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Focus only on your own growth.
GapYear is a time for growth and happiness.
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36th GappeprChoi Jun-young
A total 12-month gap year
Completed a triathlon after overcoming my complexes
# My goal to overcome my complexes and limits, Triathlon
After enlisting in 2012, there was a period when I intensely contemplated life. As I gradually accomplished the two goals I had set for myself before discharge—'reading 200 books' and 'losing my excess weight'—I began to think every day about what kind of person I should become after discharge.
Then, with little time left before my discharge, I watched the triathlon episode of the TV program "Qualifications of Men." Seeing them challenge human limits, I initially thought, "An ordinary person probably can't do that." Then, when I suddenly began to think, "What if I tried it?", I got goosebumps and felt a fire ignite in my heart.I set a strong goal to overcome my complexes and surpass my limits, and I made time just for myself to achieve it.
# I was clumsy at sports, so I started patiently from the beginner class
Triathlon is a sport commonly known as the three-discipline event in our country, consisting of a 1.5 km swim + 40 km cycle + 10 km run, which must be completed within a time limit of 3 hours and 30 minutes. My only prior exercise experience was participating in a 10 km marathon, so to prepare for the competition I had to train in all three disciplines.
So after discharge I enrolled at the school's swimming pool, started from the beginner class, and practiced every day.My athletic coordination was so poor that I failed the beginner class twice, but I gradually improved by practicing separately for an hour even after class ended.I commuted to and from school by bicycle every day unless it rained. I also used weekends to practice running, running each weekend on the school track or local walking paths.
# The money blocking my path, but heaven helps those who earnestly desire
I prepared for the training like that, but financial problems such as competition equipment and entry fees stood in the way. When the most practical barrier made it uncertain whether I could participate in the competition, a golden opportunity came to me, just as they say heaven helps those who earnestly desire.I saw on the school bulletin board that there was a contest sponsored by The North Face, and for the first time in my life I spent several days preparing a proposal.In the end, I was selected as one of 100 nationwide and was able to receive sponsorship funds.Although it wasn't a large amount, it covered the minimum needed to participate in the competition, allowing me to purchase a road bike and a swimsuit, and to register for the event.
# I will definitely finish the triathlon! A vow I kept repeating.
Lastly, to overcome the cynical reactions and doubts from those around me, I told everyone about my conviction every day. When I said, “I will definitely finish the triathlon!” people gradually began to understand my belief. And in my first competition, I was able to finish safely within three and a half hours.I don't think I will ever forget the moment I finished. My breath was short and I could barely stand properly, but the sense of accomplishment — that I had done it — and the joy of realizing I could do it brought me to tears after finishing.And three years later, I became a level-3 triathlon referee and was ranked first among people in their late twenties recognized by the National Sports for All Triathlon Association.
If you want to go far, go together.
When I prepared differently from others, I had three crippling complexes: poor athletic coordination, a lack of money, and the way others looked at me. HoweverI persevered in my training, always reminding myself to take on the challenge if there was even one possible reason out of a hundred.I kept going. After achieving those results and successfully completing the race, people's perceptions of me changed. Friends and younger people began to appear who wanted to try it with me.
I wanted to share with my peers the sense of accomplishment I had earned and the confidence that they too could do it.So I formed Daegu's first "20s Triathlon Club" made up of university students and began preparing for competitions with them. Now, 30 friends have completed triathlon events. As the saying goes, "If you want to go far, go together," they have become another family to me.
# To friends who are hesitating about taking a gap year
I want to make time for myself, but when I actually prepare for that, countless obstacles will stand in my way. HoweverThe important thing is that if there is even one reason I want to do it, the other 99 can be resolved.It seems so.What's important is faith in myself.I think so. With that belief, if you quietly follow through no matter what others say, you will gain a happiness you cannot obtain right now.
Recommendations and submissions for the 100 Gap Year participants are always welcome. Please leave a comment or a message, or email Marketing Manager Da-young Choi (choi@koreagapyear.com)! |