With graduation just around the corner, Jang Sewon is busier than ever! She has delivered a special lecture for freshmen and will soon deliver the graduation speech at the commencement ceremony. Throughout her time at SNU, she dedicated herself to her studies while actively engaging in various volunteer activities. Recently, she passed the teacher certification exam and is now completing training while waiting for her official placement. Majoring in English Education with a double major in Information Science and Culture, her time at SNU has been one of transformation.
“When I first arrived, the students around me seemed extraordinary, and I often found myself questioning my own worth. But I’ve learned that true growth happens when we embrace the mindset of a learner. I believe each of us carries something remarkable—something worth sharing with the world.”
The SNU gym was filled with excited freshmen, all eager to hear Jang Sewon speak. She shared five key ways to make the most of university life—practical advice to help them navigate the fast-moving college years with purpose and fulfillment.
“Fill your university life with things you love. Whatever you do, find ways to get closer to what truly interests you. Even if an experience doesn’t come with recognition or rewards, if it’s meaningful to you, it will help you grow into the person you want to become.”
Throughout her time at SNU, Jang Sewon dedicated herself to various volunteer programs, including SNU Mentoring, Honey Doctor Education Service, the UN World Food Programme Summer Volunteering, SAM Mentoring, and the ISF Korean Language Class. Among them, she participated in SNU Mentoring nearly every year.
“In SNU Mentoring, mentors and mentees exchange letters online once or twice a week, like friends. Since my mentees were teenagers, I focused on asking thoughtful questions that helped them discover their strengths—things like hobbies, friendships, stress management, career choices, and time management. Through these conversations, I encouraged them to move toward their dreams. I truly enjoyed my time with them. Seeing them grow little by little made every moment worthwhile. It also made me wonder—'What if I worked with students every day?' That question slowly guided me toward my career path.”
“You only get one college experience—so make it count.” For Jang Sewon, this mindset didn’t come naturally. It was shaped by an unexpected moment that changed her perspective.
“Back in my freshman year, I was heading home late after a mentoring session with a senior. As we passed the subway station, I suddenly heard a loud scream, followed by a bang. I didn’t see what happened, but I instinctively knew it was an accident. A flood of thoughts rushed in—'Was it someone I know? Could it be an SNU student?' That night, it hit me—college life, just like life itself, is not infinite.” Since then, Jang Sewon has embraced the thrill of new challenges, making every moment count.
During SNU Mentoring, mentors and mentees finally meet in person during the SNU Campus Tour in July. Leading up to the event, she found herself holding back. "I worried about how my mentees would see me. Would they be surprised? Would I lose the good image I had built? I finally opened up about it, but to my surprise, they didn’t care at all. They simply said, ‘Let’s just meet as mentor and mentee.’
“That moment changed everything. "During the campus tour, they treated me the same, no matter how I looked. I realized that I had been the only one holding onto those biases about myself. It reminded me why self-improvement matters—not to fit into expectations, but for my own growth.”
When mentees asked, "How do you find your dream?" she knew she had to start by understanding herself first. Instead of focusing on what she should do, she set goals based on what she genuinely enjoyed. Taking small steps, trying things firsthand, and following her interests helped her navigate the uncertainties of being a freshman.
“If I had to sum up my college experience, I would say ‘people’, ‘challenges’, and ‘learning.’ The warmth of my time at Gwanak comes from the people I met—my parents, supportive professors, friends who stood by me, and my mentees. Challenges brought both fear and excitement, pushing me beyond my limits and helping me grow. And university? It’s a place overflowing with learning, every moment of the day. Just like the words I keep on my desk—‘Endless effort creates miracles’—I hope to keep growing as a teacher who inspires and nurtures students in the same way.”