While watching CNA just now, I came across this. I find it a little amusing and also set me thinking about my studies. Here's the article quoted from CNA, with my thoughts in blue.
SKorean high school seniors sit for nationwide college entrance exam
By Channel NewsAsia's Korea Bureau Chief, Lim Yun Suk | Posted: 16 November 2006 1857 hrs
SOUTH KOREA: More than 600,000 high school seniors in South Korea sat for nationwide college entrance exam on Thursday.
The results will determine which universities they will be able to enter. It can also determine their future career paths and even marriage partners. } The exams are so serious!!! I am lucky I am here.
An annual ritual in South Korea sees junior students cheering on their seniors who are taking part in the entrance exam. Parents, friends and siblings gather outside the school to wish the students good luck as they arrive at the exam sites. } this is so cute, amusing, cool. I saw it on TV, the supporters are really strong, they play the drums, shout, scream, chant "all their blessings". I thought they were rioting or some star was there.
Even after the gates close, these well-wishers will stay behind.
Inside the classrooms, students wait nervously for the papers. They are restricted from bringing in electrical devices including cell phones, as some have used them to cheat in the past.
Every year, on the day of exam, government offices, banks and the stock market open one hour later than usual to allow students to make it on time for the exam.}it is that SERIOUS!
That is how crucial the exam is for South Koreans as this exam alone will determine one's future.
In South Korea, graduates of elite universities are much sought-after by top companies here, and later as wives and husbands.} it is all about your SCORES! remember that from now on.
That is why at this time every year, temples around the country are crowded with devout parents praying for their children's success in the exams. }UNIVERSAL. in times of need, there seems to be a great need for superior strength.
Some pray for months in preparation for this day.
50-year-old Park Young Sun says: "I am here for my 100-day prayer as my child is on her second try to go to college. My child studied hard and I came here instead of staying home to pray to Buddha."
Yoon Kyung Sook, another mother, says: "I've been praying hard since three days ago. I've asked that my child's score be satisfactory and if not, at least my child can be a good guesser."
The students will knowtheir fate next month, then they will be able to decide which university to apply for.
They will face intense competition as only about half of the students who take the exams will get a place in the top universities. - CNA/
? every page of my imagination
& PROFILE
SUSAN
TP[HTM], MOELC[JAPANESE], SRJC, PHS, JPS, TPS ORANGEYellow lover
YEating
CANOE-POLO is my new interest :D Japanese is fun, Hope French will be even more fun.
I want to travel around the world and say HI in as many langauges as possible.
Before I grew up I saw you on a cloud
I could bless myself in your name
and patch you on my wings
"Life is hard and so is love, child, believe in all these things"