The Pioneer No. 144

THE

http://press.gnu.ac.kr

No.144 DECEMBER 2008

PIONEER

Raise Your Job Spec! Gyeongsang National University Campus English Magazine

The PIONEER, Gyeongsang National University Campus English Magazine

CONTENTS No.144 DECEMBER 2008

TRAVEL ............................. 14

EDITORIAL ............................ 1

The Grace of Land

The Loving Season Begins

REVIEW ............................ 16

FOCUS ................................ 2

6mm Camera,Little Theater,……, and‘Passion’!

Farming by the Day and Studying by Night

PHOTO ESSAY .................... 17

CAMPAIGN .......................... 3

Myth of Winter Life

How We Live Is Important, Not How We Were Born

CARTOON .......................... 23

CAMPUS WORLD ................... 4

A Son of Mother’s Friend, ‘Eom-chin-a’

GNU Students Partook in Their Joys

PEOPLE ............................. 30

CAMPUS BRIEFING ............... 6

GNU through the Eyes of Foreign Professors

The‘Geonganghan(Healthy)’Students’Union Won the Election The Current State of the English Only Zone Program Jinju City Implements Flexible Transit System

LETTERS TO THE PIONEER .... 32 I Hope We Can Exchange Warm Greetings Our University, Our PIONEER

SURVEY .............................. 7

NOTICE .............................. 33

The Stress of GNU Students

Enjoying International Festival

SOCIAL EXPLORER

18

COVER STORY

21C, It’s Time for

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the Environment!

ESSAY CONTEST

24 1st Prize : A Short Story of My Mother 2nd Prize : How I Overcame My Difficulties 3rd Prize : Dear My Season in the Sun The PIONEER is Gyeongsang National University Campus English Magazine. The PIONEER, Gyeongsang National University, 900 Gajwa-dong, Jinju Si, Gyeongsangnam-Do, Korea. Publisher President Ha Woo-song Executive Editor Im Gyu-hong Editor-in-Chief Kim Ji-young Deputy Editor-in-Chief Park Gun-hee Ah-ra Social News Editor Kim Tae-jin Reporters Dong Yong-ho hyung Park Ji-hae Shin Myung-soo Layout&Design The PIONEER

Faculty Advisor Oh Sei-rang English Advisor Kolon Burnham Academic News Editor Lee Young-a Cover News Editor Cho Lee Young-joo Nam Young-woong Cub-Reporters Jeong KiPrinted by Seorin Design(055)756-5151, 5152

THE PIONEER, NO. 144, DECEMBER 2008

E D I T O R I A L

The Loving Season Begins. Kim Ji-young Editor-in-Chief

Dear Readers,

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ecember. The weather is growing colder. Something warm is essential. We may be looking for something truly worthwhile to warm us up. Let’s see... Warm foods from the snack carts probably occur to everyone. Right. The cold street is lined with snack carts; we get warm with the smell of warm food. Besides, it feels great to meet people who have warm hearts, especially when the weather is bitterly cold. For this reason, how about looking for something worthwhile to warm your heart? We feel lonesome these days, on cold days, without any reason. Moreover the cold feeling is not just a physical feeling. We feel empty and gloomy inside. So that is why we look for some warmth. Anyway, do you have something warm in your heart? We will endure the cold weather well with a worthwhile warm up. Well, do you wait for Santa Claus with no special plan in your mind, like a child? Oh, you must believe Santa Claus will give you a present, something warm. It makes sense, but you know all too well that is just a fantasy. The truly worthwhile warm-up does not come suddenly on special days like Christmas. I mean that never be a changeability, that is present in the world as the highest good. That goes by the name of ‘love’. Love flowing out of our hearts makes the cold place warmer. We do love and help each other without being paid for it, of course, because we want to do it. The best warm thing is ‘love’ in the world, and the best worthwhile warm up is ‘love’. So winter is the best season for ‘love’. Today is also too cold, that means now is the time for us to ‘love’. Shall we ‘love’? Oh, I skipped over another important point: Love is not the result of doing, but the result of being. I am sure you will read between the lines. In addition, I have to say this magazine will be my last magazine.

From the Outgoing Editor-in-Chief

p

[email protected]

P.S. I had a good time with you, and I love you with all my heart. Merry Christmas!

THE PIONEER, NO. 144, DECEMBER 2008

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F O C U S

Farming by Day and Studying by Night Dong Yong-ho Reporter

(Pictured by Dong Yong-ho)

T Studying by night

here is a proverb: ‘farming by day and studying by night’. This means that although students are placed in difficult circumstances for studying, they study very hard. The proverb suits GNU students. They apply themselves closely to their studies by day and work hard by night. Of course, studying and working are their main activities. How about applying this proverb to our life? As competition for employment becomes more intense, students have difficulty earning money, and with the realities of life. At this time, we must remember this lesson. We must make an effort to achieve our dreams. p [email protected]

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THE PIONEER, NO. 144, DECEMBER 2008

Farming by day

C A M P A I G N

How We Live Is Important, Not How We Were Born. Lee Young-joo Reporter

Prof.Kwon Soon-Ki Pictured by Lee Young-joo

Dept.of Nano and advanced Material Engineering

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A.M. It was time for my interview with Kwon Soon-ki, a professor in the School of Nano and Advanced Materials Engineering. Considering the early time for our meeting, I understood how he made the amazing achievements he has. Actually, he wasn't feeling well and he was tired of the media, but he answered my questions sincerely. As I asked what was difficult for him. He replied with a smile and told me about the 'pleasure of experiments'. However, he worried about his students. He paid careful attention to them just as he did his experiments. Sometimes he felt sorry for those who gave up because of the difficult material and endless studying. He believes that if they focus their energy, they will be able to get a good job and be acknowledged in their field. Then, he told me a story for GNU students. The hero of the story is Matsusita Gonoske who was called

The story of Masushita Gonoske and the bloomed flowers regardless trials

the 'God of management'. He was poor, weak and couldn't study. However, he didn't lose hope, but instead, pushed himself more and more and believed that his weaknesses were gifts from God. As a result of his perseverance and hard work, he became the CEO of Matsushita Electric. If ordinary people have any of these weaknesses, they might be discouraged. I think that the most important thing in people's lives is not how they are born but how they live. Finally, he gave me some advice to give to GNU students. We don't need to care about prejudices against regional universities. We have only to believe that we can do everything wherever we are with positive thinking. Also, he said, don't give up easily and remember the saying 'Light come, light go.' The things we suffered to get are more precious and valuable than the things we achieved without effort. After the interview, I recollected a poem 'Blooming Flowers with Shaking' written by Do Jong-hwan. I hope GNU students won't fear the trials of their lives, as the shining flowers that aren't afraid of being wet and shaking. I believe troubles make people stronger. p [email protected]

THE PIONEER, NO. 144, DECEMBER 2008

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C A M P U S

W O R L D

GNU Students Partook in Their Joys Cho Ah-ra Cover News Editor

Autumn tinges the GNU campus with a thousand beautiful colors. We had a number of university events this autumn. It was a good chance for students because they had new and pleasant experiences. They escaped from their prosaic lives in which they were absorbed in studying and preparing for a job. A variety of events took place at GNU during the four days from October 14-17. From now on, you can look around and see the diversity of student activities at all the university festivals.

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he first event that caught my eye was ‘rolling 60m Gimbab’ which was in commemoration of GNU’s 60th Anniversary. The event took place in front of the Central Cafeteria. There was prepared laver, rice, and other ingredients on the tables. The students showed their interest in the event as they prepared to roll the Gimbab wearing hygienic gloves. Of note, the president of

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GNU and students worked together. They rolled in harmony and completed the Gimbab perfectly. They divided their Gimbab among the students. A harmonious atmosphere lasted for a good while. It was heartwarming because the event meant cooperation and harmony. Other heartwarming events were Sharing Guksu (noodles) and a Jajangmyeon Eating contest (noodles THE PIONEER, NO. 144, DECEMBER 2008

with stir-fried bean paste). The Sharing Guksu (noodles) event was held at lunchtime and many students wanted to participate. The president of the student council judged the Guksu as students watched. The Jajangmyeon Eating contest also took place in front of the Central Cafeteria. When the Jajangmyeon was brought out, the contest began. Each team was composed of eight participants.

Pictured by Jung Ki-hyeoung

Some of them ate the Jajangmyeon very quickly, others ate with gusto. Although the quantity of Jajangmyeon diminished, the number of participants increased compared to last year. The Jajangmyeon looked difficult to eat, but the participants’ enjoyment was good to watch. Another is the off-line cart rider contest which took place at the Hanbek square. My eyes were glued to the event because of its well-attended and interesting progress. A number of students showed their interest in the event before the event began. The participants’ amusement was increased by exciting music. The rule of the game was simple: participants had to ride children’s tricycles and then turning back on regular time. They looked ridiculous because they

were riding children’s tricycles. The course imitated real on-line cart rider game as it had obstacles to ride around which also enhanced the humour. The barriers consisted of banana peels and balls in the middle of the course. The event progressed well due to the help of many volunteers. Spectators were joyful as well as participants. The spectators gave the participants a big hand for their ridiculous performances. Was it a good chance for students to escape from the stress of preparing for midterms? Another event which caught my eye is Stress ZERO. Participants shouted ‘I LOVE GNU!’ into the microphone in turns. Participants shouted as loud as they could, their cheeks were flushed. The event offered a prize so participants were full of passion. Older and younger

students, men and women all participated. Everyone reduced their stress by engaging in the event. Spectators cheered their friends as the lively, active atmosphere continued for a good while. At last, I introduce to you the other event. Have you ever seen the TV program book! book! book! Let’s read the book!? Reading waves were created nationwide by the program. The event imitated the program in order to create reading waves at GNU. Let’s run away with books took place in front of the Central library. Each team was composed of three members who fetched the books in turns. The team that was the first to bring sixty books was the winner. There was a scuffle among the participants to bring the books. The winners partook in their joys.

