Pre-commencement for Dean's Awards!

Pre-commencement for Dean's Awards!

​I finally received my master's degree. After a year and a half of journey, including the summer semester, I graduated with the Dean's Award. The reason I received this award is because I had a GPA of 4.0 (at least 3.8) and was recommended by the faculty. I feel very rewarded because I studied to the best of my ability for a year and a half. I attempted to obtain a master's degree for the first time in 20 years. 20 years ago, I received a master's degree in a field other than art. Then I moved to Germany and then to the United States, and 20 years later I was able to study again. Because it was such a difficult opportunity, I studied not for grades or a bright future, but because I really wanted to study.

And more than anything, I was happy and grateful just for being able to study. This is because we are well aware that studying is something that can only be done when society is stable. I can study comfortably only with the support of my community and family. My studying requires someone's sacrifice and support. We can never get anything for free. I didn't want to let this hard-earned opportunity go to waste. So I didn't calculate anything and just studied. Of course, my diligent study resulted in a 4.0 score and I even received the Dean's Award today.

​In Western terms, it is self-expression, but in Korean terms, this type of achievement is not often revealed. But I want to express my accomplishments today. Because I know very well that there are people like me who want to try another field 20 years from now. As someone who took the first step, I would like to send endless support, applause, and respect to their decision. Because I know very well how difficult it is.

​Today's pre-commencement lasted for a total of 2 hours, with the award ceremony lasting 1.5 hours and the reception followed by 30 minutes of refreshments. The staff responded kindly. I thank them all. I especially liked how pre-submitted family photos were displayed in a slideshow between ceremonies. My family also loved looking at the photos. An individual's accomplishments are the accomplishments of his family, friends, and community around him. I hope to always remember this gratitude and grow well as an artist along with the surrounding community.