Keep Pushing Forward: Doreen Park

Five years ago, Doreen Park walked into AISG. Now she's walking out—headed to Seoul National University. But between those two moments, she learned something important: the small, ordinary moments matter most. Morning hallway walks. Lunchtime chats. Asking questions until she truly understood. Here is her story, in her own words.

What did you learn about yourself from the university application journey?

It was a period in which I got to know myself better and truly reflect on what I enjoy, what matters to me, and what I hope to pursue in the future, as well as the kind of person I see myself becoming.

What study habits or strategies helped you most in the IB?

When I was learning new material or studying, whenever there was something I did not understand, I would continue asking questions and searching for answers until I fully grasped it. This helped me develop a deeper understanding of what I was learning, allowing me to apply my knowledge to unfamiliar or unexpected cases and questions.

Looking back, what are you most proud of?

Working with different students, teachers, and parts of the school through student groups with a shared purpose, such as Student Council, MUN, and NHS.

Looking back, what are you going to miss most?

The small moments at school that once felt so normal, but now feel special. Chatting during lunch. Morning walks around the school.

What would "Senior me" say to "Freshman me"?

Keep pushing forward. All the effort you have put in will be worth it.

Doreen’s extracurriculars, activities, awards, etc. at AISG:

• Student Council (2023-2026)

• GenCo 10 Treasurer (2023-2024)

• ExCo Treasurer (2024-2026)

• Model United Nations (2022-2026)

• RAMSMUN Secretariat Team (2024-2026)

• Indifferent to Difference (2022-2026)

• ItoD Coordinator (2025-2026)

• Rambassador (2023-2026)

• National Honor Society (2024-2026)

• Science Club (2024-2026)

• Varsity Tennis (2022-2024)

• Math Club (2024-2025)

• Global Issues Network (2023-2024)

Doreen Park worked hard for years. She asked questions until she understood. She led, collaborated, and kept pushing forward. But what she'll miss most isn't the awards or achievements—it's the morning hallway walks, the lunchtime chats, the small moments that once felt so normal. As she heads to Seoul National University, she takes those moments with her. And maybe that's the quietest, most powerful legacy of all: noticing that ordinary days were actually extraordinary all along.