[472 Special] My Aspirations on Stepping into the Unknown

   Before entering university, I believed my college life would revolve solely around labs and blueprints. As a Mechanical Engineering student, I was certain that spending countless hours immersed in physics and mathematics would be my everyday routine. I imagined my days filled with formulas, calculations, and the complexities of machine design. However, unexpectedly, early in my first semester, I came across a recruitment notice for new reporters at The Dongguk Post. At that moment, I found myself wondering why I felt such a strong pull toward this opportunity.

   Writing in English was an unfamiliar and daunting challenge for me. I was much more comfortable with numbers and equations than with letters and words. I questioned whether my writing could effectively reach others and whether my thoughts could be fully expressed in a language that was not my first. Yet, it was this very unfamiliarity that drew me in. I believe language is not merely a tool for communication but a powerful way to change the way we think and perceive the world. I wanted to go beyond my major and learn to view the world from a fresh perspective. With that desire, I decided to begin this journey at The Dongguk Post.

   Being a Cub Reporter, I have been learning more than just how to write articles. I am learning how to observe the world deeply, how to ask meaningful questions, and how to seek answers through storytelling. At the first time, even writing a short article took a great deal of time, and doubts about whether I was on the right track often filled my mind. However, through drafting, receiving detailed and constructive feedback from senior reporters, and revising my work repeatedly, I have gradually learned to think like a journalist. Each moment spent asking questions, observing more thoughtfully, and considering how to effectively convey what I see and feel to readers has been an invaluable learning experience.

   My background in Engineering has enabled me to develop a unique perspective at The Dongguk Post. I find it fascinating to explore where technology intersects with society and strive to explain complex issues in a way that is accessible to many. During the last semester break, I had the opportunity to write a feature story focused on mobility technology, specifically autonomous vehicles and urban air mobility. These two fields represent the forefront of transportation innovation, blending technological advancement with social change. Preparing this article involved researching the latest developments and analyzing real-world applications; and such experience helped me enhance my ability to translate technical content into more engaging, understandable narratives.

   This experience has also taught me the importance of perseverance and adaptability. Writing for an English language newspaper as a STEM student has often pushed me beyond my comfort zone, challenging me to communicate complex ideas clearly and compellingly. Every article I write is an opportunity to improve not only my language skills but also my critical thinking and ability to connect technical concepts with everyday life. These skills, I believe, will be invaluable no matter which path I take in the future, whether I remain in Engineering, journalism, or somewhere at the intersection of both.

   I am fully aware that there is still far more to learn and many experiences yet to come. Nevertheless, I am determined to seize every opportunity to grow into a more insightful and skilled reporter. I want to expand my horizons beyond engineering and develop a well-rounded view of society. My goal is to write stories that resonate with readers and provide thoughtful perspectives on the complex issues we face today.

   Starting at The Dongguk Post has fundamentally changed the course of my college life. Stepping away from familiar paths and courageously opening the door to the unknown has become one of the most meaningful decisions I have made. Moving forward, I want to meet people from a variety of fields, listen carefully to their stories, and gain balanced insights into the world around us. I aspire to be a journalist who shares honest and impactful voices, inspiring readers to think deeply and engage with the issues that matter.

   As I continue this path, I cherish every challenge, lesson, and encounter that The Dongguk Post brings. I look forward to the many possibilities and transformations that lie ahead. I dream of the day when I can look back with pride on my journey and know that I have become a journalist who makes a difference.

   Moving forward along, I value every challenge, lesson, and encounter that comes my way. Covering stories has shown me that journalism is not only about writing but also about listening with patience and conveying perspectives with fairness.

   In the end, my greatest hope is to grow into a journalist whose work not only informs but also inspires people to see the world with new eyes. Not just someone who reports facts, but someone who shines a light on important stories that might otherwise go unheard. Someone who listens deeply, writes thoughtfully, and inspires readers to engage with the world around them. Not just someone who reports facts, but someone who shines a light on important stories that might otherwise go unheard. Someone who listens deeply, writes thoughtfully, and inspires readers to engage with the world around them. This is the goal that drives me now, and the one I will continue to pursue throughout my college years and beyond.