In this blog post, I’ll summarize my experiences and reflections, focusing on my academic efforts and school activities during high school, my experiences with empathy and collaboration, and my academic and career plans for college.
Academic Experiences and Reflections
I started high school with the belief that “hard work never goes unrewarded.” Up until middle school, I had studied “just enough” and had never truly studied as hard as I could. When I entered high school and the reality of “serious college entrance exam preparation” set in, I finally resolved to study wholeheartedly for once.
However, breaking my old habit of half-hearted effort was not easy. So, rather than leaving it at mere resolve, I established three principles to build practical study habits. First, never fall asleep during class. Second, never leave my seat during study time. Third, always ask questions about things I don’t understand. These principles were simple, but they played a major role in changing my attitude toward studying.
In particular, changing my “habit of skipping over things I didn’t understand” was crucial. Because I was shy, I used to feel embarrassed to ask questions of my teachers or classmates, and as a result, I would solve problems without fully understanding them and end up repeating the same mistakes. So, I started marking the parts I didn’t understand, then went to see my teacher after class and asked questions until I understood—and if necessary, I’d go back again.
I also actively sought out my friends’ study tips and applied them to my own approach, gradually developing my own unique learning method. Through my own experience, I learned firsthand that a passive attitude does nothing to help learning, and through the process of asking questions and engaging in discussions, I rediscovered my interest in studying. As a result, not only did my grades improve, but I also overcame my timid personality and came to deeply realize that consistent effort ultimately leads to good results.
Description of Major School Activities and Reflections
By consistently participating in school activities related to the study of flora and fauna, I had many opportunities to observe and learn from real-world settings. I never missed the annual field trip program to explore local ecosystems of flora, fauna, and the natural environment, and among these experiences, the field trip to a migratory bird sanctuary stands out most vividly in my memory.
Migratory birds are known for gathering in flocks and flying in formation as they migrate in search of suitable habitats. When I witnessed a massive flock taking flight all at once at dawn at the Dogyo Reservoir in Cheorwon, I was deeply moved by the delicate balance and wonder of the natural ecosystem. At that moment, I developed a dream to study and research not only migratory birds but also the habits of various animals and the interconnections within ecosystems.
This experience made me realize that it goes beyond simply witnessing a beautiful scene; it connects to the academic value of preserving and sustaining natural ecosystems. Based on this experience, I have set a goal to study the natural ecosystem in greater depth within the Department of Animal Life Resources and, through this, contribute to the conservation of the Earth’s ecosystem.
I also served as an officer in a campus science club, where I conducted genetic research and presented my findings in the form of a research paper. Ever since I was a child, I had been curious about genetics after observing how parents and children come to resemble one another, so I prepared a presentation titled “Genes: A Treasure Trove of Biological Information” at the club’s academic conference to explore this topic scientifically.
During my research, I learned that genes contain the information that determines an organism’s traits, and I studied DNA replication, cell division, and how environmental factors influence phenotypes. In particular, I explored the interaction between genetic factors and the environment, focusing on the question: “Why don’t people appear exactly as their genes dictate?”
Furthermore, upon realizing that genetics can play a crucial role in predicting and treating future diseases, I became even more fascinated by the value of genetic research. I have firmly set my goal to become a scientist who discovers new academic value by researching animal resources based on genetics after enrolling in the Department of Animal Life Resources at Samyuk University. I will continue to strive to become a researcher who can contribute to enhancing national competitiveness through genetic research.
Examples of Compassion, Sharing, and Cooperation, and My Reflections
During my sophomore year of high school, I met wonderful friends who helped me overcome the challenges of adolescence. At the time, I was feeling lost about my studies and future career path and was struggling with depression; getting through that period was not easy. Fortunately, my classmates made a conscious effort to look out for me and helped ensure I “wasn’t alone.”
My friends guided me toward positive thinking by engaging in cultural activities together, and they objectively pointed out my strengths while encouraging me by saying, “You are someone who can shine.” Thanks to their sincere support, I was able to quickly pull myself together and regain my original passion.
Wanting to repay them for overcoming that difficult time together, I bought a Polaroid camera to capture my friends’ moments. Over the course of the first semester, I took photos of my friends in their natural, everyday lives. I then carefully compiled them into a photo album, writing letters on the back of each photo to describe the situation and my feelings at the time, and presented it to them as a gift.
My friends were deeply moved by the photo gift, and as they looked at the memories captured in the photos, they laughed and chatted together once again, creating new memories. Through this experience, I learned that small acts of consideration and sharing that come from the heart can restore relationships and generate positive energy. I gained the conviction that selfless consideration deepens relationships and will lead my life in a more positive direction.
Efforts and Preparation Related to Motivation for Application and Career Plans
In college, I aspire to become a researcher specializing in animal resources with a focus on genetics. I believe that animal reproduction, genetics, and ecological behavior are closely linked to human life, and I wish to conduct research that understands and applies the principles of animal behavior and ecosystems through a genetic approach.
To this end, I plan to not only deepen my major studies but also actively participate in practical field experience, as well as experimental and hands-on training. I will make the most of the research and practical opportunities provided by the Department of Animal Life Resources at Samyuk University to become a professional with the expertise required by the university.
On a personal level, as a dog owner, I have long been interested in the points where animal and human lives intersect. I intend to connect this experience with my academic studies to research the value of happiness that animals bring to human life and, through this, derive practical research outcomes.
Furthermore, I will continuously learn and take on new challenges to quickly master the department’s specialized programs and cutting-edge animal life resource engineering technologies, and to become a professional capable of researching and creating new technologies. I will develop my research capabilities by actively observing and gaining hands-on experience both in the laboratory and in the field.
Above all, I promise to remain committed to Samyuk University’s Christian character education and the cultivation of moral integrity. I believe that the foundation of all academic disciplines ultimately stems from human education. Since I am convinced that genuine research on animals and life requires a foundation of human maturity, I will dedicate myself not only to my major but also to liberal arts and character education, striving to become a principled researcher and a truly humane individual.
