Achieving a place on the Dean’s List is an honor in itself—but for Hyojin Lee (MPP 2025) and Harshanisha Parejan (MDP 2025), the recognition tells only part of their story. What makes their journey at KDI School truly special is not just academic excellence, but the enduring friendship they forged along the way. In this interview, Harsha and Hyojin look back on how their relationship developed, how they supported each other through challenges, and how friendship became a vital part of their success.

Beginning of Friendship

How did you first become friends?

Hyojin: We first met in the Korean Economic Development class at KDI, and later we grew  closer when we went on a weekend outing together to Donghaksa Temple in Gongju.

Harsha: We became friends in Korean Economic Development class.

Do you remember your first impressions of each other? 

Hyojin: Yes. I’m not sure what Harsha’s first impression of me was, but when I first met her, I felt that she was confident and someone who truly values and loves herself.

Harsha: My first impression was that Hyojin was incredibly warm and approachable. I remember her sitting on the last bench behind me, always with a bright smile. She seemed to genuinely enjoy helping everyone, whether it was clarifying a concept for a struggling student or just offering a kind word. I felt an immediate sense of ease around her.

Was there a moment when you felt, “Yes, I can really be close with this friend”?

Hyojin: There was such a moment. After I had my admission interview with Stanford University online, I felt very discouraged in the evening because I thought I hadn’t done well. Harsha comforted me warmly and encouraged me, and that gave me so much strength. It was then that I felt she could truly be a wonderful friend.

Harsha: The moment was when Hyojin took me to Donghaksa Temple. We spent about four hours hiking, talking, and laughing, and the bonding was instant. We discovered we shared very similar ideals about life and social change. The ice was completely broken when she shared the hilarious story of her trip to Delhi, India, particularly the moment a cow started chasing her. It turned a cultural difference into a memorable, shared joke, and I knew then we'd be close.

Growing Together

How have you influenced each other in studying or school life? 

Hyojin: Thanks to Harsha, my school life has become much richer. Together with other classmates, we went to a violin concert at the Sejong Arts Center, and through the home visiting program we also visited Cheongnamdae. After graduating from KDIS, when I look back on my time there, I know I’ll have so many precious memories.

Harsha: Hyojin is a constant source of inspiration for me. She is exceptional in her studies, consistently achieving the top grades. That level of dedication and academic excellence is contagious; it's a silent motivation that pushes me to refine my own study habits and aim for the same rigor in my MDP coursework.

In difficult moments, how did you support each other? 

Hyojin: When I first arrived at Stanford about a month ago, it was my very first experience studying abroad, and the first few days were quite difficult. Talking with Harsha on the phone gave me a lot of comfort. Since she is also studying abroad in Korea, she could relate to my situation and gave me both practical and warm advice, which really encouraged me.

Harsha: In difficult moments, Hyojin provides not just a listening ear, but a perspective shift. I feel comfortable discussing absolutely anything with her. She's always prompt in replying, but what truly matters is her ability to gently nudge me toward a more positive, action-oriented outlook.

Do you have any special study methods or routines you shared? 

Hyojin: We didn’t really share any special study methods, but I think we both share the same mindset: when it’s time to study, we focus and work hard, and outside of that, it’s just as important to enjoy life through hobbies and leisure activities.

Harsha: We are very ambitious, so we are very serious during exams and study hard in the library.

What did it mean to be both friends and, at the same time, competitors? 

Hyojin: I never really thought of Harsha as a competitor; I have always considered her a true friend. Of course, since we were in the same program, there were times when we were aiming for similar goals, but instead of rivalry, I felt motivated and inspired by her efforts. Her achievements encouraged me, and I hope my efforts encouraged her as well. In that sense, being both classmates and friends made our success feel less like competition and more like a shared journey.

Harsha: We never truly felt like competitors, partly because we took slightly different tracks within our program, and also because the atmosphere at KDIS allows for various ways to excel. We saw each other more as accountability partners and collaborators. Her success, whether in a top-tier presentation or a strong policy proposal, simply raised the bar for me, but it was never competitive in a negative sense—it was mutually motivating.

