In this blog post, I will present answers to each question of the personal statement for admission to the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at Daegu University, focusing on academic efforts, campus activities, and examples of consideration and collaboration, and highlight the lessons I have learned.
Academic Efforts and Learning Experiences
Since I had chosen the science track due to my weak math and science grades, I knew I had to overcome my limitations in those subjects to achieve my dream of pursuing urban planning. Therefore, I planned a project to improve my grades and consulted with my homeroom teacher and classmates who excelled in science. A common issue they pointed out was my “impatience—skimming through theory and immediately attempting difficult problems.” I realized that this impatience actually hindered my understanding, so I changed my study methods. First, I thoroughly organized and memorized the textbook theory, then solidified my understanding of the concepts by systematically solving basic and applied problems related to that theory. By working through problems step by step, starting with the easiest ones, to internalize the theory, my grades actually improved rapidly. My determination to improve my grades led to greater focus and a detailed study plan; by replacing impatience with a systematic approach, I gained confidence in my science and math subjects.
Extracurricular Activities and Lessons Learned
As a member of the broadcasting club’s production team, I placed particular importance on stage direction. Stage direction involved accurately grasping each club’s theme and concept, as well as meticulously checking the spatial design and audience flow. In my sophomore year, as the head of the production team, I was responsible for the festival stage. I researched various materials and analyzed trends to devise a design that would harmonize with all participating clubs. I paid close attention to every detail—from monitor placement and fonts to lighting—to achieve the best possible production. By creating a stage that satisfied everyone and was hailed as “the best ever,” I felt a great sense of fulfillment as a director.
I also participated in an architecture seminar hosted by a local architecture club alliance and submitted an urban planning research portfolio representing my school. Having personally experienced the limitations of my residential area, I structured my portfolio around urban planning strategies that highlight local specialties and tourist attractions while fostering connections with other regions. Including architectural design research models, I proposed ways to improve the region’s first impression. The portfolio received positive feedback at the seminar, and I was even approached with suggestions on how it could be utilized by actual urban planning researchers. This experience solidified my dream of pursuing urban planning and served as a catalyst for continuously developing my portfolio by exploring urban planning case studies from South Korea and other countries. I hope to continue building on these skills in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at Daegu University.
Examples of Practicing Consideration, Sharing, and Collaboration
As the director of the broadcasting department during festival preparations, I had to hold continuous meetings with the student council, the university administration, and various clubs. Since the university’s investment was necessary to build the stage, I played a significant mediating role. Balancing the demands of various stakeholders kept me so busy that I wished I had multiple bodies, but I did my best, driven by my passion to create a stunning stage space. Through this process, I realized that while “cooperation” is important, “empathy and understanding” are essential for fostering it. I learned that the benefits of collaboration are maximized only when we respect each other’s goals, understand one another’s perspectives, exchange ideas, and are willing to compromise and make sacrifices for one another. Although conflicts were inevitable given our clear objectives, we resolved issues through constant communication and consideration, and in the process, I deeply internalized the lesson that consideration for one another is the top priority in collaboration.
