In this blog post, I’ll summarize the insights I gained from my academic work, school activities, and volunteer experiences during high school, as well as my motivation for choosing to major in child welfare and the preparation process I went through.

Academic Experiences and Reflections

Perseverance is the key. I believe that academic success ultimately comes down to perseverance. I think the shortcut to improving grades lies in pushing through the urge to give up to solve one more problem, making it a habit to study one more topic before going to bed even when tired or sleepy, and opening my notes during breaks to make sure I haven’t missed anything I need to memorize.
I learned a great deal of this attitude by watching my two older sisters. They always strove to do just a little more—even if it meant solving just one more problem—and showed me what it means to never give up. Following their example, I worked consistently with the same mindset.
First, I made a study plan. I set aside study time on a daily and weekly basis, focusing on core subjects like Korean, English, and math on weekdays. Rather than trying to cover a large volume every day, I determined an appropriate amount that suited me and balanced my study load and time accordingly.
For subjects that require memorization, such as Korean and English, I wrote down the material to memorize in a notebook each time and reviewed it repeatedly during my morning and evening commutes. For math and English, I focused on solving practice test questions to solidify my foundational skills. The key was gradually increasing my workload. I started by filling out three flashcards a day and solving 10 problems per subject area; by increasing this by one problem per week and maintaining this routine, I eventually reached 30 problems. By my sophomore year, I could clearly feel that my study volume had significantly increased.
By making studying a habit and persevering, I learned that studying isn’t about tackling a large volume all at once—consistency and gradual progression are what matter most. Through this process, I experienced a sense of accomplishment and developed my ability to study independently.

Major School Activities and Reflections

Through my participation in the orchestra club, I deeply appreciated the comfort that music provides and the joy of interacting with others. Since my parents love musical instruments, I began learning the piano at a young age and have since built up my knowledge of orchestral and brass instruments. Because I loved music, I joined the orchestra club as soon as I entered high school, and the experience of meeting and interacting with diverse friends who also love music brought me great joy.
Some members had joined the club because they simply couldn’t bring themselves to give up music, while others had had to give up on attending a music college due to financial circumstances. These friends were exceptionally talented, and it was heartbreaking to see them forced to set aside their dreams. Although my family’s financial situation wasn’t particularly affluent, my parents actively supported whatever I wanted to learn, which made me reflect on how I had previously taken that support for granted.
As I talked with my friends, I came to understand the weight of their realities and the difficulty of their choices, and I was moved by their determination and perseverance. That experience made me respect them even more, and the time we spent performing together and building friendships became an opportunity to understand and support one another—going far beyond mere club activities.
My experience with children I met by chance during club activities was also a major turning point for me. Most of the children I met at a city-sponsored choir competition had grown up in orphanages, and their clear voices and demeanor were so beautiful that they easily touched everyone’s hearts. As we practiced the choir together, I felt compelled to share what I had, and from then on, I continued to meet with the children from the orphanage to volunteer.
Through my volunteer work, I was able to bond with the children by accompanying them on the piano and teaching them songs and how to play instruments. As I communicated and taught through music, I witnessed the children transform, and this sparked a deeper interest in me in helping others.

Examples of Consideration, Sharing, and Cooperation, and My Reflections

What I learned through my volunteer work at the orphanage and my club activities was that even a small act of kindness can bring about significant change. Seeing how meals, small blankets, and clothes provided such great comfort to the children made me deeply reflect on my own consumption habits and material possessions.
So, I began secretly helping classmates at school who were struggling financially. I was class president at the time, and when I shared my idea with my teacher, she readily supported me. I took the lead, working alongside my teacher to distribute the aid and ensuring that those in need received it equitably.
Through this process, I also learned about the proper way to offer help. I became more cautious, worried that my inexperience might have hurt others’ feelings, and some classmates responded sharply. On the other hand, there were also classmates who accepted my sincerity and expressed their gratitude. Seeing their grateful reactions, I realized that one must learn both how to extend kindness and how to receive it.
These experiences taught me that consideration and sharing go beyond simply delivering goods; they require an attitude of understanding others and approaching them thoughtfully. Furthermore, through this collaborative process, I became convinced of the importance of communication and that small actions, when combined, can bring about significant change.

Efforts and Preparation Related to Motivation for Application and Career Plans

Children are the future of South Korea, and I want to be the one who takes responsibility for that future. I believe that when children grow up to lead the nation’s economy and society, it will be difficult to expect desirable development if they do not have a stable environment and equal educational opportunities. The more we live in an era where creative talent is vital, the more necessary it is to strike a balance between child welfare and education.
Because of this conviction, I chose to major in Child Welfare. I have set a goal to acquire specialized knowledge and gain practical experience in the field so that I can grow into a professional responsible for children’s welfare and future.
While preparing for my career, I focused on cultivating self-directed learning habits. To master independent study, I avoided relying on cram schools or private tutors and instead developed consistent study habits on my own. I believed that by accumulating experience in self-directed learning, I would later be able to offer realistic and practical advice to children based on my own experiences.
I also consistently engaged in volunteer work, reaching out to those in need to listen to their voices firsthand. Having enjoyed relatively abundant educational opportunities thanks to my parents’ support, I felt that to fully understand the feelings and circumstances of children in genuinely difficult situations, I needed to experience them directly in the field.
Moving forward, I aim to acquire specialized knowledge and develop practical skills as a student in the Department of Child Welfare at Sookmyung Women’s University, with the goal of contributing to the equalization of education and welfare. To achieve this goal, I will continue to study diligently, volunteer, and learn through hands-on experience in the field.