In this blog post, I’ll discuss my study habits, school activities, experiences with conflict resolution during high school, and my plans for college.
Writing About My Academic Experiences and Reflections
I once attended a cram school. It was a well-known institution based on word of mouth, and I had high expectations at first because of its system where students took a placement test and were immediately placed into classes. However, after observing a few classes, I realized they were merely an extension of my school classes and lacked the atmosphere of personalized instruction. Even after class ended, we would spend hours in the same space with friends, repeating the exact same material, and I came to feel that this approach wasn’t necessarily what I needed.
Instead of going to a cram school, I decided to form a study group with diligent friends who shared the same goals. I also figured that if there was anything I didn’t understand, I could simply ask my school teachers directly to resolve it. So, starting during my freshman summer break, I gathered friends to organize a study group, and we set rules together on how to study.
For subjects where memorization is key, such as English and the language section, our team agreed to use the same workbook. On the other hand, since there were differences in individual skill levels for math and science, we agreed to choose workbooks suited to each person’s level, but to solve the same number of problems to stay on track and check each other’s progress. After establishing these principles, we met every day at the library to study together.
To maintain discipline, we created a so-called “penalty account” to serve as a deterrent for those who were late, didn’t do their homework, or talked during our study sessions. Additionally, we assigned each member a subject they excelled in, and whoever was in charge would explain any parts that needed clarification. Thanks to this structure, we were able to study in a way that leveraged each other’s strengths and compensated for our weaknesses.
As a result of studying this way, our grades improved significantly. Even without the help of outside tutors, we were able to establish study habits by setting and following our own rules, and above all, we developed the ability to study independently. I strongly felt that the mutual sense of responsibility among team members served as a driving force for our learning.
Major School Activities and Reflections
During high school, I poured a great deal of passion into my activities with the broadcasting club. I participated by personally planning and producing the morning broadcast, imagining the students listening to it; however, the preparation process was not easy, and especially for events like festivals or sports days, I had to take on far more work than others. Although it was that much harder, the sense of pride I felt when hearing the finished product was a joy I wouldn’t trade for anything.
The work in the broadcasting club was all about teamwork. Only when everyone—the friend in charge of sound, the friend writing the script, the friend overseeing the entire production as the producer, and the friends serving as voice actors and announcers—fulfilled their respective roles could a broadcast be completed. I used to think that working alone would be more comfortable than team activities, but I came to realize just how fun and rewarding it is to achieve something as a team.
One thing I particularly enjoyed about the Broadcasting Club was the relationship between seniors and juniors. At first, the strict guidance from seniors who were just one year older than me felt a bit overwhelming, but thanks to that, I was able to quickly learn how to operate the equipment and read broadcast cue sheets. The seniors were generous not only with their technical expertise but also with advice on career choices, which was a huge help when I was struggling with my studies and future plans; maintaining regular contact with alumni who had already graduated also became a valuable asset.
Another important activity was hosting a monthly segment where I interviewed alumni. Listening to the stories of alumni from various departments broadened my perspective on career paths, and in particular, the relentless spirit of challenge and practical experience of the Business Administration alumni were a great source of inspiration for me. Their lives and challenges were the decisive factor that led me to decide to major in Business Administration.
Examples of Consideration, Sharing, and Cooperation, and My Reflections
During my sophomore year, I served as class president and took the lead on various class matters. Among these, the most memorable experience was mediating a conflict between classes that arose during the school sports day. A few of my classmates were socializing with students from another class, but the other class misunderstood and thought we had come to steal their cheers or strategies. That misunderstanding grew, eventually escalating into an emotional confrontation.
At first, I thought I should let the boys work it out on their own, but as the situation worsened, I stepped in and suggested a discussion. I began by meeting with each of the students involved from our class one by one to calmly listen to and sort out the details of the incident. During that process, I determined that there were areas where we needed to acknowledge our mistakes and apologize first, and convincing them of this was the most difficult part.
To persuade the friends whose feelings had been hurt, I spoke with each of them individually, giving specific examples to explain why we needed to apologize first. As I continued to persuade them step by step, more and more friends began to agree, and eventually, we were able to arrange a reconciliation meeting. The reconciliation happened quickly once it began, and the other side also extended an olive branch.
Through this experience, I learned the importance of persuasion and dialogue. I realized that sometimes it takes courage to set aside emotions for a moment, take a step back, and assess the situation, and that to resolve group conflicts, a leader must take responsibility first and facilitate the dialogue.
Efforts and Preparation Related to Motivation for Application and Career Plans
I dream of becoming an entrepreneur. Because I have a strong spirit of challenge and enjoy the process of planning and bringing new ideas to life, I want to study business administration and take on a variety of business ventures. At university, I plan to build my business knowledge based on the curriculum of the Department of Business Administration at Sejong University, and I intend to cultivate practical experience and leadership skills by participating in university-sponsored entrepreneurship programs, overseas study tours, and volunteer activities.
If given the opportunity, I would also like to start my own business. Although I haven’t yet decided on a specific industry, my goal is to become a well-prepared professional equipped with the practical skills to manage funds and drive sales by accumulating diverse experiences and knowledge. Through this, I ultimately aspire to become an entrepreneur who brings honor to South Korea.