By Kyein LEE (2012 MPP, Korea)

2012 Spring Retreat for evening students, unlike its title, took place in the cold winter of early January. Determination of the student committee, however, was dogged enough to defeat the freezing cold, and brought 38 evening students together in the morning of January 6^th.

It was the first time ever that such an overnight get-together was organized to welcome a new class. A mastermind behind the whole plan was Kyun Heo (2011 MPP, Korea), a 2011 student representative for part-time students. Contacting each student with numerous emails and phone calls, he had taken every action to attract both old and new students to the event. I was one of the newcomers who hesitated to go, being unfamiliar with the school and feeling awkward to mix with a group of strangers. But my concern turned out to be completely unnecessary. Ice broke even before we got on a train, as the participants located one another at the Cheongnyangni Station. A few seconds of awkwardness quickly dissolved into friendly greetings, followed by warm exchange of introductions.

The retreat began with dining on grilled pork. Accompanying drinks invited a relaxing, cordial mood. Participants mostly talked about their jobs, areas of interest and expectations for the new student life. After moving into the accommodation everyone gathered, spent some time for another round of self-introduction and teamed up to play games. The 2011 student reps cheered up the mood, and new members soon mingled with the rest.

The highlight of the evening was listening to a few tips for ‘how to get an A’ and ‘how to survive at the KDI School’ from Prof. Byungho Oh and Hun Joo Park. “When professors give out grades, they consider attendance, academic performance and class participation,” Professor Park started to explain. “But in reality,” he winked, “preference plays a part at times.” His honest revelation made all students laugh. “Getting close to a TA or dropping by a professor’s office for conversation may help you win their hearts,” Prof. Oh added. Advice continued with jokes and smiles, easing the burden of every part-time student, namely having to juggle study and work at the same time.

As the night wore on, people seemed to be getting tipsy and having a heart-to-heart talk. Suk-Hoon Kwon (2012 MPP, Korea) and Hyo Sun Kim (2012 MDP, Korea) were voted by a show of hands as the next student representatives. The 2011 staff reminded their successors that this kind of gathering had never been organized before and sincerely asked them to make it a tradition of welcoming a new batch of students. Since the first attempt boasted 85% of participation, the expectation is that more social parties are to take place in the days ahead. Here’s hoping for a Summer or Fall Retreat, which is sure to be more exciting with now familiar faces!