Undergraduate / How I became a curious person - personal statement for GKS-U 2023 [3]

Hi guys, i would really appreciate if you could review my essay for me. It is a personal statement for GKS-U 2023 (global korea scholarship-undergraduate), thank you.

personal statement

Growing up, I heard a lot from my parents that I was a curious person, always asking the "whys" of something. When they did not know the answer to some of my questions they would say "Study about it, and then tell me", and that is what I did. Because of that, I created a habit of always researching things that I was curious about, always trying to understand the same subject from different points of view.

Therefore, my interest in Korea started when I got to know that the Korean educational system is known worldwide to be very efficient and the basis for the economic and social development of the country. I believe that this scholarship is an opportunity for me to discover even more about Korean culture, and language and to deepen my passion for diplomacy and education. Likewise, students who get a diploma overseas get more chances to be successful in their careers, besides giving me a better career perspective; I believe that holding a degree in international relations in Korea would enhance my insight and help me to comprehend practically the issues that I aim to study at the university. I am convinced that with this program I will witness different cultural exchanges and activities that will provide me with a better world understanding, in addition to providing me a high-quality education with prestigious professors and tutors.

Coming from a lower-middle-class background, I was taught the importance of education since I was young. My father did not complete elementary school, and my mom moved to live with her siblings when she was just fifteen since they had to start work at a young age to help their parents; therefore, they ensured that my siblings and I would have the opportunities that they did not have. Hence, I studied in a private institution until middle school, where I worked hard to maintain excellent grades so that I could apply to a professionalizing public school, where I got in with the highest score among other candidates. However, in my second year, I took a test to get into the military police school, and I was successful, reaching third place. Additionally, during my high school years, we were constantly challenged through simulations and lectures in which I could challenge myself and further develop my academic skills. Besides that, I participated in projects where we performed presentations on a variety of themes ranging from health to social issues, and as a result, I was able to broaden my perception of the world's problems while also challenging myself to overcome stage shyness and develop my group work abilities.

During those two years of quarantine, I was able to enhance my love for Korea and its culture. I began learning Korean on my own in 2021, which is also when I learned about the global Korean scholarship. Being the type of person who always seeks to learn more, I signed up for some free online courses to learn Korean, as well as took some courses on the Korean economy and society to understand its culture and development. Furthermore, as someone who believes that education is the first step toward changing our reality, I enhanced my passion for foreign languages and began to study Korean and Italian. I also participated in the Humanities Olympics, and while I did not win any certificates, there were moments when I realized my passion for the humanities as well as international relations and diplomacy.

By the time I participated in my first United Nations Simulation this year when I had the opportunity to discuss the topic of children's militarization, my passion for diplomacy has grown even more. Debating such an important, yet frequently overlooked, issue taught me that society has multiple faces, and how vital it is to bring this sort of dialogue into our community. Aside from that, hearing from so many teenagers with so many ideas demonstrated to me that teamwork is an important component of issue resolution. Similarly, I believe that studying at a Korean institution will embrace my chances of learning with high-quality professors and widen my knowledge by studying with students from all over the world.

Undergraduate / I wish I could live in Alice's Wonderland [2]

Personal Statement for GKS Undergraduate as a International Relations and Diplomacy student

I wish I could live in Alice's Wonderland. When I was about seven years old, I watched a movie featuring a curly-haired girl, who refused to accept her fate and embarked on multiple adventures. This early fascination with Alice's fearless journey through a foreign land, her victories over unimaginable creatures, and her unwavering determination instilled in me the determination to pursue my aspirations.

Since I grew up in an underprivileged home, education has always been a top priority for my family. I constantly sought out the greatest possibilities because we believed that education was the key to thriving socially and personally. As a result, I maintained outstanding grades during elementary school, which allowed me to be accepted into a vocational school. Later, I received admission to a military school.

During my high school years, I discovered my passion for different cultures and people by participating in my first UN simulation. Through that, I gained invaluable insights into global issues and developed the skills necessary to pursue my aspirations in international relations, ultimately aiming to contribute positively to the world. Finding out about this new world, I felt like Alice when she opened that little door that pushed her into Wonderland. Like Alice, I have always been a very empathetic and curious person who is constantly looking to understand how and why things function the way they do. That's why, during the last few years, I worked hard to improve my portfolio by taking online courses after school. These courses allowed me to learn more about Korean culture, language, and English.

Despite my efforts, I almost felt like sacrificing my desire to improve my family's and community's situation, after my mom got fired from her first first job after 20 years. The realization that the world is not a fair place and that there are very few prospects for growth when you don't come from a wealthy background weighed heavily on me. However, my perspective shifted after, despite feeling sad, she was strong enough to recompose herself and chase after her dream of being a children's clothing store owner. Her resilience and determination inspired me to continue pursuing my own passions and dreams, regardless of the challenges I might face.

After my initial experience in a United Nations model simulation during high school, I was captivated by the opportunity to engage with young, hopeful individuals and discuss global issues. Working diligently alongside my peers, we crafted resolutions to address pressing challenges such as security and hunger. These simulations not only honed my oratory and communication skills but also broadened my knowledge of international affairs.

I soon realized that with hard work and the right opportunities, I could turn my dreams into reality. To deepen my understanding of global issues and explore the role of diplomacy and politics, I immersed myself in online courses related to Korean society, diplomacy, and the Korean language. With each lesson, I felt more empowered to make a difference and contribute to positive change. Additionally, I actively participated in free weekly online Korean classes aimed at preparing for the TOPIK exam-an endeavor that paid off when I achieved a Topik I level 2 score.

This journey has reinforced my belief that continuous learning and perseverance can lead to meaningful achievements. I remain committed to contributing positively to the world, just as my mom's resilience inspired me to chase after my aspirations.

My first exposure to Korean culture occurred during the pandemic. This was thanks to the Hallyu wave. K-pop, K-dramas, Korean literature, and language became my companions during those challenging times. As I delved deeper into this vibrant culture, my interest in Korean universities blossomed. I discovered that the Korean educational system was renowned worldwide for its efficiency and serves as a cornerstone for the country's economic and social development. This realization became the driving force to apply for a program in Korea. I picture myself contributing to my own country's growth in the future, inspired by the positive impact Korean education has had on its society.

With this context, I view the Global Korean Scholarship as a gateway. As an international relations student, it offers me the chance to contribute to enhancing access to information and knowledge within my community. Moreover, it aligns with my ultimate aspiration: working for the United Nations (UNO), supporting human rights, creating opportunities, and democratizing knowledge. In retrospect, as I reflect on my journey, I realize that my wish to live in Alice's Wonderland stemmed from a deep-seated belief that every dream seems to be possible. This conviction has been the driving force behind my relentless pursuit of knowledge and my passion for international relations. From my involvement in UN simulations and my immersion in Korean culture during the pandemic, each step has been guided by the belief that dreams, no matter how audacious, are within reach. Just as Alice refused to accept her fate and embarked on adventures beyond her wildest imagination, I, too, have embraced the unknown, fueled by the belief that every dream is a possibility waiting to be realized. In the spirit of Alice, who believed in six impossible things before breakfast, I, too, embrace two convictions: first, that I can make a meaningful impact on the world, and second, that I can secure this scholarship.