My name is Deborah Kwak. I am Korean, but I am from the Democratic Republic of Congo, where my parents are missionaries. I moved to the Congo when I was five years old and grew up in that country. I began attending a small local school when I was little and that was where I learned French. I began attending an American school later, to learn English. I spent my high school years in the American School of Kinshasa , where I was among a group of multicultural students who had colorful experiences and backgrounds from different countries.
At Calvin I double majored in Political Science and French and want to build my career in International Relations and study human rights law in either law school or graduate school. Growing up in the Congo has enabled me not only to see the beautiful and wild nature of African countries but also the continuing defects of the continent: hunger, corruption, violations of human rights and civil war. I wish to put together my leadership experiences, my background and culture and the gifts that God has granted me to serve the parts of the world that are going through political and economic crises.
Why apply to Calvin? I believe that Calvin is for special people. By special people I mean students who are determined to develop and grow, to challenge themselves academically, spiritually, socially, and personally. Deciding to come to Calvin is an adventure because it is an environment where one is continuously challenged in all these aspects of life. Calvin helps you attain a deeper relationship with God and develop your faith through leadership opportunities, student organizations , dorm Bible studies and praise, and religion classes. Calvin further challenges you to strive for the best in academics because professors and students are devoted to their roles and responsibilities as God's children and thus are open to sharing fellowship together. Professors care a lot about their students and are easy to get along with. Even after my graduation, I remain in contact with my professors who have been giving me advice on options and opportunities that I can pursue. They have also been encouraging me by writing my recommendations, for which I am grateful.
Studying at Calvin does not mean that you are just another student. You can be part of so many things; your workplace, clubs, church community, internships, etc. You can develop your skills and talents through the extracurricular activities that you might become involved in. I served on the International Student Association Committee as its Secretary and worked as a student representative on the college's Multicultural Advisory Committee (MAC) where I learned how to communicate and develop my leadership skills. I realized how much I enjoyed making a difference as I helped to implement the goals of these groups.
In working as an Admissions Office Student Assistant at Calvin, I enjoyed working with a large and lively group of other students. I liked talking to prospective students about Calvin College because I truly believe that they will be welcomed into this community and encouraged to grow, mature and contribute to it during their time here as a student.
Through Calvin's Off-Campus Programs I was able to spend the 2005 fall semester studying in France , an experience that definitely allowed me to immerse myself in true French culture, an experience not available here. I thought I knew everything I had to know about French: the language, the people, the country, and the culture. But this program showed me more than I original thought I knew about French and its different aspects. Traveling around the major cities in France and to other European countries was very exciting, but it was my experience living with my host family and studying in a completely French environment that best increased my understanding.
Since my graduation from Calvin, I have been spending time with family and friends in South Korea and readjusting back to the feel of living in my home country. I also taught English to elementary and middle school students. At the moment, I am deciding on whether to stay in Korea for a few more months and teach or accept an internship related to my field of study. Whichever path I take, I know either experience will be beneficial to me since I plan to attend graduate school in a year.