There were a variety of new festivals at GNU. All of them commemorated the founding of GNU sixty years ago. I worried about the possibility of low participation because the midterms were approaching. Contrary to my worry, there were a variety of events that were usually well-attended. p [email protected]

THE PIONEER, NO. 144, DECEMBER 2008

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C A M P U S

B R I E F I N G

The‘Geonganghan(Healthy)’Students’Union Won the Election The GNU student council elections were held on November 20th. All candidates of the 4 student councils - The Students’ Union, The Female Students’ Union, The Clubs’ Union and The Great Students’ Union - ran candidates. They all got more ayes and won each election. In the Students’ Union election the ‘Geonganghan (Healthy)’ students’ union got 5,661 ayes and 2,313 noes. With their Presidential candidate Jung Jae-wook (Urban Engineering, 02) and Vice-Presidential candidate Huh Jung-jae (Physics, 02) they won by 3,348 votes out of 8,291 ballots cast. The ‘Misogonggam (Smile sympathy) female students’ union won in the Female Students’ Union election. With their Presidential candidate Cha Ji-hye (Biochemistry, 2) and VicePresidential candidate Jung So-young (Food and Nutrition, 2) they received 2,496 ayes and 756 noes. In the Clubs’ Union election, Presidential candidate Kim Hyun-woo (Majors in History, 4) and Vice-Presidential candidate Jung Hye-min (Food and Nutrition, 3) of the ‘Dangdanghan (Imposing)’ won the race with 101 ayes and 4 noes. In the Great Students’ Union race, Presidential candidate Choi Young-hoon (Ethics Education, 3) and Vice-Presidential candidate Park Ki-hyuk (Aerospace Engineering, 3) of the ‘Oneuldo malguem (Today is also clean)’ great students’ union are returning with 62 ayes and 5 noes. p [email protected]

Pictured by Park Gun-hee

Park Gun-hee Deputy Editor-in-Chief

The Current State of the English Only Zone Program Kim Tae-jin Social News Editor

Since September 8, Jinju city has implemented a flexible transit system for all bus routes in Jinju. This system’s main benefit is that passengers can get a bus ride for free if they transfer from one bus to a second bus within 30 minutes. To benefit from the new practice, you swipe your transit card in the card reader when you get on the bus and also when you get off the bus. A timestamp is recorded on your transit card and will allow you to transfer to another bus within 30 minutes. However there are four situations in which passengers can’t transfer to other buses. First, when passengers pay their fare with cash. Second, when they got off the bus they do not swipe their transit card in the card reader. Third, when they get the same number bus as their first trip. Finally, when two passengers pay their fares with a single transit card. Jinju city expects this new system will encourage citizens to use public transportation more often because they’ll want to take advantage of the ‘free ride’. p [email protected] 6

THE PIONEER, NO. 144, DECEMBER 2008

Dong Yong-ho Reporter Pictured by Dong Yong-ho

Jinju City Implements Flexible Transit System

Pictured by Kim Tae-jin

The number of students who took the English Only Zone (EZ) program, in which students study English with foreign instructors for 3 hours every day, was lower with only 407 students this semester. The maximum enrollment of 454 students was short by 47 students. Previously, the dormitory administration had assigned the rooms of 6th and 7th dormitory building only to EZ students. But this semester, in order to reduce the impact of the lower enrollment, it also assigned some rooms to general students. When questioned about this change, the EZ administrator explained that it wasn’t considered as a shortage of EZ students. He said that fewer students usually enrolled in fall semester than in spring semester, when freshmen entered the university. It should be noted that in previous semesters the EZ administration accepted non-credit students in the program although it proved to be disruptive to the classroom atmosphere. Accordingly, they decided not to admit such students this semester. What is more, it has planned to reduce the number of EZ students in order to provide a higher quality of education. A student who is currently taking the EZ program said, “I’m very confused because the policies of the EZ program are always changing. I think the EZ program has to be improved substantially, in content and structure, not simply by restricting the number of students.” p [email protected]

S U R V E Y

The Stress of GNU Students Dong Yong-ho Lee Young-joo Nam Young-woong Reporters

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hese days, many people are thinking about the social problem of suicides. Suicides can be regarded as a result of extreme depression and extreme stress. Therefore, we asked GNU students when they are under stress and how they get rid of stress. (Please choose one answer.)

*What grade are you in? 1 )freshman(61.9%) 2) sophomore(17.4%) 3) junior(12.4%) 4) senior(8.3%) *What is your gender? 1) female(56.4%) 2) male(43.6%)

1. When do you experience the greatest stress about your personal relationships? When you are obligated to participate in club or department events. (43.6%) When your friends, lovers, or parents don’t understand you. (29.1%) When your seniors give you orders. (24.3%)

4. When do you experience the greatest stress about your financial circumstances? When your activities are limited by a lack of money. (51.6%) When you feel guilty for accepting pocket money from your parents. (37.6%) When you have to work due to economical difficulties. (10.8%) 5. What problems cause you the greatest stress?

2. When do you experience the greatest stress about your grades? When you worry about score but don’t study. (54.6%) When you get bad school scores although studied hard. (29.8%) When you think about parents who will be disappointed at school scores. (15.6%) 3. When do you experience the greatest stress about your future job? When you feel the sense of distance between your situation and job you want. (45.0%) When you can’t find the work that you want. (35.0%)

Personal relationships (32.8%) Grades (28.4%) Employment (25.2%) Money (13.5%) 6. How do you manage or reduce your stress? Chatting with friends (30.0%) Sleeping (21.1%) Singing or dancing (13.3%) Exercising (12.2%) Shopping (10.3%) Excessive eating or drinking (7.6%)

When you feel burdened by expectations. (20.0%)

Travelling (5.5%)

This survey shows that GNU students experience the most stress from personal relationships. Especially, forced participation in club or department events cause the most excessive stress. In addition, most GNU students get rid of stress by chatting with friends. Find your own major stress release, then you can recharge yourself. p [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] THE PIONEER, NO. 144, DECEMBER 2008

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C O V E R

S T O R Y

Raise Your Job Spec! Gyeongsang-ans, Challenge Whatever You Want to Get with HRDC! Pictured by Cho Ah-ra

Kim Ji-young Editor-in-Chief

U

niversity students persevere in their efforts to get jobs. We should enhance our abilities. As we call that we may raise the standard of ‘job spec’. ‘A job spec’ is kind of a Korean slang for ‘a job specification’. It define what qualifications, requirements and skills are needed to get a job, and how they will be tested, for example in an interview, on an application form, or on a vocational test. Educational specifications would include your GPA (grade point average), certificates of qualification, prizes, volunteer activities, and so on. In essence, a job specification is what is required of us to get a job. You must do your best now to enhance your employment future. If so, could you be more specific? Each of us engages in many types of complex activities. It is good for us to join study groups and academic groups, and to meet other people in related fields of study. These groups are constructed on our own

initiative, or with the support of the university. As ever, there are intern systems under the auspices of the university. Student intern programs provide various opportunities for us to gain experience in our field, or to gain credit toward our degree. Human Resource Development Center (HRDC) located in Student Union Building, 3rd floor, provides a wide variety of services related to finding jobs. We should make the best use of this center as it will help us develop lots of skills for the future. We want that we will get satisfied application information from these activities, such as internship program, or academic society. Therefore, we, the PIONEER reporters cover various groups organized for getting jobs, and interview professors and staff who can help students develop their skills. In addition, we also cover special lectures for female students. Let’s look at these various Gyeongsang-ans’ activities!

If we have an interest in a particular career, then create the career with HRDC. Don’t complain about not being able to get job experience when nobody will give you a job. We should seize any opportunity and always make our best effort. Finding the perfect opportunity depends on obtaining information about a job. We may search the job boards to find that perfect job for us. It is necessary to gather important information such as the minimum job specifications. This is just the beginning. However, remember this: ‘a good beginning is half done.’ 8

THE PIONEER, NO. 144, DECEMBER 2008

INTERVIEW

Park Gun-hee Deputy Editor-in-Chief Pictured by Jung Ki-hyung

On November 12th, we, the PIONEER reporters, interviewed Park In-sung, President of Human Resource Development Center (hereafter HRDC). PIONEER : GNU is the major national university in GyeongNam province. Compared with universities in Changwon or Masan, however, GNU doesn’t hold many job fairs. Currently, what is the HRDC doing to try to attract job fairs? Are there currently any plans for job fairs? Park In-sung : It is difficult to conclude that job fairs increase the employment rate, but it is necessary to improve the image of GNU. If job fairs do not have strong relations with companies in their community then they are useless and meaningless for GNU students. So the HRDC needs to consider and prepare more carefully for successful job fairs. For example, through the efforts of HRDC, the number of campus recruitments have doubled since last year. PIONEER : To improve the quality of education, each university has to reveal information like annual employment statistics. In this situation, what does the HRDC put the most emphasis on?

PIONEER : The HRDC changed locations from the third floor to the fourth floor of the Student Union Building to improve accessibility. Unfortunately, few students understand the role of the HRDC yet. Please give advice to GNU students who hesitate to visit the HRDC. Park : Not long ago, few students visited the HRDC. Nowadays more than 5 students come here for advice each day. They consult with our staff about their courses and employment. The HRDC offers all services related to employment. To all GNU students: Come to the HRDC! Prepare for your future! contributed by Kim Dae-hwan

Park : Actually, the HRDC is under pressure to increase employment rates in each category - regular jobs, non-regular jobs, gender and so on. Before analyzing the indicators, the HRDC teaches people in charge, checks what data is missing

and plans thoroughly.

