Set the goal! 목표 세우기!

                           (written in 2003)

I visited my alma mater last vacation to see some of my professors. One of them, who teaches phonetics, asked me to write some guidelines for writing in English for junior students. I simply said "yes," but I couldn't write anything because my own writings are still corrected by copyreaders. But I still decided to write something about it.

 I enjoy writing for the 'Thoughts of the Times' column of the Korea Times, through which I share my experiences, impressions, and thoughts with other readers. Other reasons are to improve my proficiency in English writing and to contribute something to my community. I make constant efforts to keep writing in English. In view of the fact that English is my second language to me, I accept it's natural for my writing to be corrected. I'm still not fully comfortable with writing in English, but I find it enjoyable and satisfying to share my thoughts with others to the extent that I can.

 To be honest, I didn't enjoy studying. After high school, I simply gave up studying. It wasn't until a year and a half later after graduating from high school that I had to study again to get into college. It was because I wasn't able to enter the nunnery. I had to make a choice between studying and working, and finding a job wasn't appealing to me at the time.

 Studying wasn't easy, especially after a considerable break. But I could enter the English department at Hannam University in Taejon. It was more like a miracle to me. From the onset of my college education,, I had a specific goal in mind--to become a good translator. But I didn't dare speak it out loud as I was too aware of my ability, or rather the lack of it. It was just a dream.

 The more and more I studied the English language and literature, I realized I seriously lacked the basics. It was rather expected as I didn't concentrate on studying during middle and high school. Nevertheless, I did my best. I stayed long hours in the library. One of my professors, who is retired now, advised me to keep reading English books. So, I started with simple English texts and later moved on to novels and poems together with a study group. Whenever I wrote something, I eagerly and bravely knocked on the doors of the offices of foreign professors for correction. I wasn't ashamed of my poor capability and mistakes because of my strong goal. My ardent efforts awarded me with scholarships throughout my college years up until graduation.

 God surely helps those who help themselves. I even got a two-year scholarship at the University of the Philippines-Diliman for my master's degree. For me, it was more than going abroad. I truly believe these are all gifts from God. There are many generous people around the world, and they have rendered great help to me so far. I couldn't have done anything on my own, not without God's guidance. I did what I could do within my power, and my professors were always quick to offer me assistance.

 I just want to say one thing: Set a clear, specific goal. With a firm goal in mind, we can overcome any obstacles, and bear the fruits of faithfulness, endurance, consistency, understanding, sincerity, and generosity.

 After setting up a goal, we can consider various ways of improving ourselves to achieve it. I set my mind on becoming a translator for the sake of God's glory. The next obvious step was for me to devote more time and energy to refining and enhancing my English skills. There is no shortcut in studying. Studying is very honest. The results reward our constant and faithful efforts. Also, the more I study, the more I feel my knowledge is insufficient. And this realization always makes me humble.

 Dreams will come true. I wanted to become a nun immediately after high school, but I had to wait another 10 years before being accepted into the nunnery in 1992. God is merciful and always listens to us. Miracles happen if we have inner eyes.

 I am now getting myself ready to serve my community. Another miracle will happen to me. Cheer up, my dear juniors. We can change our lives. If we can change ourselves, then we can change our society and the world. There are many people with good hearts who are willing to help you. Just do your best at the present moment. Do what you can do now and dream on. 

 The Korea Times/ Thoughts of the Times/  July 2, 2003