In this blog post, I’ll 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 the university I wanted to attend. 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 apply through the early admission process. Although those around me encouraged me to try the regular admission process, I decided not to give up and to work toward achieving a GPA high enough to secure admission through early admission.
To improve my grades, I didn’t just focus on my overall score or rank; instead, I devised a strategy to raise my overall average by strengthening my weaker subjects. I concentrated particularly on math and science inquiry courses, reviewing foundational concepts through consolidated study materials and organized note-taking, 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 from the ground up, as they were relatively challenging for me.
Since performance-based assessments carried significant weight in my grades, I made a conscious effort never to take these assignments lightly. I began working on assignments immediately upon receiving them, prepared well in advance, and took special care to meet all deadlines. Having previously lost points due to missed deadlines, I worked to cultivate greater attention to detail; when working on group projects, I proactively took on the role of group leader to manage the schedule and guide the team.
By consistently addressing my weaknesses and participating responsibly in performance-based 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
I’ve been interested in interior design since high school and developed this hobby by making my own decorative items. Since my home was far from school, I moved into my own place, and living on my own naturally led me to take an interest in decorating my living space. I enjoyed using my craftsmanship to create decorative items, paint walls, and refurbish products.
At first, I drew inspiration from others’ interior design examples by following blogs. Soon after, I heard about an interior design club at school, and through a friend’s introduction, I joined the club and began interacting with peers who shared my interests. Our activities centered on creating household items; we knitted coasters and scrub sponges and used rope and rubber bands to make small decorative pieces.
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 scraps of fabric to make rugs, headbands, bracelets, and other practical and unique items. I noticed that working together with others led to a greater exchange of information and ideas than working alone, which improved the quality of our finished pieces.
Our club activities extended beyond simple crafting to include 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 Collaboration, and Reflections
Around the second semester of my sophomore year of high school, after our club had been active for over a year, the vice principal suggested that our club take charge of the interior design for the school snack bar 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 shades of blue and green 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 overall atmosphere.
For the café area, we chose to maintain the existing color scheme while using decorative items to transform the ambiance. 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 close attention to even the smallest details—such as placing seat cushions made from recycled fabric on each chair—and enjoyed the process of collaborating as a team to complete this shared space.
Efforts and Preparations 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 during my school years. 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 attain the target grade point average, and the perseverance, tenacity, and diligence I cultivated through this process will serve as a foundation for continuing my academic studies and extracurricular activities 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 fields of study 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 decor items, and in the process, I intend to work directly as an online marketer. To this end, I aim to develop expertise in both design and marketing during college, build an external professional network, and collaborate with designers to grow my brand. On a practical level, I plan to research existing examples—both SOHO-style operations and brick-and-mortar businesses—to identify their respective strengths and weaknesses, gather foundational data, and refine my business model.
To grow the brand, not only product quality and design value but also online expansion strategies are crucial. During my time in college, I will focus on studying social media, viral marketing, and advertising techniques to develop into a marketer capable of conveying brand value to the public. Ultimately, my goal is to collaborate with unique designers to consistently introduce distinctive products and, through online-driven growth, eventually expand into brick-and-mortar stores.
