’s character plays a significant role in wisely addressing issues such as bullying within a group. To this end, I have strived to maintain a positive mindset and have sought out books on the humanities and philosophy to deeply reflect on human values and character. Consistently engaging in volunteer work and experiencing firsthand the spirit of care and sharing was also part of the process of cultivating my personal character.
Through educational volunteering and mentoring activities, I practiced my teaching delivery and persuasiveness in real-world settings. I believe teaching is not merely the transmission of information, but a process of persuasion based on trust. I have personally confirmed that when I am perceived as a trustworthy person, students are more likely to listen to my words and be open to change.
I now plan to attend college to further my studies in educational techniques and pedagogy. I will continue to strive to become an elementary school teacher of high moral character who excels at communication, and an educator capable of understanding children’s concerns from their perspective and designing effective educational programs. Through my studies in college, I intend to steadily prepare myself for a career in the field.