Posing with the official mascots for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, Soohorang and Bandabi/ Credit: Eunchae Ko
The 2018 PyeongChang Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games have a special meaning to the Korean people and Korean history. It has been exactly 30 years since the country first hosted the 1988 Summer Olympics, in Seoul. Korea has undergone many social changes and has taken an economical leap since then. Preparing as a host country for the Winter Olympics in the period of transitioning to a new government brought a big sense of responsibility to the new Moon administration. To make this international event successful, about 15,000 volunteers worked behind Olympic events, ceremonies, and games to make these Olympic Games special for the sports fans, athletes and people around the globe.
I worked as a volunteer for the village management crew in PyeongChang Athlete Village (PVL) from late January to the end of February. What motivated me to join this international event was my father. He worked as an interpreter in the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympics. Until now, he is extremely proud of what he did in the past and I grew up seeing all kinds of his Olympic mementos. Therefore, there was no hesitation for me to apply for the volunteer positions for PyeongChang.
I assisted athletes for living conveniences at the resident center. I accepted complaints and helped them out as much as I could. As a student majoring in Conflict Analysis and Resolution, this chance was a field experience for me because I had to understand the issue and try to meet their needs. To resolve things smoothly, language proficiency was essential. Since I could speak Korean, English, and Chinese without any difficulties, I could freely communicate with athletes who needed my assistance. Also, I was able to do networking with athletes and with other volunteers. I encountered people from all corners of the world with a broad span of ages. Despite the differences, the way of approaching each other with a smile and warm words were the same.
Volunteering in PyeongChang Winter Olympic games truly gave me a glimpse into how much one can experience and learn in a short period of time and I believe my affection towards sports and my homeland was the key to these great experiences.
Eunchae Ko | Student Contributor eko4@masonlive.gmu.edu
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