Challenge university students-oriented contests! It is a good way to upgrade our abilities and have more experiences. Also, the contests are sort of a good indicator of our specific professional level. The challenge is mostly done by university students that are in their last year. They must want to take aim at their ability with the entering a profession a few days ahead. With some contests, the students who won the prizes received preferential treatment when entering a company. If you have an interest in a particular career and contest, create your field and challenge contest like them, MVP team. THE PIONEER, NO. 144, DECEMBER 2008

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S T O R Y

Till They Won the First Prize in Marketing Contest

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ere is the team that won the first prize in the national MOOO (a product name, hereafter M) marketing contest for university students which was sponsored by a large food company. The team calls themselves MVP (which stands M is Valuable Product) and is composed of Kim Daehwan (Business Administration, 02), Kang Kyu-min (Business Administration, 02), Park Jung-ill (Business Administration, 02), Sun-young Kim (Computer Science, 05). The team leader, Kim Dae-hwan told GNU students to have confidence and to participate in any contest you’d like to. Let’s listen to his story.

showed them where GNU is located. In addition, we went to Jin-hae and bought M because there was no M in Jin-ju. To give the judges a good impression, we arrived at the contest location about 2 hours before we were due to give our presentation. With hard work and luck, we made the next cut. The real race started then. We used 14 marketing techniques including teaser posters and placards, giving out public relation cards, holding sampling parties and promoting the product on MBC radio. People Who Supported Us Kim : We would like to thank everyone who helped us. Especially, our many friends who gave us a big hand, and the professors of the Department of Business Administration, too. The President and Vice-President of the Students’ Union, The President of Clubs’ Union, and The President of Dormitory Students’ Union gave us encouragement and positive support.

contributed by Kim Dae-hwan

Went through the Contest Kim : The contest was held nationwide, so about 200 teams entered. After submitting their documentation, 20 teams were selected to continue to give presentations from which 10 teams were finally chosen. We gave our presentation to the four judges, including a professor of Seoul National University and the chief executive of the sponsoring company. They didn’t know where GNU is and even laughed at us but we were prepared for a chilly reception. We brought a 1:50,000 map and

After We Won the Prize Kim : Through the contest, I realized how valuable friends are. I was really moved by our friends who helped us and gave of themselves. A good side effect of winning the prize is that our juniors have more confidence and knowledge for entering contests. Well, now I study English all day long to enter a good company. If I were a junior, I would participate in another contests. Do not be afraid of failure. Just do it. When you do your best, your efforts will be rewarded.

It is also important to improve our self-image. Well, then, how do we improve and change our self-image? Choose a role-model, someone you admire and try to imitate. All we have to do is pretend to be the person we want to be, and then you will find you have become that person in the end. This is easy if you believe in the power of the imagination. We can become anyone. If I workout, I become strong; if I treat others with kindness, I become kind; if I lead the crowd, I become full of confidence. How simple these are! Before long we come to believe we are powerful. We would become the person we wanted to be. Actually, we became the person we were meant to be. Yes, our image is made by ourselves. Special lectures such as ‘The Way to Improve Selfimage’ are offered by the HRDC. 10

THE PIONEER, NO. 144, DECEMBER 2008

Pictured by Park Gun-hee

Decided to Participate Kim : In January, a marketing contest poster on a bulletin board in my department. I first thought I could add a line to my resume. I posted an ad on the GNU home page to invite team members to join me. Our team was composed of 4 people: my two friends Kang Kyu-min and Park Jung-ill, Kim Sun-young who applied after seeing my ad on the GNU home page, and myself.

A Speech Lecture for Female Students

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Pictured by Cho Ah-ra

Pictured by Park Gun-hee

lecture program created by the Human Resource Development Center is designed to help improve female students’ competence. Speech was the topic of one lecture held in the SOLEIP Pioneer Auditorium on November 5th. Young-hee Jung, Education Director of the Korea Human Resource Development Research Institute, talked about interview and presentation skills. Let’s listen to the voices of some students who participated in the lecture. Park Mi-sun, Koo Nam-in, Jung Sae-young (Department of English Language and Literature, 06): We each learned of this lecture from the internet site, the newspaper and a friend. It was a really helpful experience to practice speaking in front of an audience. We were a little bit embarrassed to speak in public at first, but it got easier and we did better in time. Thanks to the HRDC for providing an opportunity and encouragement to female students to improve their competence. One disappointing thing is the lack of active participation of female students. Jung So-eun (Law, 06): I often check the HRDC web site and where I learned of this lecture. There have been many opportunities to attend lectures offered by the HRDC but previously, they were all just theory without practice. But this lecture was very useful and gave opportunities to practice in front of an audience and an instructor. The best thing about it was the quick feedback about my speech. I learned to correct my bad habits when I talk to people. I hope the HRDC will hold many lectures that let students practice for job fairs. Kim Jong-gil, a HRDC officer, said, “There have been so many university lectures for female students, such as image making, but GNU hasn’t had many. So, the HRDC began offering these training lectures to offer support to GNU’s female students. The HRDC wants to continue these lectures and hopes many students will participate. Also, the HRDC will provide passes to students who participate in the HRDC lectures allowing them to attend even though they may miss some of their regular classes.” p [email protected]

A study group is the best way to gain intensive of knowledge in your field. Many Gyeongsang-ans join various kinds of study groups. Some study groups are supported by HRDC such as our ‘Pioneer club’. We cover the ‘Pioneer club’ groups, Neulpum and BAB. Also, we, the PIONEER reporters cover one study group that is well run by a professor. It’s purpose is to prepare students for the civil service examination. Study groups have been successful in the university environment. Students gathering together, sharing ideas, and preparing procedures are a common part of the university environment. They are also a helpful way to expand one’s range of learning. So, take a look of three study groups at GNU. THE PIONEER, NO. 144, DECEMBER 2008

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Anounce of Practice Is Worth a Pound of Theory Cho Ah-ra Cover News Editor

Interview #1. Neulpum -Interview with Kim Yang-gyu (Electrical Engineering)-

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eulpum has studied since last summer. In case of the Neulpum, the club already existed before HRDC (the Human Resources Development Center) invited the students. Neulpum’s structure has three components. First, they practice interviews and presentations biweekly. The third component is aptitude tests, such as Samsung’s SSAT and Dusan’s DCAT. This third component is no longer part of the program. Three participants are chosen to be interviewers and two participants are chosen to be the interviewees. The interviewers read the interviewees’ resumes and cover letters and ask the interviewees about their basic knowledge of the company, as well as common sense questions, similar to a real oral test. They photograph their actions to analyze their performance more systematically.

What kind of help did you receive from the HRDC? 1. HDRC has offered lecture rooms for PPT. 2. HDRC has given financial support of about 700,000 won (the money was used to buy materials, pay a visit of inspection, invite lecturers, etc.) 3. HRDC has provided equipment (for example, WIA Cooperation which offered automobile parts to HYUNDAI automobile company, Kyungnam Energy Co.) 4. HDRC has offered a letter of recommendation (members of GPP are acquired a priority)

Each session there are two presenters. The subjects of their presentations are taken from current events. The members research for a week using newspapers and magazines. With a cover letter, they make brief comments and then they can organize their ideas. They place a great deal of weight on discussion. They divided the participants into two teams. There are arguments for and against the measure and then they express their opinions with appropriate reasons that they chose for and against. When one team has finished their arguments, the other team gives comments about their method of speech, aptitude, etc., to help them improve their analytical ability. The trial interview and presentation are hard to prepare by oneself. They are more effective with others’ comments. Participants improve their presentation skills through the PPT program.If you prepare for the real thing, you’ll succeed! Novelty Interview Questions 1.Tell me your weak point. 2.Try to likened you to things. 3.If one of your parents and the president of an enterprise are drowning, who would you save first? 4.What is true about a day’s sales of Jajangmyeon in Seoul? 5.He likened virtue to gold. 6.How many gas stations does Korea have? 7.Why is a manhole cover round? 8.If you compared colors, what color would you choose? 9.How many stairs are in this building?

Pictured by Cho Ah-ra

Make hay while the sun is shining Interview #2. BAB (Become A Banker) -Interview with Yoon Sung-gwang (Dep. of Agricultural Economics)[club.cyworld.com/BecomeABanker]

What help did you received from the HRDC? 1. HDRC has offered a letter of recommendation (members of GPP are acquired a priority) For example, five members were offered to take place to the Bank of Gyungnam took an interview academy. 2. HDRC has announced the employment exposition to the members. 3. HDRC supported financial support of about 700,000 won (the money was used to buy materials, pay a visit of inspection, invite lecturers, etc.)

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THE PIONEER, NO. 144, DECEMBER 2008

BAB consists of 13 members who have gathered to become bankers. Most people have heard that the GPP (Global Pioneer Program) is good for them or have experienced employment exposition. The president of BAB said that such expositions had been held at other universities. For example, Dong-a University had been promoting employment groups. They elected students and let the students prepare the certifications and share information about applying enterprises. BAB members have studied twice a week, meeting on Mondays and Thursdays. BAB’s structure is the same as Neulpum’s. BAB operates trial interviews, PPT and discussion. The president of BAB posts official announcements on their

home page. For example, information about employment, contests, materials etc. They gain experience and confidence by having trial interviews. They will develop a positive attitude by practicing repeatedly. There are two presenters and their topics are based on the last subject. They can improve their presentation skills through PPT program. There are arguments for and against the measure and then they express their opinions with appropriate reasons that they chose for and against. When one team has finished giving their arguments, the other team gives comments about their method of speech, aptitude, and so on.

