For Lawun Cho, a student from Myanmar who joined KDI School in the Fall 2024 semester, her journey began not just with a suitcase and an admission letter, but with a handwritten bucket list—a collection of “firsts” she hoped to experience while studying in Korea.

“I have a habit of making lists,” she shares. “Even for the books I read or the movies I watch. It’s always a good way to make me smile in reminiscence in the far future when I might forget about these days.”

This bucket list wasn’t about grand goals—it was a gentle reminder to savor small, meaningful experiences. And since arriving in Korea, Lawun has been steadily ticking items off the list, transforming each moment into a lasting memory.

Among her most unforgettable moments was performing a random play dance at KDI School’s International Food Festival—her first time ever doing something like that in public.

“Although I’m not a great dancer, my sisters were incredibly supportive, which made the performance enjoyable and memorable,” she recalls. Preparing for the event helped her learn how to balance studies with extracurricular activities and gave her the confidence to step outside her comfort zone.

Driven by a belief that every opportunity counts, Lawun wasted no time joining multiple student clubs, including the dance and music clubs.

“I realized that everything happens only once, and if I missed this opportunity, I might never get it again,” she explains. “Even if I joined the same club later, the people wouldn’t be the same. Some students will graduate, so I couldn’t take anything for granted.”

But her KDI School journey hasn’t only been about fun and performances—it’s also been deeply cultural. One of her most cherished memories was wearing a hanbok for the first time during a class trip to the Korean Folk Village.

“The hanbok was absolutely beautiful,” she says, “and visiting there with friends made the day even more special.” These kinds of cultural experiences, supported by the school’s Korean language program, have only deepened her interest in learning more about Korea.

“Learning Korean has become a hobby for me,” Lawun shares. “There are expressions in Korean that don’t exist in the Myanmar language. I find that fascinating—and it motivates me to keep going.” She hopes to continue taking Korean language classes every semester, not just for the language itself, but for the sense of connection it brings to her everyday life in Sejong.

Of all the first-time experiences on her list, one stands out as particularly magical: her first snowfall.

“It felt like a dream come true, like I was living in a movie,” she recalls. “Reflecting on that day, I realize that many of my wishes and hopes are indeed coming true. Being in Korea, studying at KDI School, and making new friends from around the world—these were all part of the dreams I had, and they’re now my reality.”

Her time at KDI School has also been a journey of personal growth. From adjusting to life in a single-room dorm to engaging with classmates from different cultures, Lawun has found herself growing in ways she never anticipated.

“These experiences have made me more open-minded, humble, and adaptable,” she reflects. “Academically, they’ve pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace new challenges.”

For Lawun, “adventure” no longer means adrenaline or bold leaps—it means resilience, small victories, and quiet courage.

“Now, adventure to me means stepping out of my comfort zone and facing my fears one step at a time.”

When asked what lies ahead, she smiles and says, “That’s a secret.” But it’s clear she’s still adding to her list—and still embracing the idea that growth happens through action, not just intention.

To new students arriving at KDI School, Lawun offers a simple message:

“Honestly, I’m just a girl who is afraid of many things—but I push myself to do them anyway. So, my advice is: go for it, even if you’re scared. Embrace the fear and take the leap. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.”

If she had to sum up her journey in one phrase, it would be the same words that guide her every day: “My Little Steps.”

A quiet, steady reminder that transformation doesn’t happen all at once—but in each new experience, each small act of courage, and each first-time moment she chooses to embrace.