Applied Math

Harmonia

Stanford University International Honors Program

Studying abroad has definitely influenced my academic and career goals. Before this experience, I was very focused on rankings—whether it was university rankings or my own grades. However, meeting people with diverse backgrounds and experiences broadened my perspective. I encountered individuals who had pursued different majors or careers before finding their true passion, and they ultimately succeeded. They all expressed gratitude for their previous paths, even if those experiences seemed unrelated to their current work. The skills and mindsets they developed along the way proved valuable. I also met people who successfully pursued multiple fields at the same time. Their ability to think outside the box and their creativity stem from the variety of their experiences. This has inspired me to be more open-minded in a long run and focused in the current field.

At Stanford, I had my first deep dive into computer science, particularly intensive coding. Initially, I struggled with the overwhelming number of online platforms and open resources. In the past, I could solve most problems by searching online, but this time, there was just too much information to navigate. I realized I needed to change my approach. Instead of relying solely on online resources, I began asking questions during lectures and made an effort not to be shy. I attended office hours, where I received high-level explanations to my questions. This shift in approach was incredibly rewarding—not only did I gain valuable insights from my instructors, who encouraged me to ask more and work through problems together, but I also met new people who were interested in my ideas. I learned that seeking help is not a weakness but rather something to be appreciated. Overcoming this challenge taught me the importance of collaboration and not being afraid to reach out. 

Once I received my nomination, I started my preparations right away, which was incredibly early, at the beginning of 2024. Since we had to complete the rest of the application process through Stanford, it was important to stay ahead. The tuition fees conveniently covered the costs of the visa, health insurance, and accommodation, which simplified the logistics. For the flight, I coordinated with my schoolmates who were also in the same program, and in late May, we decided to book the same flight from South Korea to the United States. This made the travel experience much smoother and less stressful. Lastly, for travel, I highly recommend San Diego as the perfect vacation spot. Just make sure to protect yourself from the sun—it’s intense! But other than that, enjoy the beautiful beaches, delicious food, and friendly people.