Breaking News: Student Roda Lee Passes TOPIK 2 in Record Time

In a remarkable achievement, Roda Lee, a dedicated student of Korean language studies, has successfully passed the TOPIK 2 (Test of Proficiency in Korean), which was held on September 28. This was no ordinary test, as it was conducted in the Internet-Based Testing (IBT) format. What makes her accomplishment even more extraordinary is that she had only two months of intense preparation at HEI, proving that determination and discipline can pave the way to success.

Roda Lee's achievement is a testament to how perseverance can overcome even the toughest of challenges. In an exclusive interview, Roda opens up about her experiences, struggles, and the journey that led to her passing this challenging exam.

Q1: How do you feel after passing TOPIK 2?

Roda Lee: "I feel blessed and grateful. Passing TOPIK 2 was truly a surprise since I had already assumed that I would fail after taking the test and had accepted whatever God’s will was. It’s a huge accomplishment for me, and I’m so thankful for the combined efforts of Ms. Hana and Ms. Greffin, which helped make it possible."

Roda's humility shines through her words. Despite her doubts, she maintained her faith and gratitude throughout the process, crediting her success to the guidance of her mentors and instructors.

Q2: How long has your journey of studying Korean been?

Roda Lee: "It’s been 3 years now since I first took an interest in the Korean language. It started out of curiosity, which made me join Sir Joshua’s class, and it gradually developed into a strong interest in both the language and the culture."

Three years of steady learning, starting with curiosity and growing into a passion, show how language acquisition is a marathon rather than a sprint. Roda’s journey highlights the importance of patience, consistency, and genuine interest when learning a new language.

Q3: What was the hardest part of preparing for the exam?

Roda Lee: "The hardest part was definitely battling time and pressure, as taking the exam wasn’t really part of my plans yet. With less than 2 months to prepare, memorizing vocabulary and learning grammar felt like a race against the clock."

The short preparation time, combined with the heavy load of memorizing Korean vocabulary and mastering grammar, added to the pressure. But Roda's ability to face this challenge head-on shows that with dedication, even the tightest deadlines can be met.

Q4: What was your study routine like?

Roda Lee: "I tried to maintain a consistent study routine by reviewing, attending Ms. Hana’s classes, and participating in Ms. Greffin’s mentoring sessions. I took note of their tips and practiced vocabulary and grammar, hoping to gain a deeper understanding."

Roda's commitment to a structured routine helped her stay on track. Her active participation in both classes and mentorship sessions was crucial to her success, emphasizing the role of community and support in language learning.

Q5: What are your plans after passing the exam?

Roda Lee: "Now that I’ve passed, I plan to continue learning the language and aim for a higher level in TOPIK. I’m also hoping to pursue advanced studies in Korea, with the goal of working and/or living there in the near future."

Roda’s plans reflect her growing ambitions and her desire to further integrate into Korean culture, not just as a language learner but as a potential student and professional in Korea. Passing TOPIK 2 is just the beginning of her journey.

Roda’s Achievement: A Lesson in Determination

Roda’s story is a clear example of how even under pressure and limited time, a focused and consistent approach can lead to success. Her two-month preparation for the TOPIK 2 exam might seem short, but her story highlights the importance of prior learning, mentorship, and commitment.

The Role of HEI and Mentorship

Roda credits her success largely to the support she received at HEI, particularly from Ms. Hana and Ms. Greffin. Their teaching and mentoring played a pivotal role in her achievement, providing her with the skills and confidence she needed to succeed in such a short period of time. This shows the impact of educators in guiding and motivating their students, especially in intensive preparation programs.

What’s Next for Roda Lee?

With her passing of TOPIK 2, Roda is looking forward to further developing her Korean language skills and pursuing higher-level exams. She also hopes to study or work in Korea, reflecting her deep passion for both the language and the culture. This accomplishment marks the start of a bright future for Roda, one filled with new opportunities and dreams of life in Korea.

As Roda continues her journey, her story serves as an inspiration to many students who may doubt their abilities when faced with tough exams or limited preparation time. Her success proves that with hard work, guidance, and a little faith, anything is possible.

Here’s wishing Roda Lee the best of luck in her future endeavors—she has shown that with determination and effort, no goal is too far out of reach!

Oct. 24, 2024

Hana Cho

Roda Lee TOPIK Result