Seoul National University students are stereotyped as bookworms, seen nowhere else but in libraries. They are also said to be self-centered without much consideration for others. However, the truth is rather to the contrary. Despite the extremely cold weather this winter, SNU students have been reaching out both at home and abroad to those in need of help. Whether through specialized projects or merely manual labor, students have shown how they are willingly committed to giving back to the community and to caring for others.
Volunteer & Get Credits
A volunteer team constituted of fifteen students from the class ‘Public Service 3’ went abroad to Bangladesh in January for ten days. Under the supervision of Professor Cho Belong of the College of Medicine, the students provided community services in the areas of education, labor, and medical care. They agreed that visiting local homes, for the purpose of encouraging cultural exchanges, and building washrooms were their most memorable experiences.
The student representative, Kim Se-mi (Industrial Engineering, ’07) said, “It was indeed difficult in that it was teamwork from start to finish, but it was a meaningful experience as we could provide both community services and an opportunity for cultural exchange.” She added that the volunteer team plans to continue working together in Korea as well.
Seoul National University’s ‘Public Service’ classes provide opportunities for students to volunteer and get school credits at the same time. ‘Public Service 3,’ which is a volunteer program centered on projects abroad, is open to students who have exceptionally finished the two previous complementary courses.
Medical Services for Migrant Workers
Every Sunday afternoon, Raphael Clinic, a volunteer medical organization of Seoul National University’s College of Medicine, provides free medical care for migrant workers. Raphael Clinic has been providing its services for the past fourteen years to those who do not have medical insurance and cannot afford regular hospital visits. In 1997, when it first opened, there were only around thirty patients. Now, more than 120,000 people have benefited from the program. Choi Ku-Sung (College of Medicine, ‘08) said that despite the limitations to his activities as a student, he feels a sense of duty on Sundays. “Even the trivial things that I do seem much more significant considering the fact that Raphael Clinic is the only medical care these people can get.”
Love through Briquette Delivery
On December 23rd, 2009, SNU students gathered in Buam-dong. CCC, a student club, delivered 1000 briquettes to twenty senior citizens living in the area. Lee Eun-Kyu (College of Materials Science and Engineering, ‘07) was deeply touched when offered a snack and drink from the elderly recipients. “It was rewarding to know I contributed to their well-being during this cold winter.”
Education Services: Phronesis
Seoul National University’s student volunteer organization, ‘Phronesis’, hosted the ‘Nunum Class’ this winter. In five different regions, they organized various counseling programs and recreational activities that took place in local secondary schools.
Choi Hyo-Suck (Geology, ‘03) said, “It was a remarkable time as I could reflect upon myself while talking to the high school students.”
High school student Kim Eun-Hae was also satisfied with the program as it gave her the chance to “listen to a lot of useful advice and many helpful stories.” She said that their “prejudices against Seoul National University students” disappeared.
SNU’s Labor of Love
SNU’s Habitat for Humanity built a two-story building in Chuncheon, a mission accomplished during the week of January 25th. It was even more meaningful as it was a collective effort with Gwanak residents and high school students.
Kim Jung-Eun (Aesthetics, ‘08) said, “There are not that many opportunities for construction services. Being able to see the result of my effort is one of the benefits of Habitat.”
May 14, 2010
Written by Mooni KIM, SNU English Editor