In this blog post, I will summarize what I learned, focusing on the efforts I put into my studies during high school, my extracurricular activities, and my experiences practicing kindness and generosity.
Academic Experience
I used to get sleepy and lose focus whenever class or self-study time rolled around, so I realized that, above all else, I needed to improve my concentration to study effectively. Rather than wasting time in a distracted state, I decided to build my concentration and increase my study time. Through my consistent practice of Taekwondo, I had learned to control my mind on my own, and I decided to apply that experience to my studies. So, I set aside an hour each day for meditation. Just as I used to meditate during Taekwondo training to analyze my opponent’s movements with intense focus, I decided to try the same approach for my studies. By meditating consistently for an hour every morning, I was able to let go of distracting thoughts and cultivate the concentration needed to make full use of my time.
Through consistent meditation, I solidified my study goals, and the duration of my focused study sessions gradually increased. As my concentration improved, my study efficiency per unit of time increased, allowing me to complete my planned study load in a shorter time. During my free time, I was able to relieve stress related to studying, which gave me the energy to focus even more on my studies. These concentration-building activities became my personal study secret. By using the time saved through this heightened focus to solidify the fundamentals of each subject, I was able to build a strong foundation for tackling application problems and difficult questions. As a result, the quality of my studying improved, and my grades rose.
School Activities
Serving in the Student Council’s General Affairs Department
I served as the head of the General Affairs Department within the Student Council. I faithfully carried out my duties, representing students by conveying their opinions and supporting the school’s campus activities. Standing between students and the school, I made every effort to understand all perspectives and foster harmony. I approached my role with a strong sense of responsibility—both to advocate for students and to assist the school in its administrative tasks.
As the Head of the General Affairs Department, I guided the first-year members and personally took the lead in carrying out tasks to ensure they fulfilled their duties faithfully. Through this, I was able to develop “leadership by example” and “leadership through action.” In particular, since general affairs involves the handling of funds, I meticulously managed cash receipts and disbursements and maintained detailed expenditure plans to earn the trust of the teachers.
Active Participation in On-Campus Volunteer Activities
Our school offers a wide variety of on-campus volunteer programs, and the Student Council also runs its own programs, allowing for voluntary participation. I actively participated in these activities, striving to become a person who contributes to society. I approached volunteering not merely as a way to earn credits, but as a process of contributing to society as a student, which allowed me to engage with even greater sincerity.
When volunteering, my top priority was “not to look tired.” This was because, during activities at local children’s centers and with elderly people living alone, those receiving help often felt bad if I looked tired, and I believed that conveying a positive mindset with a cheerful expression was another form of service. I always treated people with a bright attitude to create a positive atmosphere and gave my all to ensure those receiving help felt at ease. Whenever I wasn’t busy with exams or student council activities, I participated in volunteer work on a regular basis, and I intend to continue doing so consistently in the future.
Student council and volunteer work are the activities I have dedicated myself to outside of my studies during my college years. I participated voluntarily not to build my resume or earn credits, but to fulfill my role and responsibilities as a member of society. Through these activities, I believe I was able to develop the qualities necessary for life as a member of society by learning how to earn leadership and trust, and how to cultivate and demonstrate a positive mindset.
Empathy and Cooperation
Listening to a Junior’s Concerns and Offering Guidance
The Student Council placed great emphasis on fostering relationships between seniors and juniors, and we traditionally formed direct mentor-mentee relationships within the council. I was paired with a junior from the Public Relations Team as my direct mentee. Although she always appeared cheerful and seemed to have no worries, I came to realize through frequent conversations that she was actually hiding her pain.
She was trying to work even harder at school for her ailing mother and to live positively so her mother wouldn’t be sad. Because of her family situation, she felt uncomfortable receiving comfort from friends or teachers, so she never let on about her mother’s condition. Seeing this, I felt so sorry for them that I told them, “Your family situation doesn’t diminish your worth; I want you to be proud of yourself for enduring this alone and acting so maturely.” I also encouraged them, telling them to rely on me whenever they needed help, as they were juggling nursing duties, studying, and student council activities.
She thanked me, saying that simply hearing those words gave her strength. I believe that comforting someone in distress involves not only direct help but also the presence and trust that comes from being there for them, so I made a conscious effort to be a reliable pillar of support. I listened to her concerns, offered comfort, and did my best to help her endure the difficult situation. By prioritizing emotional support over material assistance, we have continued to be a source of strength for one another to this day.
