[472 Special] The First Chapter at The Dongguk Post

   My name is Park Da-yeon, a freshman in the Department of English Literature & Interpretation and Translation at Dongguk University. In April 2025, I began my journey with The Dongguk Post as a Cub Reporter, and after 6 months of valuable experiences, I now proudly step forward as a Post Reporter. In this article, I would like to share the journey of my life so far, including the path that eventually led me to join the university’s English language newspaper. 

   Ever since I was young, books have been my closest companions. My family still recalls the sight of a little girl flipping through picture books with intense focus, even before I could read fluently. That love for language grew stronger in high school, especially as I became fascinated with English. To me, English was not just a school subject; it was a key that could open doors to new cultures, ideas, and friendships. It felt like such an attractive and versatile language that connects people across the globe. In my high school days I used to write short essays in English for the school project, which gave me an opportunity to see my words published. Although those pieces were far from perfect, this gave me courage to express my thoughts publicly. However, transitioning from a casual school newsletter to an official university English newspaper felt like a giant leap. I knew that this time, my words would reach a much wider audience, including international students and professors, and that made me both nervous and determined to do my best. It was this passion that led me to pursue English literature and eventually apply to The Dongguk Post. However, the journey was far from easy.

   Applying for The Dongguk Post was not an easy decision. When I first entered Dongguk University, I was both excited and intimidated by the possibilities that lay ahead. The campus felt vast, the people seemed accomplished, and I often questioned whether I could find my place in such an environment. I had just entered college, and everything felt new and unfamiliar. Even the most minor things felt like significant challenges for me, especially applying to an official university organization. I doubted whether I had the language skills to write articles that could represent the university to international students and academic staff. I hesitated until the very last day of the application period.

   However, instead of letting that hesitation stop me, I decided to give it a try, thinking it could be a chance to grow. Preparing for the writing test and interview was not easy, but as I went through the process, I began to feel more confident and motivated. Looking back, submitting that application was the first step toward stepping outside of my comfort zone.

   As a Cub Reporter of The Dongguk Post, I often felt overwhelmed at the first time, struggling with unfamiliar formats, finding article frames, and refining drafts under feedback. However, each mistake became a lesson, and each revision shaped me. I realized that being a good reporter was not about knowing everything from the start, but about learning persistently. I learned how to observe the world with a more curious eye and express myself more clearly. I also learned the importance of accuracy and responsibility, how a single misused word could alter meaning, and how every sentence in an article carries weight. Each assignment, whether big or small, became an opportunity to sharpen my skills and deepen my understanding of journalism. The Dongguk Post opened up a new world where I could not only write but also communicate and grow.

   Looking back, I realize that ever since my first year of high school, I had taken it for granted that I would pursue a major related to English. For a long time, I believed there was no other path for me beyond studying the language. Even now, English remains my closest companion and one of my greatest strengths. However, after entering university and meeting people from diverse backgrounds, I have started to feel a growing desire to expand my horizons. I have met students whose fields of study range from Engineering to Buddhist Philosophy, and each conversation has reminded me that the world is far bigger than the narrow lane I once imagined for myself. I want to see the world from multiple perspectives and engage with it more deeply. My goal is to continue working at The Dongguk Post, writing articles that resonate with readers, while also meeting people from various fields.

   Joining The Dongguk Post is not the end of my journey. It is the beginning. Through my fellow reporters and our alumni, I have seen how words can impact communities. I want to continue growing alongside such inspiring people. I hope to learn from their diverse writing styles, their approach to interviews, and the way they balance journalistic integrity with creativity. I do not want my time at this organization to be spent meaninglessly, but rather a defining chapter in my life. By honing my writing, interviewing, and critical thinking skills, I aim to become a journalist who can communicate across cultures and languages. Above all, I want my work to inspire readers to engage more deeply with the world around them, just as my experiences with The Dongguk Post have inspired me. 

   The Dongguk Post has already given me more than I expected. I will do my best not to let this opportunity slip by. I hope that, through consistent effort and a sincere heart, I can write articles that not only reflect truth but also inspire. I want to grow into a thoughtful journalist and help create a publication that future generations can be proud of. Someday, I hope a future Cub Reporter will read my work and feel the same spark of ambition that I felt when I first joined. With pen in hand and passion in heart, I look forward to every story I will tell. Stories that will remain long after my time at The Dongguk Post has ended, and perhaps inspire the next generation of reporters who will continue this proud legacy.