When I was in high school, my teachers would always say that univeristy professors are much stricter and will not let anything fly. I am sure now that was just a tactic to get us to shut up, and it worked then. But university professors turned out to be much more chill than I thought. They're cool people, and I have felt that they truly want the best for us students. They also want us to succeed in our professional and personal lives.

This is a thank you letter to (and I guess a review of) some SKKU professors from the Political Science Department that have made my four years at university enjoyable and helped me fall in love with my major. 존경하는 교수님들께, 진심으로 감사드립니다🥹

* Disclaimer: This is just in random order, and these are my personal opinions and experiences with each individual.

Cho Won Bin (조원빈)

• Areas of expertise: Comparative Politics, African Politics
• Classes I took with him: Introduction to Political Science(정치학개론), Political Institutions(정치제도론), International Development and Cooperation(국제개발협력론)

Prof. Cho always likes to have students present themselves in front of the class during the first lesson. He asks you to share why you chose to take that class and what your dream is. Once someone asked him why he is so interested in each student's future goals. He replied that when he was a university student(he is a fellow 성균인 and sunbae!), he would often lose motivation, and that it's very easy to forget why you started something in the first place. By asking that question, he forces us to remember why we are studying politics, and what it is that we want to achieve in the near to long term future.

During my second year, I took his Political Institutions class. That was one of the first midterms I took in Korean. I had to write short and long essay answers relating complex theories with historical facts or modern issues, and I truly gave my best for that exam. I wanted to prove to myself that I could indeed perform well even when studying in a language so foreign to me. A few weeks after the midterm, I was sitting at the cafeteria reading when Prof. Cho approached me and asked if he could sit for a while. I was startled at first, but it was a conversation that gave me so much motivation to continue striving for excellence in my studies. He complimented my exam essays and told me to keep going, and that if I ever needed guidance or help he was always available. I truly appreciated his kind words.

Kim In Wook (김인욱)

• Area of expertise: International Relations
• Classes I took with him: International Relations in East Asia(동아시아국제관계론), International Security(국제안보), Energy Security(에너지안보)

Prof. Kim is indeed an insanely smart person, and always taught us with so much motivation. He also gives the best movie recommendations.

The last class I took with him was Energy Security, and for extra points he had allowed six people to present their research on any topic related to energy security. Being form Paraguay, I chose to delve into the complex history of the Itaipú Dam and the issues it caused between Paraguay-Brazil relations. He invited those chosen to present for a meal; it is always so fun to see professors out of their normal job setting. He motivated us to continue going for the extra mile, and we cracked so many jokes that day.

I also went to him for some career advice last semester. I was lost regarding my post-graduation plans, and he provided helpful guidance on the overall path to graduate school. I recall him saying that in his opinion, doing a Master's degree right away is better than taking a rest. I will end up not listening to his advice😅(I need a break), but still, he gave me a detailed explanation of things to expect for when I return to university.

Cho Sung Min (조성민)

• Areas of expertise: International Relations, Chinese Foreign Policy, US-China Relations
• Classes I took with him: Domestic Politics and International Relations(국내정치와국제정치)