At the course about french liturature in Korea University, I spent countless hours lost in Michel de Montaigne’s Les Essais. Montaigne taught me that to philosophize is to learn how to live fully. Yet, I observed a growing crisis: a society that treats the humanities as a mere cost, failing to see their value in a profit-driven world. This sparked my ambition to become a business manager who bridges this gap, proving that true profitability lies in a profound understanding of human nature and ethical values. My transition from French Literature to Business Management is not a departure, but an expansion. I aim to lead organizations that prioritize both people and the planet, shifting away from the narrow pursuit of short-term capital.
Sustainability is the ultimate test of this human-centered management. I am deeply inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Goal 12, which focuses on responsible consumption. In my daily life in Korea, I maintain a strict zero-waste routine, using reusable containers to minimize plastics. I have also participated in campus initiatives auditing the waste management of local businesses, providing feedback on how to reduce their environmental footprint.
My study abroad at Keele University will be an extension of this commitment. I chose Keele specifically for its reputation as a pioneer in carbon-neutral campus life. I do not view this exchange as a passive consumption of a new environment, but as an active engagement in preserving it. During my time in the UK, I intend to commute primarily by cycling, taking full advantage of the campus’s infrastructure to maintain a zero-emission transport habit. Furthermore, I will source local, seasonal produce from markets in Newcastle-under-Lyme, supporting the local circular economy while minimizing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance food imports.
To share these insights, I will launch a digital project titled “The Humanities of Sustainability.” Through this initiative, I will document how Keele’s eco-friendly practices can be adapted into the management strategies of Korean startups. By applying the critical empathy I gained from literature to the challenges of environmental management, I hope to demonstrate that a business model prioritizing the planet is not just ethical, but essential for future growth. I am ready to be a bridge between the humanities and business, and I look forward to making my time at Keele a truly green legacy.
