Paul Nam

Since last year, I’ve been tutoring middle and high school students in math, and it has been a very meaningful experience for me. At first, I thought I was just helping them solve problems or prepare for exams, but I soon realized that tutoring is also about encouraging students and helping them build confidence. Every student learns differently, so I’ve learned to be patient and explain things in ways that make sense for each person. Sometimes, students feel frustrated or say they’re not good at math, but seeing them improve and feel proud of themselves makes everything worth it. Through this experience, I’ve also grown as a person by learning how to listen, connect with others, and support them in their learning journey.

Serving in the Korean Army was one of the most challenging yet meaningful experiences of my life. As a volunteer, I wasn’t just doing my duty. I was taking on a role that tested my strength and values in ways I didn’t expect. Military life taught me strong discipline. From early morning training to latenight duties, I learned how important routine and persistence are. But what stayed with me the most were the people and relationships. I met others from many different backgrounds, and we built strong bonds by going through tough times together. I also learned the power of teamwork and staying united during hard moments. There were times when things felt very difficult such as intense training and moments when I doubted myself. But through those challenges, I learned how to adapt, lead others, and give support. I became more patient and understanding, and those qualities still help me in daily life. Even though it was hard, I don’t regret it at all. The army didn’t just make me stronger, but it helped me grow as a person and taught me responsibility.