Q1. Please briefly introduce yourself!
Hello, I am Woo Yeong-min, a second-year student in the Department of English Language and Literature at Jeonbuk National University. I have been placed on the External Communications Team at MAP. I have a big dream of becoming a person who is helpful to the world, and I am so happy and excited to be able to take the first step with MAP.
Q2. Please tell us why you applied to MAP.
I took the “Understanding Human Rights” class in the international studies department at my school. In that class my professor told me about an organization called MAP, and I wanted so much to join that I applied right away. If it had not been for my professor, I would not have been able to join MAP.
Q3. When do you feel most like yourself?
I feel most like myself when I accomplish something on my own. In fact, I have rarely been “alone.” After I came to school far away in Jeonju, there were many things I had to do on my own (part-time jobs, cleaning, laundry and so on), and at first I did not know how to do them and did not want to, but as I solved them one by one I felt proud. It feels like clearing quests in a game?! And I keep telling myself, “I am living well on my own so far from home, so what can I not do?” and that gives me confidence and the courage to take on anything.
Q4. Is there something you have never done but would like to try in order to discover yourself?
I want to live abroad on my own! Whether to study or just to travel, I want to spend time alone in a country other than Korea. I once traveled alone around Jeju Island for about a week, and I was able to discover what I like, what I dislike, what I can do and what I can take on. I am so curious about how I would grow and learn in an unfamiliar place like a foreign country, so I really want to spend time abroad!
Q5. There are moments when I think I am cool, whether or not others recognize it. When in your life were you at your coolest?
I think the moment I felt coolest was when I climbed an oreum called “Jimibong” at 5 p.m., just as the sun was nearly setting, while traveling alone in Jeju. I really hate exercise. I am someone who likes taking the bus more than walking, and lying at home more than going out, but I boldly took on the challenge after seeing Jimibong on social media. And then, to my surprise, it was extremely steep. Just as I was about to give up, thinking there was no way I could climb it, I looked back and there was such a beautiful view. So without thinking I climbed the oreum again. Normally I would have given up, but I was so proud of myself for making it all the way to the top. I will probably never forget the sky I looked up at while lying on the bench at the top of Jimibong!
Q6. What do you think our society needs most right now to become a better society?
Perhaps “an attitude of accepting differences”? An attitude of recognizing that people are ‘different’, not ‘wrong’. None of us is wrong in our own lives. Because we are all different people, I think it is natural that we should consider and understand one another. There is something I say often these days: “why not?!” I use it to mean, “What is the problem?” So what if that person is different from me?! We just need to accept differences and live while respecting one another!
Q7. What is your own hidden charm that people do not know about?
I seem quiet and reserved, but I think of myself as quite funny, haha. Once I get close to someone I am really fun, and in front of people I am close to I am actually very loud and affectionate. I hope I can show all of my hidden charm to the MAP staff I work with, haha.
Q8. What gives you your own small but certain happiness?
I live in a dormitory alone, far from home, so I have a lot of time by myself. It can be quite boring being alone, but eating delicious food in my room makes me happy. These days I often eat tteokbokki alone too! I am personally into rosé tteokbokki these days! Another source of small but certain happiness is riding a “Kakao Bike” on my campus! On a nice day, riding a bike while listening to music feels really good! When a gentle breeze blows and the warm sun shines, I am so, so happy!
Q9. Finally, what kind of ‘change’ do you want to bring about through your work at MAP?
I do not know whether I can bring about a big change, haha, but as part of the PR team I want to make our MAP known to as many people as possible! I want it to be an organization known to as many different people as possible, not only to those who are interested or those who need help! I will work hard at it!
