When the road ahead is bleak, the signposts left by those who have been there before will light the way. " Hyowon人(in)side " is a series to meet and listen to alumni pioneering their path one step ahead. The main character this time is Park Seon-Ju (Dept. of Bioenvironmental Energy, 15) cheerleader, who is passionately cheering with fans in professional sports clubs such as NC Dinos (Professional baseball team) and Gyeongnam FC (Professional soccer team).

Cheerleader Park Seon-Ju, active as a representative cheerleader for various sports clubs, is busy with fans cheering enthusiastically at numerous stadiums. "Channel PNU" heard her heartfelt story through a written interview on May 10th.

Q. Please briefly introduce yourself.

A. Hello. I am Park Seon-Ju, a cheerleader who graduated from the Department of Bioenvironmental Energy at Pusan National University (PNU) and is currently active in professional sports clubs, including NC Dinos and Gyeongnam FC! We instill positive energy into the game by eliciting support from the spectators who visit the stadium. I am attracted to being able to deliver energy to people and continue to challenge myself in various fields.

Q. What is the most memorable match?

A. As a cheerleader for five years, there were countless memorable moments, but I remember the game of Gyeongnam FC 5 years ago, which I participated in just after debuting. It was a day with heavy rain, wind, thunder, and lightning, but there was a case where lightning fell on the display board, and the game was stopped. Soccer is a sport that can be played even in wind and rain, so unpredictable things sometimes happen in rapidly changing weather conditions.

Q. What is the most important capability to do or value in the job of the cheerleader?

A. Compared to the 1st generation cheerleaders, the average height has decreased dramatically, but taller heights are required because the movements must be seen from a distance. If you think of a cheerleader, dancing skills are also considered necessary. But the most important thing is the healthy, bright energy that passionately cheers even when the team loses.

Q. Please tell us about the most rewarding moment during your activities.

A. I feel rewarded in many moments, such as when my team won a game I cheered hard for, and when I finished a performance, which I prepared for hard with the members without making any mistakes. Among them, feeling the team's victory and the fans' sincerity toward the players is the most rewarding. When I become one with the fans who wholeheartedly support the long-running game, I feel overwhelmed and rewarded for choosing this job.

Q. Do you have any memorable fans?

A. Someone wrote me a handwritten letter When I first debuted at Gyeongnam FC. In the letter were words of sincere gratitude, such as 'I've never seen anyone cheering so passionately for Gyeongnam' and 'Thank you for supporting our team, and I look forward to seeing you in the future.' I remember shedding tears as I read the letter and feeling grateful and rewarded for my sincerity being recognized. His letter is still with me!

Q. I know you studied a major with nothing to do with cheerleading. How did you choose to become a cheerleader?

A. I am a student who enjoyed my department life to the extent that I served as the department's vice president in 2016. So, I have a lot of fun memories related to PNU. Even as an undergraduate, I was active as the president of a dance club because I liked dancing and receiving attention from people. At that time, I uploaded a video of myself that my friends filmed on social media, and I started working as a cheerleader after receiving a scouting offer from the agency that came across the video.

Q. Were there any difficulties in getting to where you are today?

A. My mother still does not like me doing this job. I often hear around me that it is a waste of my studies. There were times when I was shaken and had a hard time because of the people around me, but I am the happiest right now when I am doing what I want to do!

Q. Some PNU students need help with what they love to do and find a job. Is there anything you would like to say?

A. I also prepared for a job while working as a cheerleader because of the uncertain future and fear and had a short company life in Seoul. It must have been a job that Someone desperately wanted, but I was not happy. Even if it's the best job for others, it may not be for me. Rather than following others, I was hoping you could think about the values that are important to you and find a job that suits you. Many people need help finding a career in the gap between what they want and the economic conditions. But if you do your best in any field, you can find a way to achieve financial success while having fun!

Q. Can you give some tips for college life to PNU students?

A. Looking back at my college days, I was young and childish. But now, those moments have become precious memories. During my college days, which will never come back, I hoped to build many memories I can reminisce about even though I was immature. I participated in a lot of school events and got along a lot with my classmates and with alumni and PNU students. I hope you enjoy every moment you can experience at university.

Q. In terms of life, do you have a goal you want to achieve?

A. I'm doing a job that only shows a bright side but also has frustration and depression. Going through that time, I fit myself into other people's standards. I overcame that time and knew my own standards were necessary for my happiness. I want to be an example to many people with the same concerns, showing that I can be happy while doing the fun things I want. Furthermore, with my bright energy, I want to become someone who can give strength to others when frustrated!

Q. Please give me one last word.

A. As you live, happy moments always come to you, even if you are unhappy. So do not ruin today because of the anxious future; I hope you live a given day happily. Because we are all precious and beautiful. Shout with me at the stadium when it's too hard!

Reporter Jo Seung-Wan

Translated by Choi Ye-Won