In this blog post, I will outline my motivations for applying to college and my future career plans based on my academic efforts, school activities, and collaborative experiences during high school.
Academic Experience and Reflections
During my sophomore year of high school, I decided on a specific career path and my target university. I set a goal to study both design and marketing at Hongik University, and I faced the reality that I would need to significantly improve my GPA to qualify for early admission. Although those around me encouraged me to apply through the regular admission process, I decided not to give up and instead focused on achieving a GPA high enough to secure early admission.
To improve my grades, I didn’t just focus on my overall score or rank; instead, I devised a strategy to strengthen my weaker subjects and raise my overall average. I concentrated particularly on math and science, reviewing foundational concepts through condensed study guides and organized notes, and building my skills by repeatedly solving problems. Although these were science-focused subjects, I invested a significant amount of time in thoroughly reviewing the basics since they were relatively weak areas for me.
Since performance assessments carried significant weight in my grades, I made a conscious effort never to take them lightly. I would start assignments immediately upon receiving them, preparing in advance and taking special care to meet deadlines. Having previously lost points due to missed deadlines, I worked to become more meticulous. When group projects arose, I took the initiative to serve as the group leader, managing the schedule and guiding the team.
By consistently addressing my weaknesses and participating responsibly in performance assessments and group projects, I was able to achieve the grade level I had set as my goal. This experience taught me more than just how to improve my grades; it helped me realize the importance of perseverance, planning, and a collaborative attitude.
Major School Activities and Reflections
Since high school, I have been interested in interior design and developed this hobby by making my own decorative items. Because my home was far from school, I moved into my own place, and living alone naturally led me to take an interest in decorating my living space. I enjoyed using my manual skills to create decorative items, paint walls, and refurbish products.
At first, I drew inspiration from others’ interior design examples by following blogs. Soon, I heard about an interior design club at school, and after joining through a friend’s recommendation, I began interacting with peers who shared my interests. Our activities centered on creating everyday items; we knitted coasters and dishcloths and used rope and rubber bands to make small accessories.
We were also actively involved in projects using recycled materials. We made planters out of glass jars, plastic bottles, and milk cartons, and created pencil holders and toothbrush holders using toilet paper rolls and tissue boxes. We also used old clothes and fabric scraps to make rugs, headbands, and bracelets, creating practical and unique items. I noticed that working together with others provided a wealth of information and ideas, leading to higher-quality finished pieces compared to working alone.
Our club activities extended beyond simple creation to include the process of promoting our finished products. We developed our ideas by referencing the internet and blogs, and by posting our completed products on our blog, we built our own social network. We also practiced wall decoration and studied lettering techniques, gaining experience by personally decorating our club room and other school spaces. Through this process, we gained confidence in designing and bringing spaces to life.
Examples of Consideration, Sharing, and Cooperation, and Reflections
Around the second semester of my sophomore year in high school, after our club activities had been ongoing for over a year, the vice principal suggested that our club take charge of the interior design for the school store and café. Since this was an opportunity for students to participate directly rather than outsourcing the work to an external company, it felt like a heavy burden at first. However, we resolved to make it a meaningful project by applying the skills and collaborative experience we had gained over time.
We selected tables and chairs that would suit the snack bar space and meticulously planned a wall design that would harmonize with the decor. Since this was a space that would be used for a long time once installed, we prioritized safety and durability, and for the color scheme, we mainly used blue and green tones to create a sense of stability. We applied multiple coats of paint to ensure a sturdy finish and used white and black lettering tape to add inspirational quotes and forward-looking phrases, creating an enterprising atmosphere.
For the café area, we chose to maintain the existing color scheme while using decorative items to change the mood. We set the mood with stylish lighting and artwork displayed in built-in frames, and placed hand-refurbished glass jar planters on the tables to encourage students to treat the space with care. We paid attention to even the smallest details, such as placing cushions made from recycled fabric on each chair, and enjoyed the process of collaborating with others to complete the shared space.
Efforts and Preparation Related to Motivation for Application and Career Plans
I grew up in a rural area of Chungcheong Province and prepared for college through the Equal Opportunity Admission track while in school. Starting in my sophomore year of high school, I set my sights on attending Hongik University and consistently managed my grades to achieve the scores required for early admission. As a result, I was able to secure the target grade point average, and the tenacity, perseverance, and diligence I cultivated during this process will serve as a foundation for continuing my studies and activities consistently in college.
Hongik University excels in the fields of art and design, which aligns well with my career plans. Through my major in E-Marketing, I intend to build my online marketing skills while also studying interior design and product design through a minor or interdisciplinary program. Although pursuing multiple majors simultaneously will not be easy, I believe it is achievable if I manage my time diligently and put in the necessary effort.
After graduation, I plan to run a business that combines interior design services with the sale of interior accessories, and in the process, I intend to work directly as an online marketer. To achieve this, I aim to develop expertise in both design and marketing during my university years, build an external professional network, and collaborate with designers to grow the brand. On a practical level, I plan to research existing cases of SOHO-style operations and brick-and-mortar businesses to gather foundational data and refine my business model.
To grow a brand, it is essential to focus not only on product quality and design value but also on online expansion strategies. During my university years, I will intensively study social media, viral marketing, and advertising techniques to develop the skills needed to effectively communicate brand value to the public as a marketer. Ultimately, my goal is to collaborate with unique designers to consistently introduce distinctive products and, through online growth, eventually expand into brick-and-mortar stores.
