I transferred to Handong University in the year 2015 and I could not imagine what this school had in store for me. I have lived abroad for most of my life and my Korean was poor. During HanST, I tried my best, but all those times I had to communicate using Korean was a challenge. Talking to people in Korean for a long period of time, not being understood fully when speaking English, etc. But that was the least of my worries. When school officially began, I thought it would get easier. Classes were fine, but my friendships with my fellow Senegi’s (freshmen) was hard to maintain. Our culture was different, we were always misunderstanding each other, and there were times when I wanted to run away, thinking everything would be fine. Yet, I knew I hadn’t given my all. I wanted to get closer to these freshmen who I would spend a lot of time getting to know. I didn’t want this friendship to end quickly. I did all I could to get close to them. In the process, I learned about God and what his love truly was, and in about a year’s time we finally became great friends. They were my family away from family. I still faced hardships in this school, especially concerning the language, but they became my support. Soon I made friends with the rest of my team and that gave me the courage to become a freshmen helper. I know that living in Korea can be challenging, however, with the right friends it becomes one of the most enjoyable memories. Thinking back, I am glad I met these friends and that I decided to gather up the courage to talk to them. They might be third years, and the guys all have gone off to serve in the army, yet I still find myself smiling when I visit and remember all the places we had made such wonderful memories. Words cannot express how much they have influenced my life and because they have stayed by my side, through thick and thin, I am able to stand where I am. They have showed me what having great friends can do to one’s life. For those who are struggling with a similar matter, I suggest that you spend as much time with your friends, for understanding comes with time and hard work. Once you start to understand each other, then good times will be ahead of you.

Gloria Choi(International Studies, Languages & Literature 13)
 

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