8th batch president Sara Mo’men recaps some highlights for the new batch thus far.
Adjusting to a new city and new program during the COVID19 pandemic is no easy task as the face of unfamiliarity is ubiquitous. Just the same, those faces of unfamiliarity have proven to provide a warm welcome to us the new 8th batch recruits of the DTM program.
Our DTM seniors of the 7th batch made sure that we were well-received with open arms to the DTM family. I did not understand why they first welcomed us to the DTM family, but now I know why. We are family because everyone in DTM is willing to help anytime whether it is a professor, alumni, student, or a DTM staff. We treat each other with respect and concern, and that support was able to make us comfortable as we all became a part of this big family.
Our lovely mate Sanghee Ma from South Korea provided us tickets for a professional ice hockey match at Mokdong hall where we could engage in a competitive sport event during the pandemic. The atmosphere was so energetic, motivational, and both teams were so talented and highly skilled. We were all thrilled with the new experience but mostly because we were together.
One of touching moment occurred during Christmas when Liyana from Malaysia decided to cook for the whole students who were living on the dormitory with assistance from other students so that everyone would feel at home, filled with warmth and love. The same situation happened again with Zabihullah from Afghanistan surprised the whole batch by taking more than 4 hours to bake homemade donuts. It was a boost of morale for everyone during the hearty season.
I consider our batch as a very lucky batch. Yes, our life is not that easy, but the amazing experience that we are making together as a batch is the best part about this whole experience.
Here are a few individual student comments on COVID life:
Bektur Kiyatbay, Kazakhstan:
Studying at the DTM program is a unique experience. The teamwork during the projects and assignments allow us to get to know each other very well. Even if the classes are online and I am in different country, I can still feel that I am a part of the DTM family. I think that it is a great example of cooperation and international friendship during the tough period of pandemic.
Wana Gift Njapawu, Zambia:
My experience as an SNU DTM student in this COVID-19 period has been a life changing moment, living in isolation yet virtually connected by “dreaming together” with different people who have become family. It was initially challenging due to restrictions and learning virtually, but it is slowly becoming a way of life as it has created an environment where life goes on even in the midst of all this.
Heshu Kajiiloni Krichena, India:
From being stuck in India to waking up before dawn for the 5:30AM class has been quite an experience so far. However, the efforts and dedication of the DTM program towards quality delivery of knowledge by keeping each individual in mind has made learning fun and engaging. Life has changed for everyone with the pandemic, but this has also taught us to love and treasure every minute of our life.
Claudia Cárdenas, Ecuador:
Life as a SNU student has been challenging. In addition to the difficult task of adapting to a completely new environment, it occurred during a pandemic, a situation that is new to everyone. However, the desire to teach and learn from both teachers and students, and from all SNU staff in general, have made this challenge more bearable and an example of how adversity can be overcome with perseverance, creativity, and mainly attitude.
Nakimuli Florence Suzan, Uganda:
I now believe that it is possible to communicate or study regardless of the distance. Special thanks goes to DTM who always do their best at everything to make sure we are equipped with first-class knowledge about global sports management.
Liyana Kamarul Bahrin, Malaysia:
I am really glad that most Korean citizens have obeyed social distancing guidelines on preventing the spread of this disease so that we still have minimal restrictions on movement. Therefore, I still managed to do activities like hiking and jogging, and I really enjoyed seeing how the community stays fit and healthy regardless of age during this pandemic.