INTERVIEW “I have a dream. All students are offered a warm and stable place for studying.” He started a study group. The group’s purpose is to prepare to enter the public service. He has spontaneously offered lectures to students. He motivates students to study with his scholarship. If one of the members gets a high score on a vocabulary test, he or she can receive the scholarship. He was a graduate of the Department of Administration at GNU. He has a dream that his juniors will earn a living for themselves. He made the study group because he wanted to change students’ lifestyle. On entering university, many students waste time playing. The group has 30 members and is divided into five parts. One part is juniors’, two are sophomores’ and the last is freshmen. The government official employment market has gone from bad to worse because the demand for government official jobs exceeds the supply. People seldom pass the exam so students have to prepare more systematically. At first,

students study English. If they master English, they will study Korean, History, P u b l i c Administration a n d Administrative Law. They study reading in English from 8:00 to 9:00 every morning. They memorize English words by repeated reading during the day. At night, they study reading English and watch English grammar video clips. The students are full of scholastic ardor. However, they have suffered from poor surroundings. They need lecture rooms where they can study every night. There are poor facilitates, the students have studied shivering in the cold, even now. All students have to be provided with warm and stable places for studying. p [email protected]

Pictured by Kim Ji-young

Interview #3. a study group of government officials (Interview with Min Byeong-ik, a Professor of Administration)

Employees are increasingly worried about their job security because the economy is suffering in the global financial crisis. At this point in time, being a university student has become more stressful, with a huge backlog of unemployed graduates, and a tighter job market. University students are focusing on raising our GPA, TOEIC score, and improving interview skills. We, the PIONEER reporters conclude that lots of experience and practice will help prepare for the job interview process and future career. Now, more than 1.35 million of those in their 20s and 30s are unemployed, the Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training’s data showed. Although our ailing economy slumps, we, the PIONEER reporters think the economic slump will not affect our future dreams. p [email protected] THE PIONEER, NO. 144, DECEMBER 2008

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T R A V E L

Pictured by Lee Young-a

The Grace of ‘Land’

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o you know where Hadong is? As you may have guessed, it’s not far from here. It’s located near Jiri Mountain, and the Seomjin River flows beside the village as ‘Ha(河)’ which means river in Chinese. It’s not only famous as a tourist spot but the background of the book ‘Land’ written by ‘Park Gyeong-li’. Why did the author choose ‘Hadong’ as the setting, and spend over 10 years writing the novel? There’s an annual literature event at House Choi-champan (champan; Korean word for a deputy governor in history) in October, and we went there to find the answer. An endless chain of adversity. It would be the proper expression to describe her hard life from birth to death. She was a single mother who lost her husband and three-year-old son during the Korean war. She also lost her son-in-law who was a resistance poet. Maybe that’s the why she wrote many novels that deal with the pain of humanity. In 1969, at the age of 43, Park Gyeong-li started to write the novel. In the interview with Joongang monthly press, she confessed that it was not until Korean liberation that she learned Korean. That’s why she started to write when she was in her thirties. Although some scholars criticized her misuse of Korean and expressions mixed with Japanese, she devoted 25 years of her life to ‘Land’. What did she want to put 14

Lee Young-a Academic News Editor into the novel? She said in a 1994 interview, “I didn’t have a specific idea when I started writing it, but I wanted to re-tell the history of ‘Dong-hak’ because it’s becoming buried as time goes by. We, writers can dig it up with our imagination, and understand it more accurately.” By preserving the historical event in her literature, she wanted us not to forget the history of Korea. Right. ‘Land’ includes hundreds of people and much history from the late 19th century to the middle of the 20th century. The residence of Choi-champan, a grandfather of Seohui and a main character of the novel, is the background of novel. Though it was later settled after she had finished the novel, we went there because it was the author’s first imaginary house. What do you think the difference is between ‘living’ and ‘being living’? On the way to the literature event, as high as I went up, I could see more of the green rice fields spread below my eyes. There were many trees laden with persimmons. There were three contests that day; writing letters, composition, and recitation. We didn’t have very much time so we quickly decided which we would attend. Some participated in only one, while others were able to participate in two because the deadline for writing and recitation were different. I choose two: composition, and recitation. We were given the theme of the composition, Life.

THE PIONEER, NO. 144, DECEMBER 2008

Pictured by Jeong Ki-hyeong

Pictured by Lee Young-a

The choices for subtitle were living and being living; we had to choose one. ‘How on earth they are different?’. As I was thinking about what to write and how to start, there was a soap opera-like performance in which people acted like real characters in the book ‘Land’. It was an inspiration! There were lines that said ‘People believe that they are the owner of the land, but the land itself cannot belong to people. There were lines that said ‘People believe that they are the owner of the land, but the land itself cannot belong to people. We are just wanderers who stay on the land for short time, and the land is an affectionate mother who always stays in one spot, and raises living things’ I realized that living meant living itself, and being living is the notion of continuation, like the land that continuously produces products and makes people live. Gazing at the wide, green field that was below me, I thought back on my life. I had memories full of agony, but also happy memories. Sometimes I acted selflessly, while at other times I was very greedy. I organized those in order, and that helped me think about life, being living, and myself once again. Fortunately, the script we chose for recitation was what the performers did while we were writing. I tried to imitate what I had heard before, and tried to focus on the emotion of a character Seohui, but it was more difficult than I thought. Several works seemed to be collected to honor the writer’s spirit. Each work was printed on cloth, and they fluttered in the wind. It was an impressive exhibition. There were many grassroofed houses and we knew whose house it was by reading the post in front of the house. There was a rice cake and uncurdled bean curd demonstration inside the house. Also for the exhibition, several scarecrows were placed in the rice paddy. I was happy to

smell the scents of tradition everywhere. I saw the vast field that lay before us, and the land that had been the source of our lives. If it had not been for the land, it would have been impossible for us to live; it has given us air to breathe, space to live, and food to eat. In a prologue of the book, she said, ‘I write not just to transmit information about the old days and to remind people of older times. Why not think about the absurdity of the living things in the world, the appearance of surviving fighting against it, and the essence of existence.’ Someone asked me why I thought that Koreans climb Jiri Mountain. At the time I couldn’t answer, but now I can. I think the reason Jiri Mountain has been loved by many people is because Korea’s bitter sweet history sleeps there. Many farmers struggled to the death fighting against injustice and foreign power. The city of Hadong bounded by Jiri Mountain and the Seomjin River would be the proper place for her. Also, the special place, House Choi-champan is the place where villagers gathered together to work. Fortune came from farmers’ sweat and their efforts were steamed near there. We can read of their joys and sorrows through many of her works, especially ‘Land’. She, who devoted her whole life to literature, went back to the land this year, at the age of 72. We should also remember the writer’s soul to preserve their lives. Be sure to visit their homepage (http://www.hadong.go.kr) before you go. If you want to go to House Choi-Champan call 055-883-2663. There are a few buses each day. p [email protected] Tip Time Cost

Jinju -> Hadong terminal ->House Choi-champan 1hour(by bus, train) 30min(by bus) 4,300won(by bus), 1,400won(by bus) 3,100won(by train)

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Pictured by Park Gun-hee

R E V I E W

6mm Camera, Little Theater, ……, and‘Passion’! Park Gun-hee Deputy Editor-in-Chief

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hat comes to mind after reading the title of this article? Some of you might not know what this article is about. Some of you might see a hint in the first word, 6mm Camera. If you don’t know yet, let’s consider what the title suggests: few characters, stories reflecting a director’s thinking, sometimes confusing, shaky images, and taking films with small capitals. It is an artistic genre that attracts smaller audiences in a world of big budget films. But the phrase that also has a lot of possibilities is Independent Films. An independent film, or indie film, is a film that is produced outside of the main

cinema system. Near GNU’s main entrance is the Jinju Media Center which shows indie films and teaches how to critique indie films. If you look carefully on the bulletin boards around GNU, you might see yellow posters advertising films at the Jinju Media Center’s Indie Cine where indie films are shown every Friday. Each month has a new theme of movies. November’s theme was ‘work people’. Three movies, Ordinary People (2007), One Day of OO (2007) and Art of War (2006) were shown on the 7th and 14th while Phill Soong Ver 2.0 - The Song On The Road (2007) was shown on the 21st and 28th. On the 28th, Young-

seok Yeon, a main character of Phill Soong Ver 2.0, visited the Indie Cine and talked with the audience. In December the Indie Cine plans to show films about family. Shocking Family (2006) will be shown on the 5th and 12th and Big Girl, Little Girl and a Guy in Between (2007) will be shown on the 19th and 26th. If you are interested in indie films and want to see the films by yourself, don’t hesitate. How about going to the Indie Cine this Friday instead of going to one of the expensive theaters? You will definitely fall happily in to the world of indie films. p [email protected]

Pictured by Park Gun-hee

Jinju Media Center where... 3F of Buldon-sangdon building, across from GNU’s main entrance when... on Fridays, December (except holiday) ticket cost... adults : 2,000 won, students : 1,000 won phone...055-748-7306/010-2361-5112 homepage... http://cafe.daum.net/imjinju notice... ・All indie films shown at the Jinju Media Center have English sub-titles. So foreigners who can read English can enjoy many Korean indie films. ・If you want to be a member of the Jinju Media Center, the cost is only 5,000 won per month. Members enjoy free movies and use of the Jinju Media Center facilities. 16

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P H O T O

E S S A Y

Myth of Winter Life Nam Young-woong Reporter

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he time of year that is cold and chilly has already arrived. The season reflects the roles of the gods and the goddesses. This season has opposite meanings like two-headed Janus. The beginning of winter is like the final time for Demeter, who is the goddess of agriculture and the land, and the beginning time of Hades, who is the god of the underworld. Hades makes thick mist and blows strong wind which hardens and freezes all living things. All of the leaves fall as they suffer from Hades’ cold influence, and the thin branches of trees shake under his unfriendly influence. Demeter’s time is over, but Demeter’s warmth won’t disappear under the influence of Hades. It’s frozen and hard outside under the influence of Hades but peoples’ hearts aren’t frozen and hard. They are beginning to share their warm heart with their neighbors through warm cups of tea. Demeter’s warmth walks around in the hearts of people.

December 25th is Christmas, and Hades’ influence and Demeter’s warmth in people’s hearts are at their peak. Couples give their hearts to their lovers, and charitable people help the poor who can’t protect themselves well enough to defend Hades’ influence. Everyone is sharing their warmth, families are enjoying a harvest by the stove in Demeter’s time. In the church, many Christians and priests are blessing each other, wishing a happy new year to all as they celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and they share their food each other.

The world is under the Hades’ influence, but Demeter’s warmth is still alive in people’s hearts. Prosperity is shared as she stokes the fire in our hearts. It is already cold outside, but she warms our hearts like a roaring fire. p [email protected]

THE PIONEER, NO. 144, DECEMBER 2008

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S O C I A L

E X P L O R E R

21C, It’s Time for the Environment. Contributed by Jeong Seong-gyeong

The Clock Is Ticking Rapidly! Kim Tae-jin Social News Editor

It’ s 9:33pm!

