I was told from the moment I got into the HSS program in Korea that I would have an unforgettable summer. As a freshman who had never experienced Harvard abroad, I had no sense of what to expect, but I realized very quickly that having fun was the natural result of the tireless energy that characterizes Seoul. And although I more fun this summer than ever before, in many ways, this program also pushed boundaries for me. It allowed me to put a finger on everything I should have learned about myself freshman year, every intense moment magnified by the brevity of the program. It taught me so many new things about my capabilities and strengths.
Summer school gave me the space to explore two new academic disciplines. Both documentary film-making and the Korean language were completely unfamiliar to me in June; by August I had delved deeply into these very complex and hands-on subjects. I tried so much brilliant food from a cuisine I had never tasted, and I discovered the intimate sharing norms of food culture in South Korea, where food brings people together and becomes a vehicle for affection and care. I visited beautiful locations, like the Han River and Sokcho, and got a sense for the physical landscape of Korea. Although eight weeks seemed like too little time, in fact it allowed me to begin settling into Korean life, and to become familiar with brands, music, shows, subway lines, and weather. Not only did I familiarize myself with famous locations, but I began to recognize smells and sensations and everyday faces in my favorite shops. And in learning all of this about a foreign country, I came to learn new things about myself. My patience and composure under pressure. My ability to motivate people. My courage to practice language. My apparently competent sense of direction.
In many ways, my trip to Korea was a very personal and private experience between myself and the physical world that surrounded me. But equally as important was the infallible support I felt from the relationships that I made. The most powerful component of this program was its ability to bring together Korean and American students alike. I found an everlasting friend in my roommate, whose friendship I hope to have for the rest of my life. My language partner also shared her endless generosity with me. I learned life-long cooperation and teamwork skills with my film crew, all three of whom took me under their wing and cared for me throughout the program. Of all the incredible and enduring experiences I gained in South Korea, nothing meant more to me than the friendships forged during our eight-week adventure.
August 30, 2016