Joining a Sports Team at Yonsei

September 4, 2024: Yonsei Club Fair

On the day of the Yonsei Club Fair, some friends and I decided to explore the campus and check out different clubs. As we walked by the Lacrosse Club table, my eyes lit up. It felt like I was seeing an old friend. I hadn't played lacrosse since high school due to an ACL injury, but in that moment, I knew I had to sign up. Along with a friend who was also interested, we decided to join. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I ever made!

Although I couldn’t fully participate due to my previous injury, I never once felt left out. Joining the lacrosse team opened up opportunities to interact with a diverse group of people—Korean students, full-time international students, and exchange students from various programs outside of CIEE.

The team leaders made an effort to conduct meetings in both Korean and English, and our coaches, who were American, played a crucial role in bridging the language gap. This made it easier for everyone to communicate and collaborate. It was a true cultural exchange experience, where we could share and learn about each other’s traditions—American and Korean alike.

One of the highlights of being on the team was the camaraderie we built, especially during the post-game dinners where we could unwind and bond. These dinners became a special tradition, helping us grow closer and better understand each other’s cultures both on and off the field.

Our final lacrosse meeting and dinner took place on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, and it was truly a bittersweet moment. As we watched the team prepare for the upcoming year, knowing we wouldn't be there, it was hard not to feel a sense of sadness. Several members were graduating, and others were leaving the team, and with us being one of the largest groups of international students, the changes felt even more significant.

The dinner marked our last time together as a team, and we shared our goodbyes, hoping our paths would cross again in the future. There was a mutual promise to stay in touch, whether in Korea, the United States, or wherever life might take us.