Five Mason Korea students, one of them a recent graduate, shared their university life experiences during a recent talk they gave to incoming freshmen. The purpose of their talk was to inspire and guide their fellow peers as they embark on their academic journey at Mason Korea.
These five students were part of the Patriot Plus Program (PPP), a specially tailored initiative aimed at enhancing the English language proficiency of incoming students. Mason Korea, being a US university with all its courses conducted in English, often presents a significant challenge for native Korean students. PPP is designed to ease this transition by offering language support.
The students delivered their insights to new PPP students during the Fall 2023 PPP Information Session led by Dr. Eunhee Seo, a faculty member who also serves as the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Program Coordinator at Mason Korea.
Cora (Seoyoung) Ji (business, ’23), a recent graduate, candidly shared about her initial struggles. She recalled failing all her classes during her first semester, a stark contrast to her expectations. Her transformation began when she reached out to her academic advisor and actively participated in class, ultimately earning straight A's and landing on the Dean's List for three consecutive semesters. “Don’t be afraid to speak up in class,” she urged the freshmen.
Suhyoung Ji, a junior majoring in global affairs, opened up about her challenges with time management, particularly when she was balancing her academic workload and extracurricular activities. She described how seeking help from a professor helped her overcome these obstacles. “I now serve as a Learning Assistant (LA) for Professor Eunhee Seo’s EAP-110 course and I love it. Don’t be discouraged by challenges and always reach out for help,” she advised.
Seo Hyeon Ryu, a junior majoring in conflict analysis and resolution, emphasized the importance of actively seeking opportunities. She encouraged fellow students to explore resources like the Career Development Center (CDC) and pursue research fellowships at relevant research centers, such as PACSC Asia. Currently, she is engaged in a part-time internship with an NGO.
Hazel Park, a junior majoring in business, reflected on her initial struggle as a PPP student when even a single assignment would consume all her time. However, she discovered that there was much more to gain from her Mason experience. She went on to lead a club called "Trend LAB" and even presented a research project at the IGC Project Symposium. The supportive friendships she formed at Mason significantly improved her English skills and her academic performance.
Mugeon Sim, a sophomore business major, talked about changing his major and encouraged his peers to think about their future and plan accordingly. He emphasized that university life offers ample time and resources for self-discovery. “Your professors and the CDC can help you shape a new and exciting future,” he said.
October 20, 2023