Serving the community
Ironically, I have come to realize that I have gained more from helping other people than I did from any of my other life experiences. Practical experience has already taught me some aspects of my society, and the value of community service. Such service and volunteer work have helped me understand meaningful aspects of the society that I live in, as well as to define myself as part of that society. The volunteer work which has inspired me the most is listed below.
1. Asan Children's Hospital
I am happy when I am with children. The first time I visited Asan Hospital, it shocked me to see so many of kids running around in patient robes. The more time I spent with them, the more I realized the variety and severity of sicknesses that these children were suffering. Some of the children had casts around their arms, legs, and even their head. Some had cancer. I regularly witnessed them going through painful medical procedures in a separate room. My naive assumption that all children were healthy was proven so wrong. But in the end, after this experience at the hospital, I was able to become more aware of reality; I had a chance to realistically place myself in situations that I may face during my future professional career. Although I was allowed to spend only a limited amount of time with them, and although half of that time I was dressed in a funny costume, I was very glad and relieved that I could bring some small joy and laughter to these kids.
Link : youtu.be/LudQjUzB_XM
2. Fundraising for the Sewol Ferry Tragedy
Link to article: https://www.theguardian.com/world/south-korea-ferry-disaster
The Sewol Ferry capsized while sailing from the northern port of Incheon, just 45 kilometers east of my home, to the southern Korean vacation island of Jeju. It was a disastrous tragedy which was widely reported, and broadcast by media all over the world this year. I witnessed the deaths of hundreds of others just like myself, Korean teenagers, high school students just like me, travelling on a school outing. It reminded me of similar trips which I have taken myself. It was a tragedy up-close and personal for me; I experienced pain and empathized with those who lost their loved ones. My friends and I resolved to help reconstruct the lives of the families left behind. Our fundraising efforts were not much, but our effort was heartfelt. We were able to raise money and deliver it to the families of the victims. Considering the scope of their loss our effort seems meager, but it was the best we could do at the time. I want to help the survivors get back on their feet. This tragic event is on-going and many people are still in need of help.
3. Samsung Hospital Concert
Link to performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zG6vXMUFdo
Playing the violin is a talent that I have developed over the last 12 years. I enjoy music and love sharing it with fellow students and everyone else within earshot. With a group of peers, I organized a small concert for patients at Samsung Hospital in southwestern Seoul. We performed a program together, and also performed our solo pieces. My contribution was a piece called the "Goose's Dream." This song is one of my favorite pieces because it satisfies me both musically and emotionally. It always cheers me up whenever I experience any hardship. A passage from the Goose’s Dream is the same as my own dream. “Yes, I have a dream, I believe in that dream, and watch me as I succeed in the dream."
This specific line from the song really touches me. I hope that the members of the audience from Samsung Hospital received the same pleasure as I did when I performed the music for them.
