Drink it, Drink it, Drink it, Drink it, go go go…

When we go to college membership training or orientation, we can commonly hear that sound in the rooms. I’m sure all our students have experienced hearing that shouting. On the face of it, if you can’t drink well, people usually don’t force you to do it; however, it’s not easy for freshmen to say ‘No, thanks’ in a drinking atmosphere. OT is the program where students can not only hear useful information such as know-how for college life from upperclassmen, but also have the chance to socialize with older and younger students as well as professors. However, I have had doubts about relationships made through drinking and when I heard there was a special OT program where students could bond together and make true relationships without alcohol then I wanted to cover it.

Nano & Electronic Physics Department’s Orientation started with head professor Jang’s welcoming speech and introducing other professors.

Students had a great time listening to professor Shim’s course on manners, senior student Jung’s (‘07) know-how to succeed in registration, professor Kim’s lecture on the way to become the best physicist, designed for freshmen who are planning to become future physicists.
This session might seem boring, but we lost track of time by listening to witty words and senses of humor that we could easily concentrate on.

After the meal, starting with Kim, Hyun Ku’s (President of Student Association ‘07) explanation about the need and purpose to work on ‘NO alcohol during school orientation’, we tried to break the ice and get to know each other with a couple of games. Everyone took part in the games where we could be together, and feel trust and responsibility through encouraging and hugging each other. Then school materials, electric calculators and USB’s were provided as gifts in the games, especially inducing new students to actively participate.

After breaking the ice and getting together through games and activities... Under Oh, Na Rae’s presiding, we shared warm and emotional moments with tears through welcoming videos from graduates and celebrating videos made by new student’s parents, about the life they want their children to live in college. One of the parents of our new student, Ji Hyun Ju (Nano & Electronic Physics Major), said ‘thank you for growing up healthy and active and we are very sorry for not helping you out enough to prepare for college as parents. We hope you can spend precious time in college searching for your own bright future with great seniors and professors.’ This video clip touched all students and many tears were shed, reminding them of their parent’s appreciation.

Next, the tips for efficient college life from senior students were offered. I arranged worthy advice from older and younger students who couldn’t participate in this OT.

Hye Lim Gang (’11) - When I became a freshman I just thought I would spend my time goofing around without question and now I feel regret about my past memories. But I think when you decide to enjoy your school life, you should play hard as well as study hard and especially care for your school credits.

Hae jun Jung (’07) - I hope freshmen can participate in various activities inside or outside of school.

Min sun Kim (‘08) - For me, not finding myself early is the most regretful moment in my college life.  I hope you can learn to be aware of your appropriate position and future when you are in a low grade as much as possible.

These truthful words of advice based on senior student’s precious experiences really touched my heart. I think that I should give sincere advice in the future to younger students when I become an amazing senior, and in order to make my future dreams come true, I’m going to do my best.

Time with professors began right after the time with seniors. Even though the time was 1:00am, the professors didn’t leave and talked with their students till 3am about special topics such as careers and ways to advance after graduation in their field, the right kind of school life, the way to study Physics, how to study English, and the way to form human relationships between upper and lower classmen. Especially each professor went into each student’s room and talked, making students feel a little closer and cozier. I think I could be anyone if I study and follow well under these passionate professors. As a result, new students seemed to respect and strongly trust their professors through this time.

What things could students feel through these various programs without alcohol? Through communication with seniors and professors, I am sure most new freshmen felt affection and a sense of belonging to their department, and belief in and respect for their professors and seniors.

There is no possibility of success for people who don’t have affection and confidence in whatever they do. So, I was envious of these new students of the Nano & Electronic Physics major because they already seemed to get a foothold on success through this experience. I used to think we couldn’t get along well without alcohol during OT or MT programs, but when I saw how all members became one through this specialized communication program in the Nano& Electronic Physics Department , my stereotype was broken and my idea changed.

Among university’s traditional OT culture based on alcohol, I hope all colleges in our country will offer meaningful chances for students to form true relationships by sincerely considering offering these kinds of programs without forced use of alcohol which only build superficial relationships.