Mason Korea student, Goeun Jackie Baek (Conf, '23), had a remarkable year working as a program coordinator for the Miracle for Africa Foundation (MAF) in Malawi. Her duties included managing both Daeyang University and Daeyang Luke Hospital while interpreting and translating for all meetings. After a year of making a difference in Malawi, Baek returned to Korea and will continue working at the MAF headquarters in Seoul.
Baek's experience in Malawi was transformative, and during her time there, she presented to H.E. President Chakwera on behalf of MAF. She discussed ways to improve internet infrastructure and ICT education, provide psychosocial relief for Cyclone Freddy victims, and delegate for World Expo 2030 Busan, Korea. Baek also interpreted and spoke for meetings with the Ministry of Health, Education, Foreign Affairs, and CHAM. She also met with the Mayor of Lilongwe to discuss how to use groundwater efficiently and share this resource with nearby villagers.
Reflecting on her experience, Baek shared that "This experience has helped me grow a lot, and it was really Mason Korea and the Career Development Center (CDC) that got me this far." Baek's journey to where she is today was not easy, but she persevered. She worked and studied during her freshman year to pay for tuition. It wasn't until her sophomore year that she discovered the various scholarship options available at Mason Korea. After receiving scholarships and finding work on campus, she was able to focus on improving her grades. And now, she plans to expand MAF's network and provide scholarships to other students so they can have similar opportunities.
Beside scholarship, Baek took advantage of the resources available at Mason Korea, including the Career Development Center, where she interned at the WHO, UNDRR, and participated in the WFUNA UN College Leader's Program. She interned at startups during every summer and winter break to gain a better understanding of business operations and mindset.
Baek's aspirations for the future are to become a lawyer to mediate conflicts in development projects between non-profit organizations, international funds, and grassroots movements, similar to the Independent Redress Mechanism (IRM) in GCF. She recommended her brother to transfer to Mason Korea and apply for the need-based entrance scholarship, informing him of other scholarship opportunities as well.
Baek's dedication to making a positive impact in communities around the world is inspiring, not just to the Mason Korea community, but to everyone who hears her story. Her resilience, hard work, and determination are truly commendable.
April 25, 2023