Club Activities: Student Speeches Essay

This is the article that I wrote for "Minjok Herald." -- This is not the final draft but it was revised a few times. In the next version I hope my article appears. 

About student speeches...

Every Monday a student of Korean Minjok Leadership Academy comes out and makes a speech. Among KMLAians these speeches have been a hot issue due to various voices discussing its purpose and effectiveness.

The history of the student speech system was explained by 16^th waver and Chief of the 13^th Executive Council Ryu Ji-won. “Before I suggested every KMLAian should be allowed to make a speech, only the members of the Student Council stood upon the podium. As I saw the Student Council members being forced to make a speech, giving the chance to other students seemed to be a much better policy.”

17^th wavers Ko Geun-Hyung and Jeong Han-Sol, who had both made speeches, stated that the purpose of student speeches was mainly to express opinions. “As morning assemblies are part of the curriculum, the participation of students is essential.” said Ko. Meanwhile, Jeong, he stated “Student speeches are the only way to explicitly express opinions as they are heard directly by the students and the teachers. KMLA Talk and other means of articulating opinions are ineffective as they have never persisted.” Then a question is raised: is this purpose kept well? For now, both Ko and Jeong believe so.

Another issue raised is the mandatory use of English in student speeches. As a part of EOP, it is necessary for all students to use English in formal situations. But some believe that forcing KMLAians to use English might jeopardize the delivery of the speech. Ko said “Most Korean teachers have difficulties understanding speeches in English. The purpose of these speeches is to get the message across, which using Korean supports. Furthermore, the option to make speeches may be limited to students who can fluently speak English.” But Jeong disagreed, as he stated “Using English seems plausible according to EOP. Also, KMLAians should be able to deliver a speech in English. So the problem is the level of each student’s preparation, not EOP.” Meanwhile, Ryu said “The students must be able to choose which language they would use as it is their speech. EOP should exist, but if English is uncomfortable for the student to delivering the speech, the Korean must also be allowed.”

KMLAians have also expressed the need for improvements in the student speech system. Ko stated “Nobody should be able to stop or censor the speech at any situation. Also, the audience must be ready to listen intently even if the speaker is bad at English or in speaking, the audience must learn how to listen.” Furthermore, Jeong, said “The speeches themselves aren’t such a bad policy. But nobody should interfere with the speech or cut it in the middle. These speeches should be a non-aggressive ritual.”

Many similar controversial ideas have been coming up on KMLA Online or in gossips. KMLAians’ role in these matters seems essential as student speeches are an important aspect in morning assemblies. Looking at the history of the system and the opinions of various interviewees, it’s up to the students to alter the course of student speeches if need be.

Personal Projects: Student Speeches - Interview Three (3)

The third and final interview was done with 17th waver Jung Han-Sol. He also spoke in front of the school during the student speeches. Another interview was done with him. 

Interview Questions

1. What do you think is the purpose of the student speech program?
A: The student speech program is the only way that students could talk about their opinions and ideas that they've kept inside them. Comparing it with the historical "Chosun Dynasty's Shinmungo" which is a drum used by the people when they would like to express something unlawful. Currently there are ways the students could express their opinions, but it is not used readily and is hard to see them being kept. Even if there is a KMLA Talk session it is very uncomfortable to raise issues relating to the school directly. Mostly every policy that is suggested is never kept. 

2. Do you think the purpose is being kept well?
A: Well it seems like it. But still there is a feeling that the topics are similar. Most of the speakers use the podium to speak towards the students not the teachers or the head-master. 

3. Some believe that the delivery of the message was somewhat lacking as to the use of English. Do you think that the student speeches should be limited to English?
A: If I could answer shortly, I agree to EOP. In places where everyone is present the policy is that students use English. Also people who attend KMLA should have enough English skills to say what they want. It's not even an impromptu speech, you have a script. Even if the speaker is bad at English, it's their problem concerning preparation not the problem of the EOP.

4. What measures should we take to improve the student speech program?
A: The program that we have right now isn't that bad. But as 17th waver Ko's speech, nobody should be forced down during their speeches. I wish that student speeches should never be interfered from the students and the teachers. 

