► What book have you found interesting in the last year? What appealed to you about this book?

A book I have found interesting this year is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Living in Korea I don’t get as many chances to study English literature as students living in the U.S., and this book really showed me how powerful words could be. I was especially touched by Lee’s subtle blending of childhood innocence with such a heavy topic like racism.

► What do you think are your greatest strengths?

I think my greatest strengths are that I am diligent and hard-working in whatever I do, and I am an extremely optimistic, positive person. First, no matter the task I pride myself in always putting in my best effort. I believe steady hard work is crucial in success, and I apply this belief to everything I do, whether it is school-related or not. Second, I am by nature a friendly, optimistic person. I hear on many occasions that I keep a good attitude even at the most difficult of times, and I consider this one of my strengths because it not only keeps me happy, it motivates the people around me as well.

► What do you think are your greatest weaknesses?

I think my greatest weaknesses are that sometimes I am too concerned about what happens to other people and how they feel that I end up being too unconcerned about myself. I feel I need to become less leisurely in this increasingly competitive world.

► What do you find challenging in your day-to-day life? Please elaborate.

In my day-to-day life, I find certain elements of competition challenging. I live in an intensely education-driven part of Seoul, which causes students to become overly competitive and even malicious at times. I try to maintain a balance between independent success and friendship, but sometimes this is difficult.

► Tell us why you want to go to an independent boarding school.

I want to go to an independent boarding school because I believe it will give me the best possible education. In addition to a high-quality academic education, the people I meet and the experiences I undergo will help me for the rest of my life.

► What academic subjects interest you the most? Why?

The academic subjects that interest me the most are English and art. I like English because I have been exposed to it from a very young age, so it is more of a fun topic of study than a burden. I enjoy art because it enables me to express my creativity.

► What is the most important extracurricular activity to you? Why?

Fine art is the most important activity to me because it is the activity I have been doing the longest and gives me the greatest pleasure. It is extremely interesting learning about it, and I get great satisfaction seeing myself improve steadily. Perhaps the biggest reason this activity is so important to me, however, is because it is my way of expressing myself. Through art I am able to express my creativity as well as my emotions.

► Are there any activities in which you have not had the chance to participate, but that you might like to try at our school?

I would love to try different sports such as basketball because I have never been on a competitive sports team before and look forward to experiencing true teamwork. I am also interested in speech and debate because I believe it will help me become more articulate.

► Please describe the courses of study you have enjoyed the most in the last two years and note why they have been of special interest to you. Include any recognition you have received.

The courses of study I have enjoyed the most in the last two years are English, Korean literature, and art. Korean literature is interesting because I am encouraged to think outside the box and analyze texts from different angles, which is very stimulating. I like English because I have been exposed to it from a very young age, so it is more of a fun topic of study than a burden. I enjoy art because it enables me to express my creativity.

► List and briefly describe your principal interests outside of school, including hobbies, family activities, summer jobs, and recreation.

My principal interests outside of school are cooking, dining with my family, watching movies, and drawing. Cooking allows me to explore my creative side while bonding with my family. I also cherish the time my entire family sits down together to eat and talk, because it is becoming increasingly rare with everyone’s busy schedule. I love watching movies because I can study English while enjoying myself, and drawing has been one of the most important activities for me since childhood.

► Why do you think our school would be a good match for you?

I think your school would be a good match for me because it will give me the best possible academic education, but just as importantly it will give me a chance to achieve personal growth through the many diverse relationships I will form there. I look forward to being part of a close-knit community of people who look out for each others’ best interests.

► What subjects have you particularly enjoyed, and why have they interested you?

The subjects I have particularly enjoyed are English and art. I like English because I have been exposed to it from a very young age, so it is more of a fun topic of study than a burden. I enjoy art because it enables me to express my creativity.

► What do you feel are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

I think my greatest strengths are that I am diligent and hard-working in whatever I do, and I am an extremely optimistic, positive person. I think my greatest weaknesses are that sometimes I am too concerned about what happens to other people and how they feel that I end up being too unconcerned about myself. I feel I need to become less leisurely in this increasingly competitive world

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