서울대학교 미주동창회 Seoul National University Alumni Association in the USA
The SNU International Summer Program was a unique and valuable experience this summer. It introduced me to many opportunities that I would not have otherwise experienced, including engaging classes and exciting field trips. Through this program, I made many friends and connected with professors, building meaningful relationships with my peers. I would definitely recommend this program to others, especially through the SNUAA USA Scholarship. There are so many stories I could share in this reflection, but here are some highlights from my experience.
One of the courses I took during the SNU ISP was Understanding Machine Learning. In this course, I learned the fundamentals of machine learning, including supervised and unsupervised learning, deep learning, and end-to-end learning. The material was challenging, but it pushed me to explore new concepts and deepen my understanding of the subject. Through working with my peers on difficult assignments and receiving guidance from the professor, I was able to better grasp these concepts. I remember feeling especially rewarded when I finally understood something that had initially seemed difficult. This course reminded me that learning something new can be challenging, but it can also be incredibly fulfilling.
My second class was a metal casting workshop focused on jewelry and small object making. In this workshop, I learned the fundamentals of metal casting, from planning my ideas to wax molding, mold making, metal casting, and finishing. Because this was an interactive class, I was deeply involved in the casting process, which allowed me to learn through hands-on experience.
I remember feeling very satisfied with my work, even though it had some imperfections. It was exciting to create something with my own hands that I could take home, and the experience gave me a new appreciation for the craftsmanship behind jewelry and other metal objects.
One of my favorite memories from the SNU program was visiting the National Museum of Korea. I enjoy learning about history, so I was especially excited to visit the museum. I remember closely examining the artifacts because they represented my country, making me feel more connected to my heritage and culture while learning about the history around me. One artifact that caught my eye was the calligraphy by An Jung-geun. I immediately recognized the handprint, then carefully analyzed the calligraphy and tried to interpret its message: “A mediocre craftsman cannot make proper use of a great piece of timber”. To me, its practical meaning is that only capable people can make proper use of valuable resources.
All in all, I truly enjoyed my time at SNU as a student, especially because I had always dreamed of attending school in Korea. This experience was even more special because I had the opportunity to attend through SNUAA.