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he right figure represents the Clock of the Environmental Crisis. Have you heard of it? It shows how aware respondents are of the current crisis. That is, it identifies the perception of the global environmental crisis. The Asahi Glass Foundation has surveyed governments, businesses, NGOs and global intellectuals every year since the 1992 UNCED (United Nations Conference on Environment and Development). The foundation has appealed the result of survey. The clock symbolizes the various degrees of crisis. From 12am till 3pm is 'no anxiety', 3pm till 6pm is 'some anxiety', from 6pm till 9pm is 'significant anxiety' and from 9pm till 12am is 'extreme alarm and heightened anxiety'. The symbolic 'death' of the global environment is 12am. In 1992 it was 7:49pm, in 1997 it was 9:04pm, and in 2006 it was 9:17pm. Since 1997, the clock has been at 'extreme alarm and heightened anxiety' level. As the figure above shows, the Clock currently reads 9:33pm, the most dangerous time we have ever had. The experts who answered this year's survey considered global warming (68%) as the main contributor to the environmental crisis, followed by water shortages, food problems, deforestation, desertification and threats to biological diversity.

Let's turn back the hands of the Clock. What environmental time will it be next year will be? Many people don’t know of this clock. However, we witness the effects of a warming climate in disasters, large scale typhoons and especially big rainfalls. Can we turn back the hands of the Clock of Environmental Crisis? Whatever your answer, we must do it. Here, I'll tell you about two green lobbies in our city, Jinju Federation for Environmental Movement, and Civic Environmental Center of Jinju YMCA. Both organizations are working hard to turn back the hands of the Clock.

The Jinju Federation for Environmental Movement Citizens who were worried about environmental problems established the Jinju Federation for Environmental Movement in 1991. After that, it gained the trust of the public through it's activities aimed at protecting our local environment such as the Namgang River, Jinyangho Lake, and the movement against building a dam on Jirisan Mountain. The Federation was

successful in fighting against the construction of the Duncheol Golf Link, and became one of the strongest local green lobbies. The Federation has been constantly promoting many activities: environment education for children and teenagers, wildlife protection, energy conservation, and the expansion of new and renewable energy sources to prevent global warming.

The Civic Environment Center of Jinju YMCA The Civic Environment Center of Jinju YMCA was established in 1947 as a department of Jinju YMCA. The Center has been holding many activities: creating a movement to save the Gajwacheon Stream, monitoring and investigating of streams, holding a drawing contest, hosting an organic food class to supply healthful food, education for environment commentator, monitoring traffic movement, educating citizens about climate 18

change and how to reduce greenhouse gases, etc. This year the Center campaigned for the Carbon Neutralization Movement from July to October. The Center's many activities focus on improving our present and our future, helping citizens work towards creating a sustainable environment.

THE PIONEER, NO. 144, DECEMBER 2008

Main Activities of the Two Green Lobbies Movement using the slogan, 'If you ride a bicycle, happiness comes to you'. The various activities are popular with citizens: free bicycle repair, bicycle classes for housekeepers, a grand bicycle parade on Earth Day, monitoring the condition of bicycle paths, etc.

Contributed by the Jinju Federation for Environmental Movement

A bicycle, a method of transportation ideal for short-distances, is pollution-free. The revitalization of cycling is a new plan not only for making the city cleaner, but also for saving energy and preventing global warming. Jinju is an ideal city for cycling. For 7 years, the Federation has been behind the Riding Bicycle

Contributed by the Jinju Federation for Environmental Movement

# The promotion of cycling

# The protection of the Nam River and Jinyang Lake event held every summer. By walking from the beginning to the end of the river, participants can become familiar with it and learn the importance of it in person. Many families participate in the event. Children aren't educated by an instructor's bookish explanations, rather they learn about the River from their parents, so this event is also an educational opportunity.

Contributed by the Jinju Federation for Environmental Movement

Nam River is like an artery of Gyeongnam Province, and Jinyang Lake is like a lifeline of local residents. Therefore, as two of our precious resources, they are the world to us. Several activities are being held to help protect them from pollution and to enhance their ecological stability. Among the events, 'Walking Pilgrimage for Loving Nam River' is an

# Saving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions generating electric power in the Main Building. Their goal was to reduce energy consumption by 20% and it is confirmed that many apartment dwellers participated in the movement with eagerness. The Federation and the Center helped the residents monitor their energy consumption, but also offered programs to encourage people to participate in other ways: energy-saving education, a tour through energy facilities, holding the charity bazaar, showing movies about the environment, etc. In addition, the blackout event for 5 minutes held in August shows that a large amount of energy can be saved through the small actions. THE PIONEER, NO. 144, DECEMBER 2008

Contributed by the Civic Environment Center of Jinju YMCA

As time goes by, the amount of fossil fuel used is increasing, petroleum resources are drying up, and the earth is getting warmer. Global warming and desertification make human's future dark. For the global environment, saving energy is our common mission. The Federation and the Center carried out some activities: recommending using new and renewable energy such as solar heat and light energy at universities, reducing energy use by 20%, etc. Chosun University is a good example of how a campus can use new and renewable energy. Chosun University is equipped with solar thermal panels on roof tops which are used for producing heat for the dormitories and for

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E X P L O R E R Contributed by the Jinju Federation for Environmental Movement

S O C I A L

“I’ m So Sorry.” A child who participated in the World Water Day event stroked the river and said, “River, I'm sorry for throwing stones. You had pain, didn't you?”

Messages from the Ecoactivists “ It is necessary to change our perception of the environment.” It is said that people's eyelashes become longer. You may think that having long eyelashes is good because they look pretty, but the hidden truth is that it is by no means good. It is evidence that there has been an increase of minute dust in the air. To prevent such dust from entering the eyes, the body responds by growing longer eyelashes. In addition, we can see atopy, the disease that did not exist in the past but is more prevalent as our air becomes more polluted. Before we know it, our body has reacted to our environmental problems. On the other hand, I think people cling to superficial cleanness but are actually unaware of the hidden problems. For instance, people think that the whiter the cloth is, the cleaner. They are not likely to question the power of bleach. In addition, they consider the water of the pool is much cleaner that the one of the valley. Is water that is sterilized with sodium hypo chloride (bleach) better for our health or the health of the environment? This is a difficult question. These days, when climate change and energy problems are serious, Jinju does not have any laws respecting climate change and energy issues. Yet ironically, Jinju has been named a Green City three years in a row. It means that Jinju has focused on landscape architecture only, thinking that a clean appearance is all that is necessary. This is evidence that city administrators are unenlightened about the environment. From Jang Hyo-yeon, Manager of the Jinju Federation for Environmental Movement 20

“ Shake off the extreme egotism and think of the environment!" Humans are no greater than grass, trees, insects, birds, fish, etc. We, humans, are just a part of nature. Yet we have destroyed nature for our profit and comfort. In other words, we have used nature as an instrument for profit. The state of nature has now reached a critical stage, or almost irrecoverable stage. Today's unusual climate is showing that the destruction of the environment is brought upon humans themselves. As long as the capitalistic system exists, destroying the environment is unavoidable, and the damage that humans suffer will be multiplied. It sounds skeptical, but it's true. We, humans, have been too indifferent to the environment. Although it sounds like an exaggeration, humans have been extremely egocentric. That is, we have taken the right of living in a clean environment away from our own offspring. Of course, we don't have any right to deprive them of an environment they need to exist. We must try to preserve our environment as our living grounds so that future generations my have a better life. In order to do that, we must know that nature and humans are very closely related to each other. Above all, we need to feel friendly towards nature. I recommend you eat food fresh from nature and go on a picnic in the forest with your family. p From Chae Yeong-sin, Manager of Civic Environment Center of Jinju YMCA

THE PIONEER, NO. 144, DECEMBER 2008

[email protected]

For a Clean Campus, Clean Your Mind From the Inside Lee Young-a Academic News Editor

Do you know what Ecomoney is? It is said to be a combination of ecology, economy, and community. It is a kind of coupon that can be used as real cash in a community. We can find the origin of Ecomoney in the Local Exchange Trading System (LETS). It was first started in a small community called the Comox Valley, in Canada. The villagers had hard times because of the economic slump and high unemployment. In the mean time, Micheal Linton, a computer programmer who also had experienced economic challenges, devised LETS. His plan considered economics and ethics. First, reduced the burden on households because they didn’t need to pay interest when they borrowed from LETS. Second, many transactions were possible because of the inclusion of many products and service. Third, it gave stability to the community as it became more economically independent by using LETS. Finally, it protects the environment as it incorporates recycling, efficient use of resources, and zero waste. Japan developed the idea for those purposes and emphasizing the last effect. In a certain village in Japan, there is a committee to incorporate Ecomoney using the famous character ‘Atom’. The money is called ‘Atom’ and there are various pictures of Atom on the money. The local people receive Atom if they bring their own chopsticks to cafeterias, bring a shopping basket to a market or do some volunteering for the environment. The Atom functions the same as real money in the community, so the locals have the greatest benefits in both the environment and the economy. Do you think it’s possible to use such a system at GNU and in Jinju? Why not? What goes on at GNU? It’s important to see the actual condition of GNU first.

# 1. To reduce waste, take only as much food as you can eat. Have you heard about cafeterias where people have to pay a fine if they waste food? There are lots of cafeterias that have implemented that rule. Nowadays, it seems to shade away. There are an average of 1,000~1,500 people who use the Central Cafeteria at GNU every day, and around 500 people use the Professor’s Cafeteria. There is an average of 110kg of food trash everyday (excluding bones, 600~700kg if included). Although it doesn’t seem like very much, if there are fewer people who regularly waste food then we can reduce the amount of food waste. In the Dormitory Cafeteria, 150kg of food trash is thrown

out (bones not included). “The food trash goes to a farm everyday, however, we can’t say it doesn’t pollute the environment at all. If students only take as much food as they are able to eat, there will be less food waste. Consequently, it would be reflected on the menu.” said a dietitian at the cafeteria. If we impose a penalty on students who waste food and give the Ecomoney to students who don’t waste food, then the amount of food waste will be reduced. Have you seen the poster ‘Thursday is no wasted food day’ in the Dormitory Cafeteria? Let’s not waste food at least on that day.

