In this blog post, I’ll summarize my academic experiences and school activities during high school, examples of my consideration and cooperation, and my preparation for and reasons for applying to the Early Childhood Education Department.
Academic Experiences and Reflections
Creating My Own Mnemonic Devices to Organize and Memorize Information I enjoy making studying fun and enjoyable. I believed that since I had to study anyway, it was more effective—and the information stuck with me longer—to study in ways I discovered on my own, making the process fun and exciting rather than boring. So, I created and used various methods, such as composing songs to memorize information, drawing pictures to memorize maps, and deriving formulas in my own unique way.
For example, when I needed to memorize a world map or the distribution of artifacts around the world—or when I had to remember the capital of my country or the locations of artifacts from different historical periods—I would draw pictures myself and use their shapes to memorize them. Rather than simply memorizing “what is located where” by rote, the method of drawing by hand and remembering through shapes stuck with me much longer; above all, the process itself was enjoyable. Memorizing through hands-on, experiential activities gave me motivation to learn.
Whether I was memorizing events involving historical figures, chemical symbols, or math formulas, I would create songs in my own words or come up with playful phrases to repeat them over and over. Memorizing this way helped the information stick better, and even though it sometimes felt a bit cheesy, the fact that I could study while laughing was a huge advantage for me. This approach went beyond being merely a means to an end; it helped me cultivate an attitude of enjoying the learning process itself.
Some people say that studying must always be taken seriously. However, I don’t believe that’s the only correct approach. Especially for students like me who aren’t naturally “cut out for studying,” simply sitting at a desk and studying with a serious attitude can actually be counterproductive. I’ve learned through my own experience that some people are better suited to studying while moving around, drawing pictures, or summarizing things out loud to themselves—and that there’s a method that works best for each individual.
Through this experience, I resolved to become a teacher who can understand each student’s individual learning style. Rather than forcing the methods that worked for me onto other students, I decided to become a teacher who understands each student’s unique characteristics and tendencies and works with them to find learning methods that suit them best. This was the most valuable lesson I gained from my high school academic experience.
Writing About Major School Activities and Reflections
My First Volunteer Experience Captured My Heart Strangely enough, my first volunteer experience was a visit to an orphanage during my freshman year of high school, which was part of a class field trip. My homeroom teacher suggested volunteering at the orphanage instead of the usual class field trip, and since many of my classmates agreed, we ended up combining the field trip with volunteer work. Up until then, I had only participated in volunteer work through public organizations, so I was both excited and anxious about what I would actually be doing.
That first volunteer experience didn’t captivate me with joy—it captivated me with a deep sadness. The children I met at the orphanage weren’t receiving the care and love they should have been getting on a daily basis. In particular, the absence of a “mother” felt like a great loss to them, and its impact was evident in many areas, such as their health, self-esteem, and interpersonal relationships. Seeing how these young children constantly lived in fear of the world, I—though not yet an adult myself—felt a strong urge to do something to help them.
From that point on, I began visiting the orphanage as often as possible. Since it was exam season, going once a week was difficult, but whenever I could, I made time to visit more frequently on weekends or during school breaks to help with whatever needed doing, such as cleaning, cooking, or assisting with playtime. Since there was a wide range of ages—from newborns to older children—and they were always short-handed, I felt it was important to consistently help, even with small tasks.
Through this process, I personally experienced the joy of caring for children, and the desire to provide better opportunities, especially for those facing hardships, became one of my life’s goals. Volunteering meant more to me than just an activity; it helped me deeply understand the value of care.
While participating in efforts to build a facility for children, I happened to see an article about a free daycare center opening in my area, so I immediately contacted the facility. When I asked if they needed volunteers, they were very pleased and said they needed someone to help with facility promotion and managing online fundraising. I applied for the role without hesitation.
At first, I was clumsy and made many mistakes, but as I learned step by step, I used Facebook, online communities, and blogs to raise awareness about the facility and assist with fundraising. Spreading information and bringing people together online was by no means easy, but knowing that these small efforts collectively contributed to the facility’s completion brought me great fulfillment. The sense of pride I felt when it was finally completed was indescribable.
Through these two activities, I learned the true meaning of volunteering and the value of sustained participation. I also came to realize firsthand just how much of a difference it makes to maintain a consistent interest and provide ongoing support, rather than engaging in one-time activities.
Examples of Compassion, Sharing, and Cooperation, and My Reflections
A Step Toward Building a Harmonious Class In my freshman year, I met a wonderful homeroom teacher who helped me realize the importance of a positive class atmosphere. If I hadn’t met that teacher back then, I might not have found my dream and might have chosen a different path. Through personal experience, I learned that a positive classroom atmosphere has a major impact on students’ career paths and attitudes.
However, things were different in my second year. The newly assigned teacher was handling a homeroom class for the first time and seemed unsure of how to manage the students; as communication broke down, dissatisfaction and division began to arise among the students. Since trust between the teacher and students failed to develop, the class couldn’t bond, and conflicts became frequent.
Feeling that the class atmosphere would never recover if things continued this way, I volunteered to be class president in the second semester. I had many conversations with the teacher and tried to have honest discussions with my classmates as well. Although the teacher was taken aback at first, she began to open up, and we worked together with her to plan various activities and foster class unity.
Even classmates who were initially reluctant to participate gradually came on board one by one, and eventually, a single volunteer activity served as a catalyst that greatly united the class. Through this process, I learned the power of sincerity and authenticity. I realized that when we speak openly from the heart, we can clear up misunderstandings, and that as our efforts to understand one another accumulate, the atmosphere definitely changes.
This experience taught me the importance of conflict management and cooperation. I became convinced that small actions that build trust—between teachers and students, and among students themselves—such as active listening, communication, and collaborative activities—ultimately restore the sense of community and create a healthier learning environment.
Efforts and Preparation Related to Motivation for Application and Career Plans
I aspire to become a teacher who lives “always anew.” Children who do not receive enough love become hurt and sometimes lose their way in life. I believe that if the number of such children increases, society as a whole will be affected; therefore, I believe the profession of a kindergarten teacher goes beyond a mere job and requires a great sense of responsibility.
I believe I must be someone who comforts very young children and helps them not by “teaching” them, but by adopting an attitude of “growing” together with them. I feel that I must major in early childhood education with this sense of responsibility, and I have prepared myself to develop these qualities.
The reason I believe I possess the qualities to become such a teacher is precisely because of my attitude of striving to live “always anew.” I want to be a teacher who isn’t afraid of change and who can inspire children’s dreams through new methods and experiences. This attitude was greatly influenced by my homeroom teacher.
The homeroom teacher I met in first grade constantly sought out new activities even amid the routine of daily teaching. To make field trips and hands-on activities more meaningful, she would call early-morning meetings to research various organizations, striving to provide her students with a wide range of experiences.
Watching her, I learned the power of education and the profound impact a good teacher can have.
Thanks to her, I discovered my dream and have never forgotten the inspiration she gave me. Moving forward, I will continue to strive to become a teacher who can inspire the children I meet in the same way. With a commitment to becoming a teacher who is constantly growing through practical volunteer work, field experience, and the exploration of new teaching methods, I am applying to the Department of Early Childhood Education at Korea National University of Education.
