The 5th Young Camp - 'Kogay Diana' (Uzbekistan)

When I joined this program, I did not expect much from it. I thought it would simply be a short trip, a few activities, and new people. I did not imagine that this program itself would become the most meaningful part of the entire experience.

I am currently a fourth-year Architecture student at Bucheon University in Tashkent. Three years ago, my plans were very different. I dreamed of studying Business at Yonsei University and building my future in Korea. Architecture was never part of that plan.

When I was unable to go to Korea and stayed in Uzbekistan for university, I felt quietly defeated. I continued studying, but without direction. I stopped believing that I could hope for something bigger. My days were stable, but empty.

This program became my turning point.

Through the sessions, discussions, and the people I met here, I slowly began to reconnect with myself. Every story I heard, every conversation I had, and every moment of reflection pushed me to look honestly at my life. This program did not give me ready-made answers, it gave me something more valuable: clarity.

I started to understand that my path into architecture was not a mistake. What once felt accidental slowly began to make sense. Architecture became more than a major, it became a language through which I could express ideas, identity, and culture. Thanks to this program, I realized that this is not just what I study. This is what I want to dedicate my life to.

Academically, I maintain a 4.5 GPA and receive scholarships. From the outside, it may look like I am doing well. But this program helped me realize that success without purpose feels empty. Numbers and achievements mean little if you do not know why you are working so hard.

This program also reminded me of who I am as part of Koryo-saram. It helped me reconnect with my roots and see my identity not as something distant, but as something powerful. The conversations, lectures, and shared stories made me feel proud again and responsible.

I no longer see education as a personal advantage only. I see it as a tool to support and develop my community in the future. I want to create spaces that preserve memory, culture, and identity. I want my work to serve people, not just projects.

This program redefined my idea of the future. It made graduate studies in Korea feel not like a dream, but like a real goal. Perhaps in a few years, I will stand among scholarship recipients again, not only as a student, but as someone who knows why they are there.

I am leaving this program changed.

Not because everything in my life is suddenly perfect, but because I finally understand where I am going.

And that makes all the difference.