# 2. Tab water, you can save water. Korea is a country which is classified as water shortage country by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) and the WMO (World Meteorological Organization). Do you know how much water we use everyday? According to Junju City Hall, GNU people used 704,706 tons of water last year, and it cost 704,523,000 won (Gajwa, Chillam, and Tongyoung Campus included). To monitor and reduce the amount of water we use everyday, headquarters has installed water meters

inside every building to check if their water use is excessive. To prevent inefficient use of water, we should turn off the taps tightly because if drops of water fill a bottle in two minutes, it means we waste 6,000 liters of water a year. We can also deal with the problem by taking showers instead of taking baths, because a shower takes one third the amount of water compared to bathing in a tub. In addition, if we brush our teeth without a cup and leave the tap on for about 3 minutes, we waste 18 liters during that time. THE PIONEER, NO. 144, DECEMBER 2008

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S O C I A L Water shortage is not the only problem. The midstream and downstream of the stream Gajwa are graded 4 in water, 5 in environment. Isn’t it surprising? Although, GNU is not totally responsible for the grade, because the exhausting water through filter in GNU is 5~7 PPM (20PPM limited), but it does contribute to the pollution. A change in

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consciousness is needed by GNU staff and students. You may feel like it’s a nuisance, but we must take the right steps to dispose of our waste. Also, using natural detergents would be better for the environment. We can give Ecomoney to GNU people who make it a rule to save and preserve water in their daily life.

# 3. Turn off the lights that aren’t needed. Last year, we used 27,203,400 kw of energy and it cost 1,980,056,000 won. The average quantity of electricity used in the dormitory is 80,000 kw this year. Headquarters has made several attempts to reduce the use of electricity. First, they encourage us to use the stairs to get to the lower floors. The second is turning off the lights between the GNU Main Entrance and the Central Library at night. Last, replacing fluorescent lights with high efficiency lights. Students turn on the lights in a day, air conditionals in Summer, and heaters in Winter above the necessity.

The administrator of electricity in the dormitory talked about the students’ awareness. “They may feel they have to enjoy all of the benefits because they paid the money.” However, the government has supported us with 1500 million, but the total cost of water and electricity was 3900 million, so the rest is on our tuition fee. Be sure to turn the light off when you go out, or when you don’t need them. Unplug your electronics when you are not using them. The school should to give penalty to people who overuse electricity, and give Ecomoney to who save energy.

# 4. Use your strong feet and take public transportation.

Pictured by Lee Young-a

Since the price of oil is going up, there are fewer people driving to school. However, the campaign of two-shift system of driving isn’t really activated. As you can see, GNU has a gentle slope, and

many people ride bicycles around campus. It deserves praise, and we can give Ecomoney to people who use a bicycle instead of a car or a motorcycle.

Ecocampus. It’s one of the slogans GNU has adopted to make our campus greener and cleaner. Everything seems to be clean because there are green images of the school. However, what’s inside? A few days ago, there was an accident in which all the garbage cans in the men’s dormitory toilet burned. It happened because someone threw a cigarette butt into the garbage can. If it hadn’t been noticed quickly, the accident could have ended in tragedy. The goal of saving energy and protecting the environment from contamination is much more important than the beautiful sight, for a real Ecocampus. p [email protected] 22

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C A R T O O N

A Son of My Mom’s Friend, ‘Eom-chin-a’ By Jeong Seong-gyeong, Dept. of Biochemistry, 07

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E S S A Y

C O N T E S T

The 22nd English Essay Contest

Contributed by Hong Eun-seop

A Shout to the World

Faces of Glory The First Prize

A Short Story of My Mother By Park Myeong-hwa, Dept. of English Language and Literature, 06

I

was looking at the picture of a young woman. It was a black and white picture where the woman, beautiful and young, gently smiles at me. Lying beside her now, I was tracing the wrinkles that make deep and sharp lines to every edge of her face. Especially my eyes fixed on the wrinkles, at both ends of her mouth, curved downward; making her look a little bit worried. “Mom, make a smile,” said I, fingering her mouth up in order to give her a big smile. Then she made a smile at me. Even though it seemed to be a false smile, I like to see my mom smiling before me. She is my princess. Yes, I have a ‘Princess’;

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unfortunately, it has nothing to do with a fairy story. It is the name of the shop, where my mother is dressing hair. Right, my mom is a hairdresser. Thanks to that name, my mom is often called ‘Gong-ju’. The word in Korean refers to a princess in English. Thus, it is a common scene that customers ask me, “Where is Gong-ju?” for my mom is so busy that the shop is often empty, only with customers looking for the owner. It seems strange to you that the busy hairdresser is not at the shop, but can be found outside frequently. Born to talented hands, she never lets her hands lie lazily on her laps. During weekdays, she works hard at her shop. My mom, however, spends much of free THE PIONEER, NO. 144, DECEMBER 2008

time outside of the shop doing this and that, which I do not know for sure what they are. Moreover, on weekends she is still busy doing her chores at home and helping her neighbors in countryside. She is a hard-worker, emphasizing the importance of the work. “Follow what you want to do. Do not chase after money.” “Do not let your life driven by money. Instead, drive your work hard.” That is the most important lesson to which my mother always gives the importance before her grown-up children. Being a daughter of such a mom, I am also a person, who hardly gives up searching for what I really want to do and goes for it. Maybe what I am now is

somewhat reflected in how my mother has lived. She was raised in a big family, where 3 sons and 4 daughters had to share everything. Thus, she did not have an opportunity to get higher education while only sons were allowed to finish their schooling. My mom worked as a librarian in the high school, where her male siblings were educated. And, she was the second daughter among all of the daughters who financially supported and took care of her 3 little brothers until they got their high school diploma. My mom was a mom for my little uncles. I cannot help respecting her even more for her sacrifice to her family. Such her sacrifice extends outside our home. She is not participating in voluntary works regularly, but in everyday life she shares what she has with others and runs to help any neighbor in need. Many people, in turn, visit my mom’s shop to bring their harvest : green tea and vegetables for spring, watermelon with some seasonal fruit for summer, chestnuts and rice for autumn and warm stories for winter. Every season I found my home full of people’s warm hearts. Compared to her, I am rather a stingy person. She always says to me, “Share anything, whether it’s a little or little. That is the virtue you should have as a person in a society. No

one can live alone.” As growing older and older, I have come to know the real value of what I can share, that makes me happy with others and, in turn, makes others happy with me. I think ‘the princess’ in my real story is much lovelier than a princess in a fairy story. Today I am going to interview my dear princess to get her story. The other day I, over the phone, asked her to be my interviewee for my mid-term paper in English composition class, and at first she didn’t welcome it. However, she finally said yes for my request. First, my questions get evolved around a short history of her family. She is now travelling back to her memories about her then-parents and her then-siblings as well as living in a big family. She enjoys what she is telling about. As I finish up my questions prepared for the interviews, I raise one more question. “Okay, mom. Then tell me about your daughter. What do you think about your daughter?” Pretending what is going to be talked about is nothing to do with me, I, with innocent-looking eyes, look at her face. “I come, over the years, to know that my daughter is of a dogged patience.” says mom, still with her hands busy, now winding off the thread from her almost-completed needlework, saying she did math wrong as its size seems to be THE PIONEER, NO. 144, DECEMBER 2008

smaller than she calculated before. I am winding up the thread on a reel again while waiting for her explanation further. She is sometimes worried about me starting all over again on campus. “I am really happy to see that my daughter has her own dream and runs for it”, says my mom. I, with a bachelor’s degree, decided to get one more to be an English teacher 3 years ago. “I respect my daughter’s decision and I believe her”, says mom. Then abruptly my mom asks back of me, “What do you think of your mother? What does it mean to you by the word ‘mother’? I wonder what my children think about who I am as their mother.” I am a little bit surprised to be asked about mom, by the very mom. Of course, she is the most important person in my life. “Born to you, I can live what I am. I can’t be what I want to be unless you wait long enough for such a late comer like me to come out to find my way. Much thanks for you, with patience and love”, answer I. With the interview now done, I conclude that it happens to be a journey on her living story but also to face myself reflected on her. Here I do not want to put a full stop on her story since her life is still going on now, and mine as well. p

25

E S S A Y

C O N T E S T

The Second Prize

How I Overcame My Difficulties By Lee Hyun-jeong, Dept. of English Education, ’06

I

went to the United States with my family when I was three years old and returned to Korea when I was eight. I felt a serious culture shock at first when I came back to Korea after having lived in the United States for five years. The moment my airplane took off and left Minneapolis airport, which was covered by clouds soon, I realized that I was leaving the United States parting from my American friends and teachers. I was so sad that I could not help bursting into tears. As I arrived in Korea with my eyes swollen, my grandmother and relatives said to me, “Why do you cry?” “Stop crying!” I felt bad because I thought they scolded me. My mother also told me that I should not cry. She said it is Korean culture. It was very different from 26

American culture, where I could express myself frankly and find consolation. I was confused because I could not comprehend many things. However, my mother said that I should try to understand Korean culture, because I am Korean and must live in Korea. At that time I found it hard to believe the fact that I am Korean. It was difficult for me to understand Korean culture. Other people around me appeared very strange to me. I had much more serious trouble at my Korean school. Korean teachers told me that I had to make new friends unconditionally as soon as possible, thinking that it is a good way to change me. They said that if I could not make new friends, it would be my fault. They advised me to try to get along well with other students no matter what they might THE PIONEER, NO. 144, DECEMBER 2008

say or do. Other students who heard about me from my homeroom teacher came to me and asked me to let them borrow my things. Some students returned me the things they borrowed, but most other students did not. So I had to go to them to take my things back. My teacher said that it is a good virtue to share my things with other students. It was hard to understand. However, my bad feelings toward the students disappeared as they offered to let me borrow theirs when I forgot to bring my sports wear or spoon. (In Korean schools students have to bring their spoons or forks to eat lunch with.) Several students offered me their chopsticks or forks, saying that their chopsticks are made of silver and so very good or that their forks will be better for me, because I came from the United States.

