Medalist

I'm Yidam Park who is incredibly honored to receive the Congressional Award Bronze Medal.

This journey was not without its struggles, but the rewards were immense. The four areas, Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and Expedition/Exploration, each posed their own unique set of challenges and joys.

Starting with the Voluntary Public Service area, aligning with organizations and activities that pursue communal benefits according to one set goal and consistently volunteering amid a packed academic schedule was challenging. Nevertheless, the ability to contribute my time to those who are socially disadvantaged and battling illnesses, and to donate my skills by teaching young students, has brought immense pride and fulfillment.

In the Personal Development area, the pressure of doing more for self-improvement excluding studying school subjects initially felt overwhelming. However, expanding my coding knowledge through online courses and open sources turned out to be exceptionally rewarding. It's as if I've obtained a game item or my level has been upgraded.

Physical Fitness was the toughest for me, as I'm not fond of exercising. I reluctantly began working out to secure the Bronze Medal, and maintaining consistency was tough. However, I commend myself for achieving my goals as it resulted in improved health and stamina, proving to be a valuable investment of time.

The Expedition/Exploration area allowed me to rediscover the joy of travel amidst hectic school and extracurricular activities. Planning and executing a travel itinerary on my own, for the first time, was both challenging and exciting. Deciding on travel themes, destinations, and even dining locations and menus was tough but enjoyable as a new experience.

From setting goals in each area to compiling and submitting the record book, the journey was not easy. However, the help from various sources provided by the Congressional Award Foundation made securing the Bronze Medal possible. The program book, monthly webinars, email responses, and record book revisions were particularly helpful. I encourage fellow aspirants not to hesitate to inquire when in doubt. Drawing from my personal experience, I advise paying extra attention, especially to the Voluntary Public Service and Expedition/ Exploration areas.

This journey taught me to balance, prioritize, and the importance of resilience and adaptability.

I feel grateful for the broadened perspectives, enriched worldview, and the growth and insights gained through the diverse challenges. I hope future participants find this journey as enlightening and enriching as I did. May this award continue to inspire holistic personal development-the aspect that college admissions officers deem most important— in many more young individuals.