“I’ve always carried one persistent question with me: Who is really in control—our mind, or the brain that shapes our actions?
That curiosity has shaped the way I see the world. It’s what pushed me toward psychology, and ultimately, to the University of Utah Asia Campus. Unlike many programs in Korea that focus heavily on theory and counseling, Utah’s psychology program offers something different—an approach that balances scientific research with practice. For me, it felt like the perfect place to begin answering the questions I’ve held for so long.
What makes the University of Utah Asia Campus special is the bridge it creates. I’ve always dreamed of studying abroad, but honestly, I was afraid of diving straight into an unfamiliar culture and language. Beginning my journey in Songdo, Incheon, and then continuing at the Salt Lake City campus later, feels like the best of both worlds—a way to grow and prepare before stepping fully into that new chapter.
Some of my first memories here are small but meaningful. During orientation, the welcome remarks made me feel like I truly belonged. A few days later, I found myself in the student lounge, laughing over board games with people who had been strangers only moments before. That was the instant I realized: this is college life—connection, discovery, and possibility.
Songdo itself has also surprised me. The city feels calm and uncluttered, yet everything is within reach. Just outside campus, there’s a lively shopping and cultural district where students gather—offering both convenience and community in a way that makes life here feel balanced.
Looking forward, I’m most excited to study cognitive science and neuroscience. Though I can’t take those classes yet as a freshman, just knowing I’m moving closer to them fills me with anticipation.
If I had to describe this beginning in one word, it would be mystery box. I don’t know exactly what’s inside—but that uncertainty, that excitement of opening it, is what makes the journey worth it.”
— Hyeonji An, first-year student, the University of Utah Asia Campus, majoring in Psychology.