I became a college student in Korea last year. I have come to understand Korean culture much better than before through my own experiences and conversations with my parents and friends. I found that frank conversations with my parents and others were of great help in reducing culture shock. Once I told my grandmother that I had felt very sorry, when she scolded me for crying at the Korean airport. Then she said that she had not meant to scold me at all and that she just told me not to cry, because she was very sorry to see me crying. In Korea there seem to be many cases where people often talk in sullen tones even if they are considerate of you. You should try to understand their hidden considerateness. My sister and I can speak both English and Korean freely now. However, the two languages seemed to be big obstacles hard for me to overcome for about twelve years during my elementary and secondary school days since my family came back to Korea. My father wanted me and my sister to keep up our

English skills to grow to be bilingual. So he told us to speak only English at home, even though I had to do my homework in Korean. I experienced a great deal of trouble, as I had to do a lot of homework and take tests in Korean. Even though my mother helped me to prepare for the tests, giving me explanations in English and Korean, I could not help making many errors because of the language problem. I often felt frustrated and upset after the tests because I could not do well on the tests, even though I knew the correct answers. So I often thought that it would be really nice if there were someone who could translate Korean questions into English for me during the exams. I felt at a loss because I did not have enough time to learn Korean, which was too difficult for me, and I had to keep using English at home. It was hard for me to understand why I must study both English and Korean. I wanted to give up one of the two languages. However, one day when I was doing my writing assignment about my dream, I THE PIONEER, NO. 144, DECEMBER 2008

realized that I forgot about my dreams of studying at a great American university like MIT for graduate degrees and becoming a scholar like my father. I could vividly recall the images of the classrooms and campus of MIT where I wished to study while traveling in the eastern states of the United States. I realized that I must have a good command of English so that I can make my dreams come true. Then I could keep studying English hard and even Korean, which was like a foreign language, became interesting to me. As a result, I came to be able to understand differences and similarities between the two languages very well. I studied Chinese very hard too, which makes up a large part of Korean. Even though the languages were big obstacles to my life causing me a great deal of trouble when I returned to Korea from the United States, they became important foundations for the realization of my dreams after I made up my mind what to do in the future. p

27

E S S A Y

C O N T E S T

The Thrid Prize

Dear My Season in the Sun By Jeong Se-mi, Dept. Public Administration, 07

T

he shadows are long, another day has gone. Has time ever run this fast before? Tomorrow comes long before I remember what happened yesterday, and today keeps going before I can plan for tomorrow. Why do the things of yesterday linger in my mind amid awkward? It is probably because that I have nowhere to place my mind. These days, I often recall my adolescent period, which reminds me of the smell of moist grass right after the rain. At that time, I had a white grand piano, which I called the ‘white whale’. The white whale used to flash a smile with his white keyboard teeth and let me sit in front of him. During the third year of high school, I used to sit in front of my desk past 2 a.m., but I didn’t finish one volume of an exercise book without knowing what to do first amid a pile of study materials. Even though there were many days when I wasted valuable time like that, I always 28

liked to hum piano melodies on the way to and from school. After I got scolded by my teacher because of poor grades, and in spite of my painstaking effort, I became helpless like a scolded puppy. Nevertheless, I went to the roof-top of the school building with my friends to fight sleepiness, and we could rest and laugh there, while enjoying the open view of cherry blossoms spread over the campus. Even when we attended a prestigious university and was filled with school pride, and the average class grade was always a great distress to our teacher; we still could laugh with all our hearts and talk about our dreams with confidence. We used to say, ‘In seeking what we want, our parents’ pride and other people’s eyes don’t matter at all. We don’t have to follow in their footsteps, do we?’ Recalling in retrospect, we might have thought that our grades and winning or losing were not important. Instead, we THE PIONEER, NO. 144, DECEMBER 2008

used to seek our own happiness in our small and humble dreams without caring about what other people thought. A couple of days ago, I got a call in the evening from a friend of mine. We had lost contact since graduating from high school. I was just told by another friend that she went to a renowned college specializing in training professional illustration. I managed to remember her as a friend who loved cartoons and used to tell friends with her sparkling eyes that she would definitely become an illustrator in the future. I asked her how she had been doing. To my surprise, she said that she dropped out of the illustration college, and was preparing again to enter a 4-year university to take the Public Teachers Qualification Exam. Silence followed her declaration. The silence was rather bitter, as I vividly remembered her as a passionate illustration lover who used to talk endlessly about her favorite cartoon

writers and what types of cartoons she would like to draw. At some point, the bitterness hit my heart so hard that I was crying without reason that night. The starlight did not breathe. The silent night sky felt as heavy and anxious as my heart. That night, after hanging up, I was thinking for a long time, while staring at the night sky without feeling the cold night air. She was the first one who talked about her dream with confidence and passion, and prepared to enter the college of her dreams to study illustration without being swayed by the ever-changing college entrance system in Korea. I was wondering what on the earth made her give up on such a passionate dream? Why am I still confused about which career I will pursue, while at this moment studying at a university, which the Korean people call ‘the Halls of Truth’? Why do our various dreams converge to one type of government officer career at university, a place where we are supposed to extend the horizons of our knowledge? Old folks tell us that we must compete painstakingly to survive or win in the same dream. I asked my friend how she would do, and she replied that she just hoped to smile with all her heart at the end of her chosen path, like we did in our school times. Her last words still linger in my head. All of a sudden, I wanted to ask

her how a teacher, who dropped her dream by herself, could smile with all her heart, and how students taught by that unhappy teacher could possibly be happy. As a matter of fact, the ultimate reason for school is to teach us how to live in harmony on our own based on finding our own values and respecting others. However, nowadays, we compete with one another much more than is necessary in our lives. The realities force us to choose a reputed career which will shine our name with fame in society rather than our favorite field. We live daily in a world which tells us that it is far better to become a distressed or unhappy teacher than an illustrator who is content with a small dream. If somebody were to ask me “What’s your dream?” I would probably have to think for three days and nights to answer such a simple question. Unfortunately, this is what we are today forgetting: our childhood dreams. It is obviously fall now. The traces can be found everywhere on campus. The sky seems to have lifted up higher and it looks clean and blue. During the day, hot sunbeams ripen the cheeks of Chinese quinces, while at the same time dyeing them with a sweet taste. As part of preparing for seeking a job from government or big companies, we also get busy with signing in a course for a license and preparing for the TOEIC exam. It

THE PIONEER, NO. 144, DECEMBER 2008

seems that such images will not change much the next fall or after. However, I still hope that above all, dreams rest on the shoulders of students who are busy walking across campus to move from one class to the next. I hope that everybody will follow his or her dream for real happiness, and are excited about reading and listening to lectures as a way to materialize those dreams. Therefore, in the end, we don’t regret our decision made at an intersection of two different roads; one is the way I wish to go, and the other seemingly the way I am forced to go by others. Later, I would like to recall my youth as a pleasant and memorable time of my life, not a time filled with regrets and bitter memories. Among all the times of my life, I wish to select this very moment as my ‘season in the sun’. Like other university students, the sad reality that I am also preparing for the public officer exam makes me realize how precious our high school times were, the times when we felt the most happy with our beautiful real dreams. We were all sparkling with dreams like that. We were just happy to have a shoulder to lean on, and excited about our unforeseen futures with our hearts beating fast. Is there still the beautiful wind blowing on the rooftop place like the day when the fresh wind combed our hair with us standing there side-by-side? p

29

P E O P L E

GNU through the Eyes of Foreign Professors Most Important Thing Is Health Yelena Baribaeba is a Russian professor from Chita National University where many GNU exchange students have gone. She especially likes the Russian language and wants to show GNU students the variety and beauty of the language. I asked about her first impression of GNU and GNU students. At first she was uncomfortable with the size of GNU. However, as time goes by, she has become more used to living here. Moreover, she realized that GNU students were similar to the Prof. Yelena students of Chita National University though they Baribaeba (Dept. of don’t have same culture, language and customs. Russian Studies) The students of both of these countries seem to enjoy living, be open-hearted and curious. Perhaps this is because they have a common denominator: they are university students. In conclusion, I asked

Lee Young-joo Reporter her to give some advice to GNU students. She said, “If you lose your health, you will lose everything.” She emphasized the need to be healthy over and over. Of course, the importance of health applies to not only GNU students but also to GNU professors and officials. In Russian, the greeting word ([zdrabstbyi(te)]) means ‘health([zdaroba])’. When they greet, they say ‘I hope you are healthy.’ Like this, they consider health is most important thing. She advised us to not be conceited and to maintain our physical health as well as mental health. Although my Russian is poor, she kindly answered my questions with a girlish smile. I thanked her for the interview and her counsel. I took pictures of her smile and engraved it in my mind. p [email protected]

Set Your Dream, and Search Ways to Realize It! Pictured by Lee Young-a

Lee Young-a Academic News Editor

Hello! She, a professor in Dept. of German Language and Literature, welcomed us with a big smile. She’s been in Korea since August 25th, 2008. She heard of her acceptance at GNU in June, which was about two months after she applied to work here. She sent the application form without hesitation not only because she was a student approaching graduation, but also her dream had been to spread her native language throughout the Prof. Anika Bensch world. With the question ‘Have you learned (Dept. of German English? Your English is fluent!’, she replied that Language and she learned English as a second language in high school. She has also wanted her native language to Literature) become one of the famous in the times for about 10 years. Now her dream has somewhat come true. She seemed satisfied with her decision. “Everything here is very lovely and beautiful!” She said that GNU students have shown enthusiasm and a great interest in studying. “The pronunciation ‘d’ and ‘r’ in German are difficult to distinguish and 30

they asked questions to understand completely.” She said she was happy to see the students progressing. Rather than giving minus points, she gives plus points when students complete their homework. She considers homework a measurement to judge whether students are progressing well. She wants to focus on what students find difficult. I could see her philosophy of education. She offered this advice: Don’t be shy to ask someone for help because it really helps. “I really didn’t know I became a teacher here. If you set your dream, it doesn’t matter how big it is. Focus your energy on achieving your dream. Find someone and ask them for help. It really comes true.” As she could get the useful information from her German friend who has experienced an intern in GNU, it really helped. I hope she continues to enjoy teaching and stays here at GNU for a long time. p [email protected]

