Hello, my name is Jacklyn Wyszynski and I am a freshman majoring in civil engineering. I am the daughter of an American soldier and a Korean immigrant, and have lived in several states throughout my adolescence. I love to explore; whether it be navigating through unknown places or meeting new people, my experiences growing up have fostered a deep sense of curiosity within me. Through my engineering coursework, I hope to develop my problem solving to continue to satisfy my desire to learn. My involvement in Theta Tau, ASCE, and the Surveying Team have contributed to my continued academic and professional growth. Throughout the next four years, I plan to gain practical experience that will guide me in my pursuits as a civil engineer.

This summer, I am embarking on an international journey to Korea. The Plus3 Korea program is a two week study abroad program which focuses on the development of smart systems in Seoul. Smart systems are holistic technological advancements which act autonomously to improve the efficiency and flow of daily life. Despite its small land area, South Korea stands as a leader in technological advancement worldwide. By traveling to Korea, I will attain an authentic look at the implementation of these smart systems into society.

Learning about smart systems aligns with my career goals. In my future pursuits as a civil engineer, I hope to contribute to the development of smart cities. I am particularly excited to explore the advanced public transportation systems which have been integrated within Seoul. Seoul has an expansive subway system which transports roughly 7.2 million passengers per day. This system is highly efficient and I am excited to utilize public transportation in Korea.

Aside from the unique academic experience that I will gain by studying abroad, I look forward to developing personally as well. As a half-Korean, I am hoping to reconnect with my mother’s roots. I am excited to start my summer by touring my mother’s nation. Studying abroad in Korea will immerse me in Korean culture, language, and customs. I will explore not only the city of Seoul, but also my personal identity.

References:

https://carnegieendowment.org/2024/02/28/role-of-south-korea-s-private-sector-in-setting-technology-standards-pub-91831#:~:text=South%20Korea%20has%20been%20a,technology%20standardization%20processes%20has%20grown.

https://www.metropolis.org/sites/default/files/seoul_metropolitan_rapid_transit_english.pdf

Image:

https://luxuryescapes.com/inspiration/spotlight-on-seoul-top-7-things-to-do-in-the-south-korean-capital/