Describe the environment you come from - for example, your family, community, or school - and how this environment has affected or influenced your plans for the future.
Moving to the Philippines and to a new school-an international school-changed a great deal of me, my ideas and opinions, my life, and my future. At first, I thought the people I encountered were very different and somewhat awkward. However, after three whole years of life in the contrasting environment, I found myself like the people I considered odd once.
The two main environments I have been in and that affected me are schools Korea and the Philippines. I was in Korea and attended school in Korea my whole life before I moved to the Philippines and started eighth grade in International School of Manila.
In Korea, I was-I admit-very close-minded. I was very negative on a lot of things such as people from other countries and new ideas. I did not express my feelings that well, and was not that active at all. Also, the school I attended there, like all other local Korean schools, was very strict and conservative. However, all my characteristics changed when I moved to the Philippines-to a new environment.
When I first entered International School of Manila, the first thing I noticed was the uniforms. Everybody had different colored uniforms in different forms-mini-skirts, long skirts, shorts, long pants, and so on. I thought that the color was by grades, but it turned out not. The students were free to choose the color and the form of their uniform everyday, even the Physical Education uniforms had different designs on them! I was shocked-for the uniforms in Korea looked the same, and the girls were forced to wear skirts. I think that was the first time I felt that the school I was about to attend to was freer than that in Korea. Later on, I got used to it and felt that it was all natural.
Because the school I attended to was an international school, I met a lot of friends from all over the world. Thus, my negative-ness against people from other countries besides Korea changed almost immediately. I realized that they were just like me-even if the cultures and religions might be different.
One big accomplishment that I have earned due to going to an international school in another country is the fact that I learned English. This one big-but-simple fact changed my whole life. If I had stayed in Korea, I would have just gone to a Korean university, whereas because I studied in the Philippines, I am now applying for an American school.
However, after three whole years of life in the contrasting environment, I found myself sharing commonalities with the people whom I had considered to be so odd.
I attended school in Korea my whole life before I moved to the Philippines and started eighth grade in International School of Manila.
Thus, my negativity about people from other countries besides Korea changed almost immediately.
Good luck!
Kevin