THE PIONEER, NO. 144, DECEMBER 2008

Through the interchange agreement with Qingdao University, professors as well as students of the university attend GNU on exchange. Wei Shaohua is the most recent professor employed by the Department of Chinese Language and Literature at GNU this year. I was a little bit nervous because it was the first time sitting with a Chinese person. However, with his kind smile and courteous pouring of tea into my cup, he said the treed environment of GNU campus is very impressive, compared to the Chinese one, which was destroyed by abrupt modernization. Moreover, he has taken many pictures of the beautiful and well-maintained campus, he confessed. As I took a sip of tea, I asked what he thought of

Kim Tae-jin Social News Editor GNU students. He replied that GNU students seemed to be very energetic; they are very eager not only in studying but also in self-administering and participating in extracurricular activities. In addition, the professor commented that they had good manners towards superiors, so he was refreshed whenever meeting them. He wanted to have more opportunities to meet them. In his view, the university can build a world-wide reputation by producing great students and research Prof. Wei Shaohua projects. He said, “If GNU pumps up the study more, (Dept. of Chinese GNU will be watched with interest by the whole Language and world.” Besides, he said that GNU can become Literature) generally known through more exchanges with other overseas universities. p [email protected]

Pictured by Kim Tae-jin

With Hope for More Active Interchange

Build Systemized Exchange Student Programs

Nam Young-woong Reporter The number of exchange students going to Japan is too small compared with other competitive universities. She says, GNU will need to build a systematic program for Japanese students who are in need of special Korean lecturers. That way, GNU can share more exchange students with Japan. GNU needs to strengthen the ties of sisterhood and build a stronger relationship with Japanese universities. GNU students hardly ever meet Japanese students. If GNU wants to build a worldwide Prof. Sugimoto Kaoru reputation, it needs to broaden opportunities for (Dept. of Japanese exchanges and develop programs in cooperation with Education) [email protected] other countries. p

You Have a Clear Goal in Mind There are lots of foreign professors at GNU. They have made an effort to improve Gyengsangans’ language ability. I want to introduce to you one of them. Have you ever taken his lecture? On the one hand, discipline is a critical component of his teaching, but also your language ability is improved. Fredrik R. Stark is an English language and literature professor who has plenty of experience in English departments, both as a student and a teacher. He majored in English in college and in graduate school. He came to the English department in 2006. He came because he wanted to work with faculty and students in his field and to do that in this part of

Cho Ah-ra Cover News Editor

Korea. He was also attracted by the academic reputation of a national university. He wanted to learn how to develop the English department: we could aim to cultivate a sense of the importance of a well-rounded grounding in English studies, one that includes more than just the rudiments of using the language for practical ends. He said that if you want to improve your skills and aptitudes in a language it is like anything else - it takes time, patience, and above all, a sense of purpose. What is it that you want to achieve through English studies? Once you can answer that question clearly, that is, once you have a clear goal in mind, then seek out ways to achieve that goal. p [email protected]

THE PIONEER, NO. 144, DECEMBER 2008

Pictured by Park Gun-hee

Mrs. Sugimoto Kaoru is a professor of Japanese in the Education Department. She came from Osaka Japan. She is a typical Japanese middle-aged woman. She seems to be kind and good. She was familiar with the previous professor of Japanese in the Education Department, so she came to Korea on the recommendation of that professor. When she first came here she felt that GNU was very large. However, the atmosphere of GNU is like a Japanese university because they are similar in that they have good environments for studying. And she said, “Japanese students’ looks are outgoing and gorgeous. On the other hand, those of GNU students are ordinary, and they study very hard.”

Prof. Fredrik R. Stark (Dept. of English Language and Literature) 31

L E T T E R S

T O

T H E

P I O N E E R

I Hope We Can Exchange Warm Greetings

D Jang Kyeong-lan Student’s Union Building, stationary store staff

o you recognize me from my picture? Hello! I’m Jang Kyeong lan. I work at the stationary store in the student’s hall. I always meet GNU students who have pure hearts. Most students say “Hello” to me very cheerfully. But sometimes someone will bite my head off and be rude and grouchy. Next time, let’s say hello with a bright smile. Then, we turn our attention to The Pioneer. I knew that is the English university magazine but actually I haven’t read it closely. Although I don’t read English very well, the pictures and design made an impression on me. It was remarkable. I want to suggest three things to The Pioneer. First, I recommend that you should pay attention to the economy, society and politics. That information will be useful to GNU students. Second, I hope you will consider a broad variety of readers. Third, if you can, put in a few Korean explanations for readers like me who don’t read English well. I’m always happy when I find and read a new issue of The Pioneer on the campus. But I carefully ask you to write better articles. I hope everything will come out all right. Enjoy your youth. Thanks for reading. p

Our University, Our PIONEER

I Kang Hong-goo Library, lending information team leader

32

’ve worked at our university library for 27years. Although I spend my time running between the first and sixth floors, I check the newspapers everyday, every publication. I naturally can be touched with the PIONEER as a record in the library. It’s one of my pleasures to listen to your voices even it comes indirectly. Since I started to work at the campus central building, I’ve read every newspaper and magazine published at our university. In my opinion, the PIONEER has grown and developed. The content is very abundant and the design is especially fantastic. The last issue of the magazine was very good. Because I work in the university library, I am naturally more interested in articles on universities and libraries. I was glad to see the campus briefing article which was related to our library. However, there’s inconvenience. I personally think the last issue was a little biased toward overseas stories that the authors had experienced. During the summer vacation, there are many events and changes at GNU that are newsworthy. It would be better if those were written up. I hope the English magazine pays more attention to GNU in the future. I would like to make an additional comment. These days, students don’t seem to care about our school. I wish that students would show their affection for GNU. This is your university where you are studying. I hope you’ll take more of an interest in your alma mater and think about it more often. I will be in the library with you students anytime. I’d like us to get along and greet one another with open arms. I wish that you often come to the library and read many interesting books and get useful information. Do you know about ‘The lost & found center’ on the first floor of the library? We’ll strive to be a library that works for you. Thank you for taking time to read my words. p

THE PIONEER, NO. 144, DECEMBER 2008

Pictured by Park Gun-hee

N O T I C E

Enjoying International Festival

O

Many Korean students enjoyed watching the demonstrations of other cultures. “Passing by the SOLEIP building, I heard someone was singing a Korean song well. I was curious to know who the singer was. So I walked into the Pioneer Auditorium. I was surprised that the singer is a Chinese student. He really sang the Korean song well, like a real Korean,” said Kim Hyo-kyung (BioIndustrial Machinery Engineering Department, 07). When the show ended and everyone was waiting for the winners to be announced, Stacey Hoopes and Shaun McAlpine who showed wonderful harmony with a violin and guitar said, “We had such a great time in the show. We are happy to perform in front of an audience. Of course, we want to get a

Park Gun-hee Deputy Editor-in-Chief prize but we are satisfied with what we did.” Although everyone was satisfied with the show, there was one disappointing thing: the Sidewalk Sale was canceled. The Sidewalk Sale was a small flea market that was supposed to be held in SOLEIP’s rear parking lot on the same day as the Show. About the cancellation of the event, SOLEIP officials said, “The event was canceled because of a lack of sellers. Only English teachers could be sellers and they had classes at that time so of course they couldn’t also be sellers. In fact, SOLEIP is planning to hold flea markets four times a year, at the start and end of each semester. Flea markets allow foreigners to share their stuff, but also Korean students can experience shopping in English. p [email protected] Pictured by Park Gun-hee

Pictured by Park Gun-hee

n October 15th, an exciting Variety Show was held at the SOLEIP (The School of Language Education and International Programs) Pioneer Auditorium to celebrate GNU’s 60th anniversary. It provided an opportunity to many foreigners to show their talents. The show was open to international students, teachers, and staff at GNU from China, The U.S., Canada, Australia and so on. The audience was happy and enjoyed watching the participants sing songs, dance, and play musical instruments, such as guitar or violin. One participant wore hanbok - traditional Korean clothes -, and a few sang or danced to Korean songs like moo-jo-gun. One participant dedicated his unaccompanied song to his parents and wife.

THE PIONEER, NO. 144, DECEMBER 2008

33

THE

No.144 DECEMBER 2008

PIONEER

Gyeongsang National Univesity

Whose woods these are I think I know. His house is in the vilage, though; He will not see me stopping here To watch his woods fill up with snow.

He gives his harness bells a shake To ask if there is some mistake. The only other sound’s the sweep Of easy wind and downy flake.

My little horse must think I queer To stop without a farmhouse near Between he woods and frozen lake The darkest evening of the year.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promise to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening -Robert Frost-

The PIONEER

From Name : Department : Grade : Phone Number :

1. 이번 호에서 가장 관심 있게 본 기사는? (Whici article do you like the most?)

2. 그 이유는?(Why do you like it?)

3. 다음 호에서 다뤘으면 하는 기사는? (What would you like to see in the PIONEER magazine?)

To Gyeongsang National University The PIONEER, Campus English Magazine

학생회관 5층 파이오니아로 응모해주세요. (정답자 중 추첨을 통하여 문화상품권을 드립니다.)

4.‘파이오니아’에게 전하고 싶은 말은? (Is there anythig to say to the PIONEER?)

PUZZLE

Guess it!

I

F

1

3

A

C

2

5

W

1

E

4

P

3

S

2

DOWN 1. ‘________ flims＇stand for independant flims. (REVIEW) 2. Park Gyeong-li is the ________ of the book, ‘land’.(TRAVEL) 3. You can get useful information about employment in a job ________. (COVER STORY) 4. Barack Obama won United States presidential ________. (CAMPUS BRIEFING) 5. The Clock of the Environmental ________ (SOCIAL EXPLORER)

ACROSS F

4

P

5

1. ________ is the season between autumn and spring. (PHOTO ESSAY) 2. A Chinese student sang Korean ________ very well. (NOTICE) 3. Wei Shaohua is a foreign ________ of GNU. (PEOPLE) 4. The university ________ was held from October 14 to 17. (CAMPUS WORLD) 5. There is a ________: ‘farming by day and studying by night’. (FOCUS)