Personal statement apply for Korean Government scholarship undergraduate program

I have taken all the risks to be here today. I have not reached the end yet, I also have not found happiness yet. What I have suffered is failures, sometimes it's the pain and most of the time it's the fear; the fear of falling again, the fear of disappointing my family again, the fear that I was too dreamy. However, I could proudly say that these days are the most meaningful days in my entire life during the last 20 years because I am, at least once time, courage enough to take steps forward my biggest, my craziest dream, where my heart truly belongs to.

I, when it was a 15-year-old girl full of enthusiasm and belief in life, used to think that if I study hard enough, I will be able to achieve all wishes in life. I, during the first 15 years of my life, had tried not to disappoint my family and the people around me once. From the first years of school, I have always been on the list of the best students. I finished my secondary school year with the first position in my class and also passed the entrance exam to the most prestigious high school in my province. That was also me, during those first 15 years, had been always tried to be a son in my family. I was the first daughter of my parents after three years of marriage, also the first granddaughter of my grandparents. And then, I became the sister of my two younger sisters when I was just 8 years old, I continued to welcome the third sister at the age of 14. Therefore, since early childhood, I have been always aware of my responsibility in my big family. I grew up in the peaceful and tranquil countryside where is surrounded by giant fields stretch out far away. My childhood, was the days that if I didn't have to go to school, I would go to work on the field with my mother when the sun just arise, the days that I searched for the measures to tinker the lights, the TV on my own when my father had to work far from home for many years. Those first hard days of my life have formed inside me a strong mind, strength, and a dream. My dream simply was discovering new horizons, the horizons hidden behind the field that I had never seen.

I, when it was 18 years old, it was 3 in the morning, I still couldn't stop crying, I could hear Mom was crying somewhere outside at the time. I decided not to go to college. In three years of high school, I was completely focused on studying because I knew that the only way could help me escape from poverty and take me to new horizons is learning. I tried to become a representative class officer. I spent many nights only getting to sleep 4 hours or even less to win a spot in the team of excellent students participating in the national contest. I simply wanted to make my family be proud of me. My parents were so happy, they even went around and informed to everyone whenever I called to inform about a scholarship or won an award. However, after all, I realized that I had forgotten to bring joy to the most important person, myself.

I, 18 years old, dared to choose a new direction for the really first time. The past eighteen years, the path I have chosen was not easy, but it was the path that makes me feel the safest. When I choose to satisfy the expectations of my family and society, I will not have to face the judgment of outsiders, nor will I receive the support of those around me. A specialized student in chemistry like me was expected to become a pharmacist or doctor in the future but I never once thought of that scenario. It may be sound stupid but I have decided to give myself time to listen to what I really want. That night, I cried because I was terrified of the most dangerous path I had ever taken, and maybe my mom, she cried because she was disappointed, or maybe she was worried so hard because she knew the road I supposed to walk in, there would be a lot of difficulties.

I, 21 years old, no longer as eloquent as the age of 18, having spent nearly two years studying English major, also being able to take care of my finances, I decided to stop studying again. The decision I have made at 18 years old was truly a turning point, a turning point that took me on a whole new path which was also the darkest and scariest path I have ever gone through. That time, myself, lacked a plan for a long year, lacked the skills to get a part-time job in Hanoi. Although I was thinking that I could operate in some non-government organizations, I failed because my English was so bad. More importantly, I was not confident enough to compare myself to those growing up in the city. I gradually isolated myself. I was alone in that 15-square-meter room, having thought of suicide for not just once. But you know, no experience is in vain, I may have suffered for a whole year but one year in exchange for at least knowing what I would love to pursue for the rest of my life that is completely worthy.

It has been two years since I started my first part-time job, went to a university, devote my time to learn new languages. My most long-lasting job is working at Amslink English Center, at the position of customer relationship officer. This job allowed me to interact with a lot of people, from children to the elderly, as well as people from different industries and backgrounds in society. I became more flexible in communication and more skillful in handling situations. I learned to control my emotions and know how to smile at an angry customer, even when they were using vulgar, offensive words to talk. And what I realized is that I can completely change the attitude of others from adjusting my own attitude. I also met a good supervisor that I will probably never forget, Ms.Thu. If before, when still a class officer, despite trying to complete all assigned tasks but still can not get the majority of the consent of the class members, then overtime working with Ms.Thu, I have gained a lot of leadership lessons. She always tries to bring out the best in people. I learned that being a leader is not about giving orders, but about creating harmony between all members, and listening to their opinions. The way she interacts with all situations influenced me the most. I'm now more focused on the positive side of every circumstance that how I deal with obstacles in my way.

Since I had my first income, I have invested in extra language classes, joined in an intensive dance class. I have saved money for having braces in an attempt to improve my appearance. I did all these things because I'm aiming to the biggest goal of my life, studying abroad in Korea and pursuing my dream of becoming an actress. It sounds ridiculous, isn't it? But that's really something I've always cherished since childhood. At the age of 21, my friends gradually stabilized their lives. I could also choose to settle down in Vietnam but what I'm doing now is giving up studying, quitting the job to pursue an acting career. Some people might think that it's insane or it's too late. But one thing, the biggest lesson I learned from my period of being solitude, is that: "There is nothing more terrifying than living without purpose, living by letting time pass meaninglessly". And life only really matters when I pursue the person I want to be.

When I first had the idea of the Korean Government scholarship, I knew there was a glimmer of hope that would lead me to my long-standing dream. This scholarship can change my life forever. Financial problems would not be my pressure, I could 100% focused on my goal, use my whole energy for improving the needed skills. Moreover, it will bring me to my dream country which I have just seen through the screen since I was so small.

I have been also greatly influenced by Korean culture, ranging from music to movies, especially from the Korean people I met. There could be a pretty Korean girl who traveled to Vietnam with her French boyfriend, a middle-aged man who is preparing to start his business here and adorable kids whom I had chance to work with in an English summer camp. They are all polite and well-behaved. Especially, I want to thank Mr. Park, my first Korean teacher. He always makes me excited every time I go to Korean class due to his humor and enthusiasm. I found myself enjoy learning this language rather than any other tasks so it was no surprise when I took the first place in my first Korean class. The last time I met him, he said to me: "You are a smart person, I trust you". I was about burned into tears at that moment because I have not heard anybody say these words about me for such a long time. Since I didn't go to college that year, people seem to underestimate me, some in my family started losing belief in me and myself included. What he said woke up something inside me. Until now, whenever I recall it, it gives me great motivation to make my dream come true in Korea.

I am also aware that I can fail again, that I might have to face the same situation I suffered at the age of 18. However, on top of that, I also know that I just live once. Why not try at least once to exchange everything for a chance to live fully with my passion? I miss the feeling when I perform on stage. I remember how happy I was when I finished my first theater play in secondary school. The shepherd boy in the alchemist leaf his flock of sheep, leaf his desire to marry the beautiful girl behind to chase the treasure he only saw twice through his dreams. I also believe that true treasure still waiting for me ahead.