Undergraduate /
"Onni Annyeong!" Participating in Model United Nations and being a Korean teacher in Thailand [9]
Discuss an accomplishment or event that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood"Onni Annyeong! (Hello, sister!)"
This is what I hear from Thai hill tribe children every weekend. Being a Korean teacher for friendly children is more than exciting. It overwhelms me.
As long as I experienced the reality, indifference will not be accepted. I came to northern Thailand six years ago due to the influence of my parents who put the importance in diverse experience of culture. Going on the airplane that day was turning point of my life. I got really interested in sharing different culture with people and listening attentively to them.
To expose myself, I decided to participate in the Model United Nations. It was last year. Finding efficient ways to support developing countries was one of the topics. The reality of Thailand - pitiful problem regarding relatively weak people's rights - ran across my mind.
Most delegates presented that material support such as food or financial aid is essential. Material support is important. However, as learned from rural place in Thailand, it was obvious that the countries will not be strong for long if we give them a fish. We should teach them how to fish, so I thought providing the ability of self-development is more important than temporary support. As the delegate of Laos, I promised to offer programs that nurture proper schools and teachers for young children. Other delegates gave me applauds with realization that they did not think further. Fortunately, my opinion was written on the first list of the resolution.
Whenever I go to see Thai hill tribe children after Model United Nations, I look at them from a different perspective.
Curious children ask me about the meaning of Korean words written by them on a crumbled yellowish paper. I used to carelessly end the conversation, but I thought systematic education makes the children the leaders of the country. So, I decided to teach Korean to them and got it confirmed by teachers. Although it was once a week, I could assure that it will definitely be helpful.
Teaching someone was not an easy task. However, I noticed that reflecting children's opinions and adjusting my teaching method, or sympathy and interaction is what makes the class more energetic and interactive. Rewards, Q&A time, competition, using media, etc,. were the key to engage students.
With my realization, the class revitalized with enthusiastic participation and soon after, the children possessed amazing skill of communicating simple conversations with native Koreans. And, the students wanted to show their ability to their parents. Respecting opinions, we prepared a small show. The adults were surprised at them singing K-pop and reciting Korean poetry and gave me a cute doll made by them.
Yet, I know that I learned even more from them. So I began teaching even harder with thorough preparation because I really want to return the thankfulness. Through the volunteering, I earned the ability to listen carefully and learned that a little consideration enables to lead and teach people. I used to be shy when expressing opinions, but speaking in front of 300 people in the latest Model United Nations as a Secretary General was rather a worthwhile experience for me.
Participating in Model United Nations and being a Korean teacher gave me the moment to realize that there are more things I can learn through the real experience than through class.
I want to go to developing countries to nurture children there so that the country can develop itself. I want to attend the *** University to achieve my mission with the degree of elementary education. Also, I want to share culture that I have experienced with not only Americans but also from all over the world. I want to retain the knowledge and character of great professors.
I believe ** ** * * University is the best place that fits into my future career in both experiences and motivation. ** ** * * University life will help me to be a great teacher for growing elementary students.
This is my common application 5th prompt,
"Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family"
Please give me feedback on my essay =))
Mistakes/ feedback/ improvements to be made, etc. anything, please!!^^ THANK YOU!