Almost 80 percent of Korean high school students decide to go to college. This number far exceeds the average rate of OECD, which is 56 percent. Many scholars concluded that it is the result of society’s structural problems, a university degree being a requisite for employment and success. In a society where entrance to a college is the norm, The Granite Tower (GT) wondered how students felt about their school. GT met four students who answered what school means to them and why they attend Korea University (KU).
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I go to school with thoughts of preparing myself for society. I currently participate in clubs at KU and do internships to experience a version of society. I think it is very helpful to have indirect experience. In school, I have fellow students, seniors and juniors who I converse with on various subjects and fields. Along with studies, I think these activities help form my future career and social life. I am willing to continue working towards fulfi lling all the characteristics that are expected of a college graduate. I believe that it is going to be a very exciting and fun process for me.
---Kim Soo Yeon ('10, Journalism and Mass Communication)
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I thought about this and came up with two reasons. One, as an immature being who is yet to join society, university provides an opportunity to practice dealing with the problems one can come across later in life. For example, while working as a team in classes and with overcoming confl icts between fellow students, one learns to resolve differences and accept diverse thoughts. More importantly, attending and graduating a university opens up more possibilities than anything else. It is where I have the opportunity and resources to work for my dream and improve myself. I am off to serve the military for the next two years and this is the part I regret the most, that I didn’t make the most of my chances. Looking back, I truly believe a university can act as a steppingstone to achieving a successful future if one is willing to strive.
---Kim Hyung Jun ('11, Computer Science Education)
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Before I attended KU, I was a student at Sogang University. Even though Sogang University is an excellent school with great professors and students, there was a tiny part of my mind that wished for a school life at KU. Most of my friends had been accepted to KU and my sister was also a student here. So I was always a bit jealous when they were off participating in Ipselenti and The Annual Ko-Yon Games. Therefore, I decided to give KU one last go before it was too late. Luckily, I got accepted and I was able to enjoy all the things that I wished I had. Ipselenti is probably one of the best experiences a university student can have; cheering with fellow students, enjoying performances by clubs, screaming when celebrities come out. It certainly was a refreshing break from all the mundane activities of normal school life.
---Lee Hye Soo ('12, Liberal Arts)
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I think school provides a background where I can learn and enjoy myself at the same time. I believe all experiences will be an asset to my future. As the captain of our class soccer team, I have worked on creating a strong bond between fellow students, including seniors and juniors. I really enjoy meeting people and it got me through the hardships that I faced in school. I now challenged myself again and joining KUBA, and will start this semester. I have a feeling that I will really enjoy myself and I hope to get close to many people with my active personality despite the language barrier. In short, I go to school because I love being with my friends and interacting with others. KU is the perfect place for it, with its unique atmosphere of valuing social relationships.
---Lee Jung Hyun ('09, Spanish Language and Literature)