In this blog post, I will summarize my experiences, focusing on my academic efforts and learning experiences during high school, the school activities in which I meaningfully participated and the insights I gained from them, examples of how I practiced consideration and cooperation, and my motivation for applying and career preparation.
Academic Experiences and Reflections
The mindset that “even spare moments count—let’s use them proactively” completely transformed my approach to studying. Believing that one’s abilities depend on how one utilizes the 24 hours granted equally to everyone, I began thinking about time management early on. By trying various methods, I gradually found the approach that worked best for me.
At first, I tried waking up very early in the morning, but for me, this actually resulted in a lack of concentration throughout the day. Conversely, I also tried staying up late at night, but the lack of sleep caused me to doze off during class, which reduced my efficiency. Through this trial and error, I realized that drastically changing my sleep pattern did not suit me.
Ultimately, instead of sticking to a fixed sleep schedule, I decided to make the most of “spare moments at school.” The most productive time was during class. Starting in my sophomore year of high school, self-study periods increased, and whenever we finished the day’s material early, those periods were often used for counseling sessions. I realized that while these were short intervals, they added up over time to provide sufficient study time.
Judging that memorization was more suitable for short periods than solving problems, I focused my studies on memorization during class and break times. I immediately reviewed what I had learned in class and consolidated my memory by periodically organizing the chapters I needed to memorize, as well as English vocabulary and idioms. This method allowed me to cover a much larger volume of material than I had anticipated, and since the knowledge accumulated during these small pockets of time was not easily forgotten, it had a positive impact on my overall academic performance.
Writing About Major School Activities and Reflections
Thanks to my naturally curious personality, I wanted to join a club that engaged in creative activities. So, I joined a club where friends interested in “developing things”—such as creating apps or programs, planning new systems, or making games—gathered; we called ourselves “The Developers.”
Through my club activities, I realized for the first time that the things I had previously “believed to be perfect” were actually judgments based on a very narrow perspective. I discovered that technology and fields are incredibly diverse, and seeing friends fiercely forging their own paths in each field helped me view my own position objectively. I couldn’t easily join in their conversations, but through that experience, I learned what it means to be someone with a clear goal.
Within the club, I also went through a period of adolescent confusion. There were times when nothing I did felt satisfying and I felt lost; yet, it was precisely amid that confusion—through my experiences and interactions with friends—that I discovered the path of becoming an “educator.” Watching the passionate members of the club and witnessing firsthand the impact their passion had on those around them, as well as the value of communication, sparked my interest in education.
Through my club activities, I gained a wealth of experience in helping others, in addition to developing my computer skills. Since I was young, I’ve been interested in taking computers apart and putting them back together, and I’ve often solved both hardware and software problems on my own. Naturally, I began receiving frequent calls from friends seeking advice on computer issues, and I would help them get their devices working again or resolve problems remotely.
In the process of providing this help, I realized that I find joy in “helping others.” In the past, I was so sensitive that I would turn off my ringer, but after deciding to help my friends, I kept my phone on and responded immediately whenever needed. I found fulfillment in explaining errors to my friends and working together to find solutions, which led me to seriously consider a career in education.
Examples of Compassion, Sharing, and Collaboration, and My Reflections
After becoming convinced that I enjoyed teaching others, I volunteered to serve as a teaching assistant in the school’s computer lab. This experience was an attempt to test whether my dream was merely a passing interest or something I truly wanted to pursue. At first, the teacher in charge was puzzled, but after I pleaded earnestly, I was allowed to take on the role.
Although the teaching assistant position was unrelated to my required volunteer hours, I approached it with wholehearted dedication. I repaired computers that broke down during class, helped younger students resolve issues they encountered during practical exercises, and worked with the teacher to learn a new attendance program and explain it to my peers. Every time I heard that I had been helpful—even with small tasks—I felt a deep sense of fulfillment.
My greatest joy, in particular, came from “explaining something I didn’t know perfectly” and “when communication flowed smoothly.” I felt a deep sense of satisfaction when my friends understood my explanations, felt at ease, and provided feedback. As these experiences accumulated, I became convinced that this was not merely a passing interest but a professional calling I wanted to pursue in the future.
Through my work as a teaching assistant, I learned not only technical communication skills but also the importance of assessing others’ understanding levels, adapting my explanations to the situation, and building cooperation and trust. These experiences served as practical nourishment for my growth as an educator.
Efforts and Preparation Related to Motivation for Application and Career Plans
I believe I possess a bright and healthy energy. Everyone radiates different kinds of energy, and it’s impossible to make a blanket judgment about whether it’s good or bad. However, it is certain that the bright and healthy energy I possess has a positive influence on those around me. I believe that such energy is a quality well-suited to the teaching profession.
In particular, elementary school teachers must not only impart knowledge but also serve as role models for children. Children quickly pick up on even the slightest changes in adults—whether in their behavior, facial expressions, tone of voice, or attitude. Therefore, I believe a teacher’s energy must be positive and healthy, and that it is essential to play a role in helping children grow while internalizing the value of positivity.
Drawing on my own energy, I aspire to be a teacher who inspires my students to dream and helps them experience the joy of learning together. My goal is to become a “dynamic teacher” who encourages students with a bright and healthy attitude and continuously improves through tireless effort. To this end, I have been gaining practical teaching experience and developing computer-related skills since high school, and I will continue to prepare by steadily improving my teaching methods and content development skills.