[Foreigner’s SKKU life] Twin sisters Rafia and Afia
- 자연과학대학
- Hit3150
- 2017-07-13
The foreigner's SKKU life met with twin sisters Rafia and Afia, who came from Bangladesh. Older sister Rafia is in Chemical Engineering and Polymer Science and Engineering, and her sister Afia is in Biological Sciences. The two friends who have been friendly to each other throughout the interview say they are best friends. Let's hear their special story.
Relationship with Korea
Ten years have passed since Rafia and Afia, came to Korea after their parents at the age of six. Life in Korea is now called daily life. "We were born when my parents were taking a master's course in Japan. I grew up in Japan until the age of two, and in Bangladesh until the age of six. After that I came to Korea following my parents' research, mom and dad are always together. Dad is working as a professor at his lab with mom. Mom finished her doctorate a few years ago when he stopped raising us. Both of them have a great enthusiasm in research. We are always respectful. It's one of the main reasons why we put our efforts on our studies. "
Sisters spent their school days in Korea. "We went to elementary, middle, and high school with our Korean friends instead of a foreign school. So I went to elementary school one year late. I learned Korean for a year, so it was easier to accept Korean. I remember the time I got the best grade in Korean entrance exam for the 3rd grade. After enrolling, I had the same school days as my Korean friends. I had adolescence at junior high school and I had fallen in love with my teacher at high school. I also met the teacher I respect a lot. In my senior year in high school, my homeroom teacher was the one who changed my eyes on the world. I was grateful in everyday life. Thirteen of our classmates, who were still very strong in friendship, were a big support for our high school life. "
Life at Sungkyunkwan University
"We always applied the same universities to go to university together. We also applied to SKKU in different majors. By the chance of following my parents participating the Australian Society in the third grade of high school., we met Sungkyunkwan University at the institute for the first time. It was the only Korean university that attended the conference. I've been interested in Sungkyunkwan University since then. I think the meeting with Sungkyunkwan University was fate. It is a well-welfare place for foreign students. I am satisfied with my school life. "
Of course, they had been in adversity, too. "Until high school, we spend a lot of time with friends wearing uniforms. Many Korean friends did not classify us as foreigners. I came to university and many people recognized us as foreigners. Many of them think we cannot speak Korean. This kind of treatment as foreigners was unfamiliar. Korea's culture and emotions are part of us as long as we live in Korea. But when it is classified as a foreigner simply because of its appearance, it is bitter. "
Parents' role in sister's academic interest was great. "Both of parents were in major of chemistry at the time of undergraduate and are currently working on biosensors. I was able to observe various scientific associations with my parents. I have been affected naturally at home since I was a child. "
Afia said she had no regrets in her major choice. "I really like Biological Sciences. I can say that I liked it when I was born. You know, people put a lot of effort into their favorite subjects. I remember studying while I was working hard in high school. I got good score on the test of Biology. Biological Sciences is a field of learning not only for animals, plants, but also for various life forms. Every single detailed area is interesting. Next semester, I will take a class to study antigens and antibodies through rabbits. I'm really looking forward to the experiment. "
Sisters also resemble academic schools. "I think both of us regard study as the first thing. That's why I do not have clubs or other activities that are difficult to work with. I think receiving good grades is a way to give back to my parents. My parents' happiness is our happiness. If we get good results after our efforts, we are proud too. The habit of self-study at night during high school was a great help. When I go to the dormitory for dinner and study, my memories come to my mind in high school. We cheer each other up when we are tired. "
"I want to help foreigners staying in Korea. It's one of the reasons we study harder. I would like to serve foreign friends who go to the general school, especially those friends who can not be accommodated and become bullied. I want to help you study at school. I especially want to teach my friends Korean language so that language does not become a barrier. I would be glad if our experience would help foreign friends adjust to Korea. Parents always say, "If you want to do something, do your best right now." My current studies are a preparation for the future. "
"I want to help foreigners staying in Korea. It 's one of the reasons we study harder. I would like to serve foreign friends who go to the general school, especially those friends who cannot adjust well become bullied. I want to help them study at school. I especially want to teach my them Korean language so that language does not become a barrier. I would be glad if our experience would help foreign friends adjust to Korea. Parents always say, "If you want to do something, do your best right now." My current studies are a preparation for the future. "
Originally, they were good sisters, but they seemed to realize the importance of each other in college. "I am glad I came to the same university. I think it is the best choice. If we have gone to different schools, we would regret it. If I were alone, I would be lonely. It is fun to eat midnight snack. Foreigners do not have LC, but it seems like it was a chance for us to go Hongdae, Incheon, Han River etc. We went to many places together. We also took lectures of general classes such as speech and debate. When you are sick, we are the greatest strength of each other. If you are alone when you are sick, it is too sad. We ran to each other being away from everything. I realize the love of family.
Being asked each of future goals, both sisters had opened up various possibilities. It was same that they have ambition to help Bangladesh, their home country. "Bangladesh has a strong sense of community. It is important to share in Muslim culture. Parents always care for Bangladesh international students. Every weekend, we gather various international students from Bangladesh to make Bangladeshi dishes. We also want to follow our parents’ way. Our family goal is to help Bangladesh. Like father who is trying to research biosensors to diagnose disease at low price. I want to play a role of connecting Korea and Bangladesh. I think there are many points to learn about welfare and education in Korea. No matter what we do, we'll experience a lot of things.