I graduated from SolBridge in Fall 2016, after which I joined KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) for a Master of Science degree majoring in Green Business and Policy. My major is related to sustainability management, climate change, energy security, and the environment. Since I am still a student I can’t really share much about life after school except what I have heard from my friends who are already in the working field. Life outside SolBridge is competitive and challenging, there might not be a place to ask for help as is the case at SolBridge. 

So based on my own experience at KAIST and what I have heard from my friends, I advise all current students to start building themselves while at SolBridge. Try to identify what your good at, your passions and dreams. I can’t emphasize enough the importance of finding your identity and what you want to do in life. This includes identifying your strengths and weaknesses. Capitalize on your strengths and work towards improving your weaknesses. If you don’t identify this early enough, it’s so easy to lose your joy in life, conform to what others what you to do in life and live from paycheck to paycheck.

Even though I had options of joining other schools like SNU or Yonsei, I am grateful for the decision I made to join SolBridge. It might not be located in Seoul, but gave me various opportunities I needed for self-development. One of the opportunities I received while at SolBridge is the exchange program to the University of California (UC), Irvine. At, first I was reluctant to go, considering I was in my last year at SolBridge and was already in the process of hunting for a job. My focus was on mastering the Korean language and preparing for graduation. I, however, don’t regret going to Irvine.  I met incredible people, acquired a new faith, learned from outstanding professors, traveled and most importantly I discovered what I wanted to do with my life.

My passion for renewable energy was birthed during my exchange program at UC, Irvine. Through one of the research on renewable energy in Kazakhstan that I carried out with one of my professors at UC, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in this field. Even though I had no prior knowledge of this field, the more I researched about this topic the more my passion grew. I became fanatical about providing electricity and energy to people in developing nations.  I didn’t have plans to continue pursuing a master’s degree but this changed while at UC. As earlier mentioned, I am now a graduate student at KAIST majoring in a different field from what I studied at my undergraduate. 

It might not need to go for the exchange program to discover yourself like me, but SolBridge offers you variety of opportunities that are key to shaping your future. These may involve; meeting someone new, going abroad, participating in a competition, or even volunteering. Engage in all the opportunities that are availed to you, you will certainly gain from all experiences. Try out new things and discover more about yourself. I believe there is no better thing than finding your purpose in life.

So to all SolBridgers, work hard and dream high!