Honor Student Selection Experience

What was the first thing you said to each other when you heard the news that you had both been selected as honor students? 

Hyojin: When we first heard that we would be on the Dean’s List, we called each other right away to congratulate one another. Knowing Harsha’s strong academic passion and how hard she studies, the news felt even more joyful and meaningful to me.

Harsha: We had a very honest conversation right after the final exams, reviewing our performance. So, when the results were announced, the first thing was very exciting, 'I told you! We both did it!' It wasn't a shock, but a deeply satisfying confirmation of the hard work we'd both put in that semester. I remember calling her while she was driving, and she said let me stop and check my results.

What does this achievement mean for your friendship? 

Hyojin: This achievement makes our friendship even more special because it symbolizes the way we have supported and inspired each other. It’s not just about academic success; it’s about growing together and creating memories that will stay with us long after graduation.

Harsha: It is great to be classmates, best friends and now on the Dean 's List. This achievement is a wonderful validation of our shared values. It solidifies our bond not just as friends, but as intellectual partners. It confirms that we share the same high-level ambitions and the dedicated drive to succeed, which is incredibly rare and precious in a friendship.

How much do you think your success came from personal effort versus the support you gave each other?

Hyojin: I think both elements were important, but honestly, the encouragement I received from Harsha pushed me further than I could have gone alone. Effort matters, but when you have someone who believes in you, it makes you work harder and stay positive even in tough times.

Harsha: Hyojin provided the necessary mental and emotional breaks—the 'culture and food' talks—that kept me from burning out. So, while the effort was mine, the endurance was supported by our friendship. I have never starved in Korea because of Hyojin. She kept feeding me in the school cafe, taking me to Yanggochi, Shabu Shabu, Dakgalbi, cold noodles and what not!! I just love how hospitable she is

Looking Ahead

What kind of paths do you want to take in the future, and how are you encouraging each other in that journey? 

Hyojin: I plan to continue my journey in the field of law and policy, especially focusing on labor rights and international economic issues. Harsha is passionate about economic development and wants to contribute to her country through research and practice in that area. Even though our career paths are different, we encourage each other by sharing resources, exchanging ideas, and reminding one another that our work has the potential to create real impact. Knowing that we are cheering for each other gives me a lot of strength and motivation for the future.

Harsha: I plan to pursue a career in public policy, specifically focusing on a political journey back home to drive impactful change. Hyojin is one of my strongest supporters. She encourages me by constantly challenging my policy proposals and helping me think through different scenarios, ensuring my aspirations are grounded in a well-defined strategy

As friends, are there goals or plans you want to pursue together going forward? 

Hyojin: We both share the value of not settling into the present but continuously studying interesting things and moving forward. Going ahead, we want to keep encouraging each other to live by this value—exploring new ideas, learning with curiosity, and supporting one another’s growth.

Harsha: While we don't have a shared career goal, we absolutely plan to collaborate on an ongoing basis. We want to continue sharing policy best practices. Our goal is to maintain a professional network that is rooted in our deep personal bond.

What advice would you like to give to your juniors based on this experience? 

Hyojin: My advice would be: don’t focus only on grades or achievements. The friendships you build can be just as valuable as your academic success. Support each other, share experiences, and create memories together—because when you look back, those relationships will make your time at KDIS truly meaningful. And sometimes, the encouragement of a good friend can be the very thing that helps you achieve more than you imagined.

Harsha: My primary advice is to prioritize building a strong support network. Don't just focus on classmates; seek out genuine friends. They will be your best resource for everything from understanding the nuances of the Korean education system to sharing vital perspectives and tips. A good friend group is essential for academic success and for making KDIS a true home away from home.

In bringing together Harsha from India and Hyojin from Korea, KDI School not only nurtured their academic growth but also created the foundation for a lasting friendship that transcends borders. Their story is a reminder that KDIS is more than a place of learning—it is a community where students from diverse backgrounds connect, support one another, and build bonds that reach far beyond the classroom.