Life goes on despite limitations and crises. For instance, people have experienced new, unfamiliar changes amidst the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The unexpected fluctuations in the last two years also influenced Korea University (KU) students in various ways: some are inflicted with emotional damage while others relished moments for self-reflection. As it is crucial to accept changes and face the future, The Granite Tower (GT) asked five students about their aspirations and attitudes toward the future with the following questions: during the last two years, have you realized your limitations or underestimated your potential? Based on your experiences, what is the keyword that best reflects your perception of the future and why?

Yun Jong Hyeon (’18, Political Science and International Relations)

I believe understanding weaknesses and underestimating potential are different. Rather, I could evaluate my potential more precisely since I recognized the areas that I should develop and the ways to achieve my goal. There are so many areas that require further knowledge to achieve my dream, compared not only to my peers but also experts in society. Due to this, I was obsessed with my lack of knowledge but managed to solve my dilemma by focusing more on exploring the basic values underlying each field. Through these experiences, I believe my keyword for the future is expectant since uncertainty is what elevates my expectations about the future. There would be no excitement in life if a definite future awaits me.

Park Seong Chul (’19, Electrical Engineering)

My time in the military for the past two years has been a reformative experience. I now find it easier to take the initiative and discern my limitations and potential. Due to COVID-19, many joint training sessions were canceled and during that time, and contemplated what I like, what I’m good at, and what I should do in the future. Accordingly, I figured out the things that I couldn’t suit myself in—I recognized my limitations and boundaries of myself. Thus, I want to choose thrilled as my keyword. With the dream of becoming an Information Technology (IT) developer, I am excited to know what technologies I could endeavor into, as my field requires an endless quest for learning.

Lee Sang Dae (‘19, Interdisciplinary Studies)

Frankly, there were moments when COVID-19 was beneficial for introverts. The online system allowed me to participate in a law colloquium without any burden. If it had been a face-to-face activity, I don’t think I could have made it as the president! If I gain a legal profession in the future, I can say that this experience helped me to reveal my unseen potential as a leader. Therefore, I believe determined is my best keyword. Since high school, I have always dreamed of becoming a legal professional and never had a plan B for my career. I was certain that the law profession suits me the best and such determination became the pivot of my university life.

Jang Jeong Hun (‘21, Philosophy)

I thought I was knowledgeable in many disciplines, especially philosophy. However, while going through a period of self-reflection for two years, I realized my limitations: there were so many intelligent and admirable people in society. Feeling incompetent compared to others, I became scared of my uncertain future. Because of this, I think the keyword of my future is afraid. I sometimes wonder if I can make a living in the future as I haven’t decided what I want to be in the future. Yet acknowledging and embracing my fear, I will take it as my driving force and live a fulfilling life.

Woo Chae Lynn (’21, Food and Resource Economics)

Compared to the goal of my life which was to enter a university, I have done many of the things I dreamed about and realized that my goals are more important than my educational background. At KU, I was able to meet a diverse range of people, especially those passionate about their dreams. Seeing them, I felt that I underestimated my potential and could make my path. Therefore, I would choose inspiring as my keyword. I don’t have a clear vision of what I want to be yet, but I think I can be whatever I want to be in the future. I will value my university life and keep on challenging myself, as I want to make a fortune and acquire a high reputation for myself.