Pathway Reflection Essay
PROV 504 Yenny Kim
For me, the period of Fall 2015 is remarkable semester in my life. This is because I had an opportunity to
take INTO Mason Pathway program at George Mason University in United States, also this is my first
time in U.S. The reason I choose the pathway program despite of directly regular Master’s program, I
wish to develop myself as an international student who have to adjust in Western cultures, academic
styles, life styles. The consequence of my choice is pretty satisfy for me, so I want to write my most
remarkable things during this semester pathway program.
Frist of all, I could have a chance to learn about different things which are needed to study in U.S. from
INTO programs such as EAP or PROV class. I felt EAP class is very difficult for me at the first time because
I could not understand the class materials enough what the professors want from me. Thus I was very
struggle with it, especially its homework. Although I spent a lot of time on it and focused on it, but the
result was terrible. The class is still tough for me, however, noticeable change for now is that no more
afraid to write my ideas in English. The time spent on not only the homework but also any critical or
analytical academic writing is strikingly shorten, and I am more proud of writing myself than before
taking the classes of pathway program. This is the most useful academic learning during this semester.
The important thing is that I can use this writing skills for my future academic research or paper so that
it can help me to adjust Western academic writing more than before. In addition, another interesting
learning of this class is English language pattern. Finding the language pattern between the academic
articles allows me to know diversity styles which can be used in my own paper. For now, I am learning to
set the specific topic related to my major field-Nutrition- in the class, and how can I drive the research
topic and key concept referring other sources. I am sure that I can apply those academic skills from this
program to write my own paper and to study my field more effectively.
Second, it was very impressed for me to be held on the event for international graduate students at
George Mason University; Gradstravaganza 2015. This event was one of big scale events related to
pathway program students at George Mason University, especially for graduate students. This allows me
to meet a wide of variety other graduate students in George Mason pathway program and I could make
a lot of friends who have different majors, nationalities, and language. Thanks to this event, I had a great
time with new friends who are studying in pathway program, we shared useful information about
graduate life or GMU. Moreover, before inviting the event, I had few friends who are going into pathway
program at George Mason University, but I could extend my social network though this meeting which
can help me to have more globalized social skills and networks for the future.
Finally, one of the memorable activities during pathway program was a meeting with South Korea INTO
program manager, Sue Oh. During this semester, I got an e-mail from GMU INTO program staff which
asked for meeting with Korean INTO program manager, she wanted to listen detailed and honest
opinions and experiences about pathway program as a Korean student taking pathway program. I
remembered that I had a lot of concerned and thoughts because of lack of information about it at Korea
before deciding to start this program, so I made the appointment happily with her. The meeting was one
to one, only her and me, we had lunch in Globe which is diner in Mason Global Center. I told her my
honest thinking about the program with convenience mind. Also I shared valuable experiences during
the programs and life in the U.S. as an international student. After the meeting, Sue gave me her sign
and address, because she wanted to work with me if I go to Korea next year during summer vacation. As
a representative Korean student going into pathway program, my heart was filled with pride at that
time. Furthermore, I wish the meeting could be helpful for other Korean students who worried about
this program to make sure knowing and deciding it.
At almost finishing the pathway program, I feel really great about having completed this program
successfully. Even I had great and small troubles during this semester, I could overcome them myself or
with help from others, finally I am growing into the next than before starting the program. I am exciting
how much can I take a quantum leap in intellectual and personal growth after finishing the whole
program at George Mason University.