In this blog post, I’ll summarize my academic and extracurricular experiences in high school, examples of my consideration and cooperation, and my motivation for applying to the College of Fine Arts at Chung-Ang University, as well as my preparation process.
Academic Experiences and Reflections
I first developed an interest in art at the art academy I attended as a child, and naturally, I nurtured the dream of majoring in art in college. After entering high school, balancing my drawing practice with my regular schoolwork proved challenging. Since improving my drawing skills required consistent daily practice, and I couldn’t neglect my academic responsibilities as a student, I gave serious thought to how to use my time efficiently.
On the condition that I would stay focused during class and never miss a homework assignment, I sought and received permission from my homeroom teacher to use the evening self-study period for practical drawing practice. I made a consistent effort to keep my promises to myself and my teacher—for example, memorizing English vocabulary while commuting and completing assignments during breaks. These small habits accumulated to form the foundation that allowed me to maintain both my academic and practical skills.
I also continued my drawing practice regularly. On weekdays, I focused intensively on assignment-style drawings tailored for college entrance exams, while on weekends, I drew whatever I wanted to maintain my enjoyment and interest in creativity. I felt that if I only repeated exam-oriented practice, I would quickly lose interest, so I sought to expand my artistic expression through my weekend work. I felt a sense of pride as I saw my grades remain steady and my artwork gradually improve, and that sense of accomplishment motivated me to work even harder.
What I learned through this process is the value of perseverance and diligence. I realized that even without any major, eye-catching successes, consistent effort prevents major setbacks. I realized that if I had given up on either my studies or art, I wouldn’t even have the opportunities I have now, so I’ve resolved to continue creating opportunities for myself with the same diligence I’ve shown so far.
Description of Major School Activities and Reflections
I participated in a community mural-painting volunteer project organized by my school. As a student studying art, I saw this as a great opportunity to give back to the local community with my talents, so I actively expressed my interest in participating. Thanks to my teacher’s recommendation, I joined about ten other students from the entire school for the volunteer project. For me, who was only accustomed to working on canvas and paper, painting directly on a wall with paint was a very unique challenge.
When we arrived at the site, I felt at a loss as to where to begin. However, since this was a piece that would remain in the village for a long time, we first decided on a common theme for the mural to foster a sense of community, and then began painting while incorporating our individual ideas. Because the mural required simple and clear subject matter and expression, it was more important to convey the message clearly than to use complex techniques. Therefore, in line with the purpose of the volunteer activity and to avoid inconveniencing the residents, we carefully planned our design and worked diligently without a break for nearly half a day.
After finishing, I was worried that my piece might not be immediately recognizable and might be interpreted differently than intended, but I was very satisfied with the result I had calmly achieved, and the villagers were also very pleased. Seeing them take commemorative photos even before the paint had dried gave me a great sense of fulfillment, and I gained a new sense of responsibility as an artist, realizing that I could connect with local residents through my work. Inspired by this experience, I began participating in regular mural volunteer projects with my mother, and I learned that even when materials and space are limited, creative ideas can overcome those constraints.
I also realized that diverse experiences and careful observation are necessary to come up with better ideas. I learned that firsthand experiences—seeing, hearing, and feeling—enrich the subject matter and expression of my work, so I developed the habit of photographing and archiving scenes or memorable elements that might inspire future ideas. Mural volunteer work remains a special and meaningful activity for me.
Examples of Consideration, Sharing, and Cooperation, and My Reflections
Through my activities in the badminton club, I learned firsthand the importance of cooperation and consideration. Rather than a club focused on competition results, this group emphasized gathering together to exercise regularly. While playing doubles matches, I naturally came to understand that teamwork and consideration for one another greatly influence victory. It was also a meaningful activity because it provided regular exercise opportunities for friends who primarily lead sedentary lifestyles.
At first, we often argued because we weren’t in sync. Complaints like, “Why aren’t you making that move?” flew back and forth, and we even blamed each other. However, as we practiced more together and spent more time playing repeatedly, we became more in sync, the frequency of arguments decreased, and an attitude of consideration for one another naturally developed. I, too, wasn’t very considerate at first, but through repeated experiences, practicing consideration and cooperation became a part of my daily life.
Through this activity, I realized that consideration and cooperation aren’t grand gestures, but rather small habits that anyone can practice. This shift in perspective led to small acts of sharing in my daily life and became the catalyst for me to start making donations, even if they were small amounts. Realizing that actions which may seem trivial to me can be a great help to others, I began striving to become a better person.
Ultimately, the badminton club was more than just an opportunity to play sports; it was a valuable part of my college life that taught me how achieving better results is possible when we show consideration for others and work together.
Efforts and Preparation Related to Motivation for Application and Career Plans
I decided to apply because I believe the educational goals and operational approach of the College of Fine Arts at Chung-Ang University align well with the direction of my studies. I understand that the university actively responds to trends in contemporary art and carries on the legacy of cultural heritage, while developing a common curriculum that encourages interdisciplinary convergence; it also focuses on nurturing students’ individuality and creative abilities through academic seminars, field studies, and exhibition planning. I chose Chung-Ang University because this educational philosophy aligns with my personal growth goals.
As an artist, I believe that while developing a unique style is important, it is also necessary to possess the flexibility to reflect artistic changes in line with the trends of the times. Just as the brushstrokes and sense of color in the works of famous painters reveal their unique characteristics, I strove to find my own distinctive style by continuing to create works based on my personal experiences and emotions every weekend during my college preparation. I view artworks as a medium of communication between the artist and the audience, and I believe that mutual understanding with the audience is only possible when the work accurately reflects its historical background and social context.
To this end, I make a point of reading the news and newspapers daily to stay informed about social issues, and I strive to engage with a wide variety of artworks and books across diverse fields. Since experiences I haven’t had firsthand can limit the ideas for my work, I strive to broaden my range of expression through indirect experiences. I also photograph memorable scenes or elements that could serve as references to incorporate into my artistic practice.
Based on these preparations, I hope to cultivate broad thinking and knowledge under the guidance of outstanding professors, enabling me to create innovative works that embody my unique personality. Meanwhile, just as I realized through my experience in on-campus presentation competitions that my voice was too soft and worked to improve this, I am preparing not only my artistic practice but also the communication skills and attitude necessary for various future roles, such as a teacher or exhibition curator. For example, I have practiced introducing books to friends to spark their interest, and I am striving to communicate more effectively by correcting my slumped posture and soft voice.
Moving forward, through my studies and experiences at Chung-Ang University, I aim to pursue creative artistic activities and grow into an artist who creates works that engage with audiences and connect with society.
