My Journey of Learning;
Love to Learn, Learn to Love.
By Jihyeon Kim
It’s been three years
since I was accepted to the Master’s program at Michigan State University. I
remember what I did before I submitted my application in September 5, 2011. It
took me an entire year to complete the documents and tests required for
admission to the program. Well before submitting the supplemental materials, I
took ample time to reflect and write about my purpose for choosing this program
and what I hoped to accomplish throughout my journey. My journey of learning
already began when I was writing the goal statement for the application. With
the help of my coworkers at the school, the professor of my former university,
and my family, I finalized the application process by submitting all the
documents. I didn’t know at that time what would be ahead of my learning path.
I just wanted to go forward to another adventure of learning. In my goal
statement, I kept saying, “I want to learn more to become a better learner and
teacher.” I’ve always believed that a teacher should be a learner to become a
true educator. I’m so grateful that I could have that opportunity at MSU.
After being accepted to the Master’s program, my real journey of learning started. At first, I was intimidated by the workload of writing. Every course required certain amount of writing. For some of the courses I had to spend hours and hours of thinking and writing to complete the project in such a way that I’ve never experienced before even in my college years. As I am an international student, I found writing in English the most difficult work. But it turns out that it was most rewarding experience. To be honest, I was really worried that I could not complete the assignments. So I tried my best to meet the requirement and deadlines. While I was digging up research papers, reading peer feedbacks, and viewing a lot of useful materials, I experienced growing as a mature learner myself. Reading, writing, sharing, and supporting other fellow teachers and learners were absolutely beautiful experiences to me. Later I became interested in special education, so I chose it as a second concentration area. I was overwhelmed by the demanding work the courses required. But I could understand more deeply about general education as well as special education. I was so proud that I chose the courses just because I wanted to learn.
I mentioned my educational philosophy in the essay, that is, “Learn to love, love to learn.” I am so pleased to have cherished my goal, which makes me learn more and love more. All the experiences I have had with each course were unique and meaningful in terms of opening my educational view and expanding knowledge which adds professionalism to my career. Although I didn’t meet the professors and colleagues face to face, I learned something valuable from the interaction with the professors. Their supportive comments and encouragement made me feel inclusive and confident in every step of learning process, which has contributed to what I am now. What I have learned throughout the course is not just knowledge of education but the way of education. I’m truly grateful for what I have done with the courses and hope my journey of learning will continue.
(*Image above from Here. Images below are created by Free Logo Maker.)
After being accepted to the Master’s program, my real journey of learning started. At first, I was intimidated by the workload of writing. Every course required certain amount of writing. For some of the courses I had to spend hours and hours of thinking and writing to complete the project in such a way that I’ve never experienced before even in my college years. As I am an international student, I found writing in English the most difficult work. But it turns out that it was most rewarding experience. To be honest, I was really worried that I could not complete the assignments. So I tried my best to meet the requirement and deadlines. While I was digging up research papers, reading peer feedbacks, and viewing a lot of useful materials, I experienced growing as a mature learner myself. Reading, writing, sharing, and supporting other fellow teachers and learners were absolutely beautiful experiences to me. Later I became interested in special education, so I chose it as a second concentration area. I was overwhelmed by the demanding work the courses required. But I could understand more deeply about general education as well as special education. I was so proud that I chose the courses just because I wanted to learn.
I mentioned my educational philosophy in the essay, that is, “Learn to love, love to learn.” I am so pleased to have cherished my goal, which makes me learn more and love more. All the experiences I have had with each course were unique and meaningful in terms of opening my educational view and expanding knowledge which adds professionalism to my career. Although I didn’t meet the professors and colleagues face to face, I learned something valuable from the interaction with the professors. Their supportive comments and encouragement made me feel inclusive and confident in every step of learning process, which has contributed to what I am now. What I have learned throughout the course is not just knowledge of education but the way of education. I’m truly grateful for what I have done with the courses and hope my journey of learning will continue.
(*Image above from Here. Images below are created by Free Logo Maker.)