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UPENN Summer Physics Reseatch Academy

I attended the Experimental Physics Research Academy at the University of Pennsylvania during the summer of 2022. I was excited to learn and experiment about mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum dynamics, and astrophysics through lectures and group discussions to gain an understanding of cause and effect and latest research in physics. This experience led me to found the Physics Club at SFS in the following fall.

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Physics Club Co-Founder/President

I founded the Physics Club because I wanted to create a space in which members could come together and re-discover our physical reality through the unique lens of physics. I decided to accomplish this through weekly physics problems that I would design to be both fun and accessible. This task pushed me to evolve as a problem solver and a creative thinker in order to keep our weekly meetings engaging and educational.

 

One particular week, I had a difficult time coming up with one. As a way to refresh my mind, I took a shower and put my head under the water. As I stared at the water hitting the tub, I recalled that water droplets have the least amount of air resistance, which is why they are shaped the way they are. I could ask the members to design a shape with the least amount of air resistance. While it might appear difficult at first, necessitating subjects like aerodynamics and calculus, all the members would need to do is look around at nature.

 

As I had hoped, the members engaged in a lively discussion to solve the problem. They experimented like toddlers by dropping objects to the floor and shared relevant anecdotes. Not only did they cooperate, but they also thought outside the box. When they finally arrived at the answer, they evaluated their missteps and spoke hopefully about next week’s problem. And when they finally headed back to their classes, their brains - I hope - were a little bit changed and their confidence boosted. The Physics Club taught me the kind of leader I seek to be.

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Default Cube Club Co-Founder/President 

I started this club because I wanted to share my passion and introduce the school community to 3D graphics using a software called ‘Blender’. 3D graphics have played a significant role in shaping me as an artist as it allowed me new ways to explore my creativity and expression. The beauty of computer graphics is that I could exercise precise control through coding while expanding the visual dimension on virtual canvas.

 

In Default Cube, I aimed to give our members a similar creative experience and inspire them to create their own 3D animation and modeling work. As the club’s President, I was in charge of planning the weekly agenda and learning material. Through the experience, I not only learned more about 3D graphics but also developed my leadership and communication skills by teaching others about this art form.

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Voicelab Presentation @ Seoul Foreign School

I recall when I was invited back to middle school to talk about my experiences as a filmmaker to the Voicelab design students. In a sense, I felt pride that my achievements as an animator and filmmaker were recognized. I was grateful to be given this opportunity to share my passion for 3D graphics to the SFS community. For this same reason I created my club: ‘Default Cube’. As I presented my animations to the middle schoolers I relived the satisfaction I felt upon finishing each project. The experience helped me better appreciate the work that I had put into making my animations and artworks.

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Publicity Council Film Editing Committee Chief

My role at the Publicity Council was an editor for Inside SFS, a student-run publication and video broadcasting renowned for its humor, wit, and entertainment. Making the videos for the school made me feel alive and I sacrificed my time for this role, learning the meaning of dedication and collaboration.

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Jazz Band  Trombone player

I played trombone for the jazz band throughout my high school. I learned to improvise and collaborate with other musicians to produce a cohesive yet distinct sound.

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Swimming Team Athlete 

As a member of the school varsity swim team, I practiced four times a week. Every Friday, we had a virtual meet with other schools and I made it to the final in one season. I learned the value of self-discipline and consistent training.

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Ukraine Drive Organizer 

World Vision Ukraine fundraiser

I initiated a fundraiser by selling different flavored cookies in the school building to donate to those who suffered from the war. I raised about $500 which I donated to World Vision. I also set up art posters around the school to make people aware of the fundraiser. I had a few of my friends and my sister help me set up and run this initiative.

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COOPERATION ACT President

Co.Act is a nonprofit organization run by high-school and college students across the US, China, Korea, and Africa. Its mission is to provide support to students in disaster-stricken areas worldwide.

 

Since 2015, Co.Act has organized fundraisers and exhibitions to raise funds for students in need. Their efforts have been recognized by President Barack Obama, who personally expressed gratitude for their work. Our organization is also sponsored by US Congresswoman Young Kim of California.

 

As the Co.Act president, I am working to improve an elementary school in Uganda, designing a playground for children with disabilities and providing coloring books made by their members.

 

Co.Act's story exemplifies the power of youth in making a difference. The students involved try to make positive changes in our world, and I am proud to be part of the Co.Act community.

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GALLERY HUUE Editor&desingner

Founded in 2010, Gallery Huue is a premium boutique art gallery in Seoul. As a summer intern, I worked on improving their digital presence by producing various promotional videos and improving company BI and CI.

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Contact

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a number of incredible artworks that have allowed me to grow and establish myself within this competitive field. I hope you’ll enjoy viewing my portfolio as much as I enjoyed working on them.

© 2023 by Hyun Jun Benjamin Choi

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