PEOPLE CONSIDER university life as the most vigorous moment in their lifetime. Teenagers imagine the life of university students to be free and unrestricted. Even many grown-ups want to go back to their college days, missing their youthfulness and passion. However, university students themselves are actually not always satisfied with their situation for many reasons. The Yonsei Annals asked to Yonseians, “What is your biggest trouble being a university student?”
Lee Hee-jung (Jr., Dept. of Econ.)
When I was a high school student, everything was all right only if I get good grades on the subjects taught in school. Studying hard was just a single way to achieve my goal at that time. As a university student, however, there are too many “missions” to complete. In addition to the school grades, I have to take care of club activities, volunteer works, human relations, etc. to lead a successful university life.
Ko Ji-seung (Jr., Dept. of Biotech.)
I feel stressed in that I am not financially independent even in my 20s. I think it is time to support myself as I am not a teenager anymore. However, I cannot but rely upon my parents to pay excessively high tuition fees every semester and to afford other living expenses, as I don’t have fixed income. I am trying to make money from part-time jobs, but the earnings are insufficient to support all of them.
Jeong Jae-uk (Sr., Dept. of Urban Planning & Engin.)
As I am now a student in my last semester who is about to go out into the world, I feel embarrassed when people around me expect too much of my future. I am deeply grateful to know that many people care about my life, but I don’t know what to do when I fail to come up to their expectations. I hope I can concentrate on my way without hesitation, not seriously affected by others’ comments.
An Ja-in (Fresh., University College, Business Admin.)
The first terrible experience as a university student was course enrollment. I was filled with hopes and dreams that I could make my own timetable through choosing the courses I want to take. However, I found the reality quite different from what I had imagined. Actually, I was thrown into a panic after I fail to register some competitive classes. Moreover, freshmen have almost no options because of prerequisites.
Kim Hye-jin (Soph., Dept. of Political Science & Int. Studies)
Before entering university, making friends was very easy and natural process because I spent most of my time with the same classmates for three years. In the university, however, I should take the leading role in associating with others to keep a cordial relationship. As for me, I made such conscious efforts through participating in ban and club activities, which is tiresome at times.
Oh Sang-teck (Soph., Dept. of Sociology)
I think my main problem as a university student is becoming narrow-sighted. As undergraduate days are preliminary steps to become a professional, one should discover one’s interest and specialty by experiencing as many things as possible. However, I easily feel the urge to abandon this chance and follow the limited way pursuing secure life. I wish I could have more challenging attitude.
Choi Keun-ho
taba@yonsei.ac.kr