In this blog post, I’ll summarize my study management techniques and daily study group activities during my GED preparation, what I learned from volunteering at a local children’s center, my motivation for applying to the Department of Economics at Sookmyung Women’s University, and my career plans.

Academic Experience and Reflections

I attended a humanities-focused high school until my freshman year, but withdrew due to health reasons and began preparing for the GED. I underwent major surgery to treat a chronic illness I had suffered from since childhood, and as a result, I spent a year in the hospital, experiencing a different kind of life compared to my peers. However, I decided not to view that year spent recovering as merely a loss, but rather as a springboard for the rest of my life. The decision to start over without giving up on my studies or my dreams was a major turning point for me.
My original dream was to become a human rights lawyer; specifically, I wanted to be a legal professional dedicated to protecting workers’ rights, particularly in the area of labor law. Since my high school did not have a law department, I determined that a background in economics would be necessary to fully understand labor issues, so after passing the GED, I set my sights on majoring in economics. When I began preparing for the GED exam at the end of my sophomore year of high school, the realization that I was falling behind others in my studies motivated me to focus even harder and work even more diligently.
Balancing rehabilitation therapy with my studies was a significant physical strain, but I strove to find a way to make steady progress without overexerting myself. I adopted a flexible study method involving monthly goals. After drawing up a study plan for the entire year, I identified monthly tasks to tackle within that framework and set priorities—for example, dedicating one month to completing the math section of the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) first. At the same time, I studied a set amount each day to maintain my grasp of the other subjects.
Thanks to this approach, I was able to review all subjects at least once within six months while successfully managing both my study progress and my physical stamina. On days when my body wouldn’t cooperate, I didn’t push myself—I took a day off and made up for it on days when I felt better. Through this experience, I deeply realized the importance of realistic study plans, the value of consistency, and the need to manage my studies while considering my physical condition and natural rhythm.

Write about major school activities and reflections

Since most of my preparation time for the GED was spent studying alone, I organized a daily study group to combat loneliness and prevent a loss of motivation. While there were others who, like me, preferred self-study, sitting alone at a desk for more than eight hours a day was isolating and made it easy to lose motivation. So, unlike study groups centered on academic goals, we created one focused on correcting daily habits.
The daily routine study group consisted of checking who woke up in the morning, meal times, an afternoon break, and confirming when everyone had left for the day; we also added daily study progress reports and a weekly mock exam. Since the group was made up mainly of exam candidates we met at the local library, we established a rule where fines for breaking agreements were collected and used for snacks to foster a sense of responsibility. These rules and commitments were instrumental in building mutual trust.
I used to have trouble waking up in the morning, and my eating and sleeping schedules were irregular, but my study group members consistently looked out for me—by letting each other know our wake-up times and setting wake-up calls—which led to a noticeable change in my daily routine. We exchanged small gestures of care and consideration while eating lunch together, and I was able to break my habit of just grabbing a quick meal. Regular meals and rest improved my concentration and laid the foundation for more efficient studying.
During our afternoon break, we’d share our study struggles or take a short walk to recharge. We’d check in with each other after 10 p.m. to confirm everyone had returned home; if someone stayed late to study, it served as a psychological motivator that pushed me to study harder as well.

Weekly mock exams and daily progress updates helped me identify my weaknesses and allowed me to set a more systematic study plan than when studying alone.
Through the study group, I realized not only the benefits of studying alone but also the power of studying together. In the process of looking out for each other’s well-being and encouraging one another’s learning, I developed a sense of responsibility and teamwork, which I feel will serve as an important foundation for my future college life and organizational activities.

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

I learned a great deal while volunteering once a week as an educational volunteer at the “Dream Study Room” at a local children’s center. The children welcomed me warmly, and I tried to approach them as an older sister figure. At first, I wasn’t used to taking care of such young children, but just as the senior who introduced me had said, having an older brother or sister figure—even if just a little older than their peers—proved to be a great comfort to them.
At the center, in addition to caring for the children and playing with them, I counseled those struggling with friendships or school life, listened to their stories, and provided simple academic assistance when needed. Although I didn’t have enough time to give one-on-one tutoring, I helped fill the gaps in their learning by working through difficult concepts together and explaining them clearly. I served as a mentor at times, a counselor at others, and a study assistant at still others.
The center’s operations were not very active, so there was a lack of programs; there were many children but not enough teachers. When my volunteer shift ended, I didn’t want to leave, so I gave the children who were left behind homework or activities to keep them from getting bored, and I taught them games and learning activities they could do on their own. Though these were small activities, they made for a joyful time for the children, and I felt the joy of practicing care and sharing.
The time and attention I gave the children were immediately reciprocated. The affection and trust they showed me were deeply rewarding, and I learned even more through the process of helping them. Through this experience, I realized firsthand how much of an impact an attitude of understanding others’ situations and practicing small acts of kindness can have.

Efforts and Preparation Related to Motivation for Application and Career Plans

I applied to the Department of Economics at Sookmyung Women’s University because I aspire to become someone who protects workers’ rights. Although my original dream was to become a human rights lawyer, I realized that an understanding of economics is necessary to effectively address labor issues. After studying the labor market, corporate structures, and the mechanisms of wages and employment in the Department of Economics, I plan to build upon that foundation with knowledge of labor law to address these issues professionally.
My specific career plan is to study law and economics in an integrated manner in the Department of Economics and then take the Certified Labor Consultant exam. After graduation, I plan to gain practical experience as a Certified Labor Consultant and subsequently advance to become a labor law expert by enrolling in law school. I aspire to become a professional equipped not only with theoretical knowledge but also with practical skills, so that I can contribute to the protection of workers’ rights in the field.
The time I spent preparing for the high school equivalency exam was not merely about passing the test; it was also a period during which I solidified my career path. Through that process, I learned to set long-term goals and pursue them consistently, and through study groups and volunteer work, I gained a deep understanding of the importance of cooperation and consideration. These experiences will serve as a foundation not only for my approach to learning in college but also for my future growth as a professional.
Furthermore, my personal health issues and the resulting interruption in my studies fostered empathy and concern for socially vulnerable groups. Witnessing people around me struggling with non-regular employment or low wages motivated me strongly to improve workers’ rights, which became the specific reason I decided to study both economics and law. I will continue to steadily build my academic knowledge and practical experience to become a professional who can provide tangible help to the socially vulnerable.