The author reflects on a transformative journey shaped by faith and a desire to understand beauty beyond appearances. They pursued a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, driven by a passion for media, while embracing an unconventional learning style focused on experiential knowledge. Experiences with diverse cultures nurtured a passion for global communication. Influenced by advertising figures and a professor emphasizing social relationships in media, the author realized that true beauty lies in human connections. This revelation prompted a shift toward the beauty industry in their senior year, leading them to commit to beauty studies and celebrate humanity's essence.
I majored in Journalism and Mass Communication at Univ. Like many others, I loved watching TV and was drawn to the intense emotions or the flood of information on the screen. Whether it evoked emotions or delivered bursts of information, I was captivated. So, naturally, there was an unspoken certainty that I would choose a major related to media when I applied for university.
However, interestingly, in Korea, a specific hierarchy exists based on university names or departments, a flow of "academic elitism" or "rank culture" that allows people to gauge their social and academic standing.
The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication I entered was well-regarded among my parents' generation and, even earlier, known as a department where intelligent and outspoken students gathered. Students who loved to speak out loud and confidently took over the neighbourhood, and the whole nation was drawn to this field.
But I was different.
I enjoyed studying, but I wasn't the type of student whose efforts translated directly into grades. It was somewhat unconventional. Instead of simply solving problems according to the format, I needed to understand the background of the issue or principle first. I loved listening to various perspectives from different scholars before coming to my conclusions. Only then did I feel like I truly understood the problem, and I found this way of studying enjoyable and fulfilling.
As you might guess, I was the quintessential humanities student who loved to express myself. I wouldn't say I liked math. I was the kind of kid who couldn't grasp the concept behind simple addition.
Looking back, the best educational method for me was "learning by doing, outside the classroom."
A particularly fond memory is from elementary school when I used to go with my mom to the Digital Chosun Ilbo Canadian Cultural Institute in Jeongdong, where I learned from native Canadian instructors. I participated in Summer Camps during summer breaks, where we studied Korean culture in English outside the classroom. This experience improved my English skills, helped me understand global cultures, and facilitated tolerance through learning from native speakers. Of course, nowadays, it's common for young children to attend English kindergartens, but back then, not many kids could learn directly from native speakers. (Thank you, mom :) )
As a result, looking back now, I realize that I was a child who loved and craved experiential learning, often referred to as "living education," more than anyone else. Perhaps, while I excelled in Korean, English, art, and music, my performance in other subjects needed strength.
In my senior year of high school, my teacher warned me that my grades were so poor that it would be difficult to get into university. However, I didn't take the annual CSAT (College Scholastic Ability Test). Instead, I was accepted into university through early admission, and I was able to enroll in college miraculously.
From childhood until now, my life hasn't drawn a perfect circle. Instead, God has always guided me, allowing me to discover my meaning and never suppressing my passion for academics, art, and language. Even though my path may be oval-shaped and a bit unique, I've always found my way.