In this blog post, we’ll summarize and introduce the academic efforts and learning experiences of a student who applied to the Department of Electrical Engineering at Kumoh National Institute of Technology during high school, along with their activities in the Electromechanical Club, examples of consideration and cooperation, and their motivation for choosing the department and career plans.
Academic Efforts and Learning Experiences
Although I didn’t originally have much interest in studying, once I found a dream, I realized that studying was necessary and resolved to focus seriously. At first, since I was trying to study so abruptly, my grades didn’t improve much, and my efficiency was low. Even when I planned to spend one hour each on language, math, and a foreign language during evening self-study sessions, I often ended up spending three hours focused on just one subject, and once I got home, I was too exhausted to properly complete the rest of my work—a pattern that repeated itself. Then, through a consultation with my homeroom teacher, I realized that my approach to planning was fundamentally flawed.
Looking at the study schedules of upperclassmen gave me a major epiphany. Rather than planning on a monthly basis, they first set a final goal for the entire year, then broke it down into monthly milestones, and allocated manageable daily workloads based on those milestones. I applied this method directly: I divided my goals through my junior year into language, math, and foreign languages, set achievable targets based on my current level, identified my weaknesses, and then created a monthly plan. As a result, I was less likely to feel overwhelmed by the workload or frustrated by failing to stick to my plan, and my anxiety about studying disappeared. By studying calmly and according to my plan, I was able to achieve the goals I had set for the first time by the end of my sophomore year.
A Meaningful Extracurricular Activity: The Electromechanical Invention Club
I wasn’t particularly good at school, nor did I have a clear dream. I entered the humanities track at my mother’s suggestion, and my low grades sometimes made me feel discouraged. However, joining the Electromechanical Invention Club marked a major turning point. At first, I thought invention was something only exceptionally talented people did, but I found it fascinating to create new devices by repurposing parts from existing machines. For example, I was amazed by the creative process of modifying a coffee machine’s heating element into a humidifier to produce warm mist, or using parts from a humidifier to build stage props.
Through club activities, I organized related study groups and built up my knowledge. In my sophomore year, I formed a team to draft our own invention proposals and bring our ideas to life. Through that process, I developed an interest in electronic engineering and gained insight into my future career path; it became clear to me what I needed to study and which major I should choose. The club was the catalyst that helped me discover my dream, and from then on, instead of just envying my friends’ passion, I began to work hard myself.
Examples of Practicing Consideration and Cooperation During School Life
There was a friend I became close with after we happened to be in the same class. At first, I had preconceived notions about them because they always seemed listless and had a gloomy demeanor, but after having a deep conversation, I learned that they had type 1 diabetes. I came to understand that even though people with type 1 diabetes may appear perfectly healthy on the outside, they are sensitive to stress and can easily become lethargic, which often leads to misunderstandings from those around them.
Once I understood my friend’s situation, I took the initiative to explain the circumstances to those around me and, with my friend’s permission, introduced them to the situation. Whenever I heard people speaking ill of my friend, I spoke up on their behalf to protect them, and as more people became aware of their situation, a circle of good friends began to form. Through this experience, I learned that “understanding” is the most important thing in human relationships, and since then, I’ve adopted an attitude of reaching out first with empathy, free from prejudice.
Motivation for Choosing My Major and Academic/Career Plans After Enrollment
My involvement in the electromechanical club gave me a precious sense of hope for electronic engineering. Filled with excitement and curiosity in the club, I organized study groups, assisted senior members with their projects, and learned how to work with machinery. The sense of accomplishment I felt in my sophomore year—when I wrote an invention proposal and brought my idea to life—was the decisive factor that led me to choose electronic engineering as my major.
I believe electrical engineering is a field characterized by rapid technological advancement and a vast amount of material to learn. I am particularly interested in circuit and systems engineering, as well as computer hardware and software. I plan to diligently complete the relevant major courses and participate in industry-academia collaboration programs to develop practical skills. Although I have not yet decided on a specific career path, I hope to build a strong foundation in my major at the Department of Electrical Engineering at Kumoh National Institute of Technology, discover my true aptitude, and become a professional who can contribute to society in the fields of electronic devices and technology.
