Educational Career Journey: Discovering a Passion for Education
Hanna Im, a counselor at Korea Liberal Arts School, has spent years working with students in areas of education. In this interview, she shared her academic journey, career experiences, memorable moments, and advice for students who are interested in pursuing a career in education.
Academic Journey
At first, Hanna Im did not plan to be a counselor or educator. She admitted that “I did not choose my major with the intention of becoming a teacher or counselor. Instead, my career path developed gradually as I gained new experiences and discovered what I was passionate about.” For her undergraduate studies, she majored in Sociology and Peace & Conflict Studies. Through sociology courses, she developed an interest in understanding human relationships.
After graduating from her college, she had an opportunity to work with students. There, she listened to the challenges of the students. And she said, “as I helped them navigate those difficulties, I became increasingly interested in education and youth development.” That experience led her to pursue a Master’s degree in Applied Human Development with a concentration in Positive Youth Development and Education Specialist degree.
Career Experiences
Throughout her career, Hanna Im has worked in various areas of education, including college advising, English education, educational administration, and educational business development. These experiences allowed her to support students in different ways and gain a broader understanding of education.
She learned the importance of building strong relationships with students through her work. “I have always tried to listen carefully to each student’s story and understand their unique experiences and goals,” she said. She also emphasized that counseling requires careful attention to even the smallest details.
Memorable Moments
One of the most memorable experiences in her career has been helping students revise their college essays, even late into the night. She spent long hours reviewing drafts and providing feedback to students. In that process, she said, “I not only help students strengthen their applications, but I also get to know them on a much deeper level.” These moments are meaningful for her because students allow her to witness students’ growth and help them tell their stories in an authentic way.
Advice for Students
For those who hope to pursue a career in education, she advises them to read and write since it helps develop communication skills. “The more you read, the more vocabulary, perspectives, and ideas you gain. The more you write, the better you become at expressing your thoughts clearly and professionally,” she said. Also, she believes that self-improvement is important too.
Lastly, she encouraged students by saying “stay curious, keep learning, and never stop growing.”