Personal Projects: Student Speeches - Interview Two (2)

The second interview was done with 17th waver Ko Geun-Hyeong. A student who once spoke in front of the whole school because of student speeches.

Interview Questions

1. What do you think is the purpose of the student speech program?
A: The obvious purpose would be participation. As the morning student speech is a part of a class, as its meaning suggests that students must participate.

But my motive was different. I wanted to  the head master. I wanted to fight him. Student speeches are the only way to express our criticism towards the school. There should be a function that allows students to show and tell their discontent. 

2. Do you think the purpose is being kept well?
A: Looking at the past speeches the obvious purpose is being kept well. There were a few nice topics that the students should focus into.

3. Some believe that the delivery of the message was somewhat lacking as to the use of English. Do you think that the student speeches should be limited to English?
A: I believe that the student speeches should permit Korean. The teachers can't understand if the students use English with their speeches. The speeches would be limited to the people who are good at English. As delivery is essential I believe that using Korean should be allowed.

4. What measures should we take to improve the student speech program?
A: First, the students must not be stopped during the speeches.
Second, there should be no censorship to the speeches.
Next, the audience should practice listening to the speeches. When I was doing the speech the seniors were yelling at me "Do it right!!"
Finally, even though the speaker is bad at English they should still try to intently hear the speeches. 

Personal Projects: Student Speeches - Interview One

Being a Minjok Herald Writer we are obligated to interview various students and teachers. The topic that I was assigned to was "Student Speeches." These days various students are participating on the student speeches. By interviewing three students I tried to realize the history, purpose and the effectiveness of this policy.

The first interview was done with 16th waver and Chief of the 13th Executive Council Ryu Ji-Won. The creator of student speeches.

1. What was your motive in creating the student speech program?
A: Before I suggested every KMLAian should be allowed to make a speech, only the members of the Student Council stood upon the podium. As the Student Council members did not always have something important to say, providing the chance to other students seemed to be a much better policy.

16th Waver Ryu Ji-won

2. Do you think the purpose is being kept well? And why?
A: The purpose itself is being kept right now. But I'm not sure if all the speeches were beneficial for us. Sometimes people have dissatisfaction on the length of speeches  rather than the content of it. 

3. So is the current student speech program effective in fulfilling the purpose?
A: If nobody comes out and shouts nonsense anyone can improve the current system. I presume that some adjustments will be made relating to censorship. 

4. What improvements do you think will be needed to correct these problems?
A: The language would also be adjusted. Some people are comfortable with Korean. So the speaker should be able to choose which language he/she would speak in front of the whole school. 

Personal Projects: After Swimming...

I Love Swimming

And after the Gangwon-Athletic Competition my love has never been higher.

This year the swimming team known as "H2O" has earned 7 Medals total.

1 Gold Medal

2 Silver Medals

4 Bronze Medals

and among these various medals not even a single one has my name on it.

Then, why does my love for swimming increase when I didn't even accomplish anything?

This year swimming has given me a clear goal.

A goal that I will never forget.

Let me tell you the whole story.

I started swimming because of my parents. My parents insisted that I learned swimming as it had been their life's dream to learn swimming. But as they were poor they've never actually got the chance to learn any. So my journey begins with my parents.

I started learning Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Butterfly. Every vacation I went to the  city pool to learn swimming. I was pretty good as I won several medals with backstroke and freestyle. With three medals I thought my journey ended then...

Then came KMLA!!!

This chance, this unpredictable school had invited me back to the realms of swimming. When it was time to choose student clubs, I remember a sign grasping my eye. 

"JOIN H2O - KMLA Swimming Team"

Photo of the KMLA Swimming Team!

I hesitated for a moment...

Thinking 'Is swimming my way. Is it my road to destiny?'

The answer was "Yes"

I don't know why but a "Yes" sign was hovering over my head.

After the historical moment, a meeting was assembled. All H2O members were obligated to do a physical test!!

Push-ups, jump ropes, running tests it was hard...

After the test, 17th waver Bum-Jun Choo had given us an assignment to work out everyday!

1. 20 push-ups everyday

2. Don't use the elevator, use the stairs...

3. Everyday at the end of class run the track

4. 300 jump-ropes everyday

From February to March I was pretty good at keeping these physical assignments. But as time passed one by one these assignments were gone from my head as the wind blows over mountains and rivers.

Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday the swimming team goes out for practice to a near by pool. Honestly, it's not that nearby as it takes about 30 minutes to get there by bus. We change into our swimming suits and go inside.

In the club we do what is called "Fin Swimming" Here's a video to demonstrate.

I was supposed to learn diving, turning, and fin swimming for 3 months and go out on a competition. It seemed reckless but I tried it anyway as I always love a good challenge.

I was going out for 400m, 800m fin swimming. 

For a moment I thought 'Maybe... I might win a medal...'

Turns out I was the first to go out. Without thinking I was doomed. With 14 competitors I was 4th!!! Counting from the back ㅠ.ㅠ

Our swimming teacher, kangsan, and me!

This was the most embarrassing moment of my life. I thought I did enough. I thought it was enough but no... The world was cold as the north wind blows upon the mountains of ice. 

I dumped my head down and was despairing...

'What went wrong?' I kept thinking to myself.

I was too slow... Because I needed to swim 400m I thought conserving my strength was important... But no... You need to be at full speed from the beginning...

The experience taught me how to dive, how to turn, and how to fin swim. Next year...

I promise you... Two Gold Medals will be hanging over my neck!!!

Remember! I will practice for a year and will come back to get that first place. Just wait...

And if you read through the whole thing always remind me to work on fin swimming. Just try to motivate me...

I'll be waiting 2014!!!

Personal Projects: What I've learned from the Vision Trip - A Mixture of Words

A Mixture of Words

           Name: Kim Ho-Sung A

ID Number: 131048

In the Plane

As the 18^th wavers have successfully enjoyed their vision trips, now it is a fact to say that all KMLAians have experienced the various wonders of the journey. The wonders that we have gone through are individually unique, giving each and every one of us a gift. They say that these gifts are unattainable from the books that we read or the speeches that we hear from a lot of studies. I remember my friends saying that the vision trip had given them the motivational push to study, a broader knowledge of each universities in the U.S. or perhaps that it had really given them vision as the name suggests. These are all awesome gifts, but to me the vision trip gave me a single mixture of words.

 May 10^th, 2013 it was a warm sunny day as the sun was brightening our faces soaking them with its gentle heat. The sky was as blue as you can ever imagine. Basically it was a perfect day to go outside.

That day we had a schedule to visit Princeton University.

Princeton University Ivys

The pictures that came in to my mind are gothic looking buildings, some statues, ivies, and an alumnus. I met the alumnus during the tour campus as we were going to see the house of the president in Princeton. When I was awed by the colorful flowers surrounding the building he came next to me gazing towards somewhere. The depression was etched on his face. So I tapped him on his back and I asked him “You came to a prestigious school achieving one of the highest goals of your life, but you look depressed. Why is that?” He thought for a moment looking up into the clear sky and held out a book. It was his yearbook full of his photos and the events that happened during his school year. He pointed at the corner saying “Read this.”

"There used to be a time, we believe, when we could say who we were. Now we are just performers speaking our parts. The bottom has dropped out - it looks to us like an illusion now, one of those illusions sustained only by the concentrated gaze of everyone in the room. Remove your gaze for but an instant, and the mirror falls to the floor and shatters."

- J. M. Coetzee-

             After reading this I gazed upon his face, curious. He looked straight through my eyes and said with a warm smile on his face “I forgot who I was and I’m losing myself. As we go forward we seem to forget that we are who we are.” Honestly I couldn’t fully understand what he meant. Even now as I gaze upon the little mixture of words I wonder. ‘We are a fragment of ourselves living on to be a whole.’

Watching Upon New York City

This may have come deeply to you or it may have not. It’s important that we as an individual should try to recall the gifts that we had attained from each of our vision trips. Try to remember the things that you felt most deeply to you. It may be the knowledge of each university you went to, the alumni you met or the single most spectacular scene of a particular place. I wish that the vision trip had given you the gift that influenced you in some way. In my case it was the mixture of words. In my friend’s case it was the knowledge of the universities. How about you?

P.S. Photos are all taken from the Vision Trip by ME... ^^