Please describe the activity you participated in.

I worked as a university student reporter for “PyeongChang Winners”, a publication for the upcoming PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. This activity lasted for 6 months from June to December 2016. The activity focused on promoting the upcoming Games and the student reporters uploaded articles regarding various events leading up to PyeongChang 2018 or interviews with Winter Olympians and members from the Korean National Team. PyeongChang Winners also had the privilege of participating in various promotional events of PyeongChang 2018. In addition, we carried out team projects publicizing the Olympics via social network services.

What motivated you to apply for this activity?

I have always been an avid fan of sports, ever since I was young. I remember watching the 2008 Beijing Olympics and waiting for live matches in front of the TV as well as waking up at dawn to cheer for Yuna Kim and the Korean National Short Track Speed Skating Team during the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. Simply put, my persisting passion for the Olympics motivated me to apply for this activity. Moreover, I wanted to contribute my writing skills in any way possible so as to promote PyeongChang 2018 as a Korean and a sports lover.

What did you learn from this activity?

Working with PyeongChang Winners was an invaluable experience for me because I was able to improve not only my interpersonal skills, but also my communication skills. Cooperating with group members to create media contents and directly contacting winter sports athletes enabled me to gradually achieve and enhance these skills.

What was the most memorable incident throughout the activity?

Looking back upon the activities and events I’ve experienced and attended, it is definitely difficult to decide a single memorable experience. A few events that stick with me even to this day are meeting the Korean figure skater Yuna Kim and attending the PyeongChang 2018 news anchor appointment ceremony of the main Korean TV networks (SBS, KBS, MBC). Meeting Yuna Kim and the news anchors I’ve only seen on TV was a dream come true for me.

What difficulties did you experience?

There were times when interview requests were declined. This was one difficulty I had to deal with. However, this type of obstacle is one that professional reporters face frequently and I considered it as a valuable experience for my future.

Would you recommend this activity to other university students?

Unfortunately, although I would definitely recommend this activity to other university students, the the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games and Paralympic Games Organizing Committee is no longer selecting students for PyeongChang Winners. However, other forms of support for the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games and Paralympic Winter Games would be very much appreciated!