In this blog post, I’ll summarize what I learned, focusing on the effort 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 during class or self-study periods, so I realized that, above all else, I needed to improve my concentration in order to study effectively. Rather than wasting time while distracted, 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 apply that same practice to my studies. By waking up every morning and meditating consistently for an hour, I was able to let go of distracting thoughts and cultivate the concentration needed to make the most 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 the stress associated with studying, which in turn gave me the energy to focus even more on my studies. These concentration-building activities soon became my personal study strategy. 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 challenging questions. As a result, the quality of my studying improved, and my grades rose.

School Activities

Serving on 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 on-campus activities. Acting as a bridge 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 carrying out its administrative tasks.
As Head of the General Affairs Department, I guided first-year members and took the lead in carrying out assigned tasks to ensure they were completed faithfully, which allowed me to develop “leadership by example” and “leadership through action.” In particular, since general affairs involve the handling of funds, I meticulously managed cash receipts and disbursements and prepared detailed expenditure plans to earn the trust of the faculty.

Actively Participating 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 these activities with genuine dedication because I viewed them not merely as a way to earn credits, but as a process through which I, as a student, could contribute to society.
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 sorry if I looked tired; 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 assistance 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 plan to continue doing so consistently in the future.
Student council and volunteer work are the activities I have dedicated myself to wholeheartedly in my college life, aside from my studies. I participated voluntarily not to build up 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.

Consideration 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 stay positive so her mother wouldn’t be sad. However, due to her family circumstances, she felt uncomfortable receiving comfort from friends or teachers, so she kept her mother’s condition to herself. Seeing her like that broke my heart, so I told her, “Your family situation doesn’t diminish your worth—I want you to be proud of yourself for enduring this on your own and acting so maturely.” I also encouraged her, telling her to rely on me whenever she needed help, as she was juggling caring for her mother, her studies, and student council activities.
She thanked me, saying that simply hearing those words gave her strength. I believe that comforting someone in distress isn’t just about direct help, but also about the sense of presence and trust that comes from simply being there, so I made an effort to be a reliable pillar of support. I listened to her concerns, offered comfort, and made sure she could get through difficult times. I focused on providing emotional support rather than material assistance, and to this day, we continue to be a source of strength for one another.