I am just in front of the end of my first year at POSTECH. It is the first moment that has gone this fast in my life. This year was full of fun and tragedy. This is my story about my first year at POSTECH. I hope Postechians can enjoy it.
My first month at POSTECH was overwhelming with new things. Only time allowed me to get used to everything, such as lectures, friends, and life in the dormitory. Entering POBBA, the school basketball team was my biggest desire for freshman year since I loved basketball and had dreamed of an enthusiastic experience on the court. The basketball match in the POSTECH-KAIST Science War (PKSW) was my dream stage. Unfortunately, the bar for passing POBBA was high. After the shocking failure, I lost motivation for my campus life. I passed lectures, put off assignments, did not study, and did not put much effort into my tasks. My friends were the only support I had in my college life.
The day before the final exam, I broke up with my girlfriend. This second frustration made it hard to concentrate on the final exam. Due to these succeeding setbacks, I planned to spend the entire summer retreating at home. Without any expectation, this seclusion became another chance for me. Ironically, failing to get into POBBA led me to represent POSTECH in “Elite League 2,” the university survival series. During the “Elite League 2” filming, I learned a lot from intelligent friends from other universities and built many valuable connections. Collaborating with outstanding individuals brought intense pressure and tension, but the competition pushed me to the next level in the end. I am deeply grateful to the POSTECH team members and Coupang Play creators for giving me precious memories that I would not trade for anything. Also, I owe this opportunity entirely to POSTECH.
The inspiration and valuable experience motivated me. Attending class diligently, studying passionately, and even joining POBBA once I had rejected by, but the second semester had started with full delight. About a week before the first release date of “Elite League 2,” a friend I had spent all three high school years with suddenly passed away. It seemed impossible for me to let him go as time passed. I spent time blaming myself and regretting, feeling sorry for my friend. The mental stress kept me from sleeping, and there were countless moments with tears. Like the painful moments I had faced before, I endured tragedy for unpromised comedy to come.
Right now, each day is getting better. Life is full of ups and downs. As the new year approaches, thinking about becoming a sophomore brings a wave of emotions. I am not sure if this year will be just as fluctuating, but I believe lots of Postechians can sympathize with life, repeating good and dreadful things. However, now I realize that the tragedy is not just for its own sake. When unexpected hardships arise, one day, they must turn out to be a great benefit to your life. To everyone reading this, embrace your moment. Celebrate and become cool both times fully with your sincere heart. Do not be bound by the past and worries, I hope you can savor each moment. Think of the flowers that bloom and wither much like our fluctuating lives. How about tightening your belt and starting today’s journey? As a fellow student sharing this journey in POSTECH, I would wholeheartedly support Postechian’s life. And by the way, do not forget to catch up on “Elite League 2” during your breaks!
