In this blog post, I will outline, in order, my academic experiences, school activities, examples of consideration and cooperation, as well as my motivation for applying and my career plans during my time in high school.
Writing About Academic Experiences and Reflections
Not knowing something isn’t a bad thing. When I was younger, I was particularly timid when it came to studying. I struggled especially with reading and understanding English grammar, and I felt very embarrassed to ask questions. I would shrink back, worried that I might look like I hadn’t done my homework or that asking for help was the wrong thing to do.
However, my perspective changed when I met a wonderful English teacher during my freshman year of high school. The teacher said, “Everyone has things they’re not good at. Just as you have strengths, there’s no need to feel intimidated just because there are things you’re not good at.” Those words provided great comfort and courage, and they became the turning point that helped me overcome my timidity.
From that moment on, I adopted the belief that “not knowing something isn’t a bad thing” and became a student who made sure to address any areas I didn’t understand. I stopped letting even minor questions that arose during class go unanswered and began asking them right away, developing the habit of asking questions immediately—even outside of the question-and-answer time teachers set aside at the end of class.
Through these questions, I was able to correct misunderstandings I’d had in English and Korean, which in turn changed the way I approached problem-solving. I reviewed the topics where my curiosity had been satisfied with the determination never to make the same mistake again, and my skills gradually improved through repeated study.
Through this experience, I learned how important it is to take the initiative to ask questions about what I don’t know. Since no one will tell me unless I ask, I developed the inquisitive spirit and courage to ask questions proactively.
Major School Activities and Reflections
While serving as a member of the Student Leadership Club, I rediscovered the true meaning of “leadership.” The Student Leadership Club was the first activity I joined after entering high school, and I had initially hesitated because I usually don’t like speaking up loudly or meddling in others’ affairs. However, my experience with the Discipline Committee turned out to be different from what I had expected.
The main role of the Discipline Committee was to stand at the school gate once a day, dressed neatly in our school uniforms, and greet everyone properly. Our advisor told us, “Setting a good example for others is the greatest form of discipline,” and those words completely changed my perspective. I came to realize firsthand that it is our own actions—not coercion or enforcement—that influence those around us.
Over the two years I served on the Student Conduct Committee, I witnessed how simply dressing neatly led students to naturally follow school rules. The small example I set became a model for my friends, and as a result, I experienced a positive change in the school’s atmosphere.
As head of the Physical Education Club, I also took on the role of organizing recreational activities for my peers. Our physical education teacher did not want PE class to simply be spent on self-study, and since I agreed with his philosophy, I took on the role of club president to plan activities. My duties included holding monthly meetings with my peers to discuss activities for PE class, reporting and coordinating the results with the teacher, and ensuring we had all the necessary supplies.
While leading these meetings, I learned the “power of voluntary participation.” Once students were able to choose their own activities, even those who usually avoided physical activity began to participate voluntarily and developed a mindset focused on adhering to the purpose and rules of the activities. Through this experience, I became convinced that when creating rules or programs, allowing members to participate and make decisions on their own yields greater results than imposing them from the outside.
Writing About Examples of Consideration, Sharing, and Cooperation, and My Reflections
Once, while playing dodgeball during PE class, we got into a major fight with the class next door. The fight started over whether a player had crossed the line, and as emotions ran high during the game, it escalated to physical contact. I tried to resolve the issue first with the PE club president from the other class, but since tempers wouldn’t cool down, the situation didn’t calm until our teacher stepped in to mediate.
After the incident, I worried that dodgeball might be banned altogether or restricted to just our class, so I went directly to the teacher to apologize and asked if we could continue playing. I suggested we play only within our own class, but the teacher instead encouraged us to hold another official match against the neighboring class as a way to reconcile.
At first, I was anxious about facing the same situation again, but I consulted with the sports captain from the neighboring class and arranged a rematch. During the game, we naturally relaxed, and our feelings toward each other eased without the need for explicit words of reconciliation. This was because, having fought once, we understood which issues were sensitive, and we developed an attitude of mutual consideration during the game to avoid conflict.
Through this experience, I learned that the process of reconciliation is more important than simply preventing arguments. I also deeply realized that, in conflict situations, consideration and cooperation—the willingness to understand one another—play a major role in preventing and resolving trouble.
Efforts and Preparation Related to Motivation for Application and Career Plans
My dream is to become a police officer. This choice stems not simply from a love of physical education or experience speaking in front of people, but because I believe the role of police officers in maintaining public safety in South Korea is the most admirable. I decided to apply to the Department of Police Administration because I want to contribute to creating an environment where people can walk safely even at night.
After enrollment, I plan to first build a solid foundation in the legal, administrative, and public safety knowledge required of a police officer through my studies. I intend to thoroughly study foundational theories—such as criminal law, criminology, and police administration—and actively take advantage of relevant seminars and practical training opportunities to gain hands-on knowledge.
I also believe physical fitness is essential. As a female police officer, consistent physical conditioning is crucial for performing my duties during overnight shifts or in high-stress situations. I will maintain a regular exercise routine and continue structured training to prepare for physical fitness tests.
Finally, I will not neglect my personal character and mental preparation. I will foster strong relationships with my seniors and juniors, learn from the experiences of my seniors, and follow the guidance of my professors to cultivate practical insight and a spirit of service. Through volunteer work and activities both on and off campus, I will internalize the values of consideration and sharing, and I will strive consistently to grow into a police officer who is well-rounded in academics, physical fitness, and mental fortitude.