Interview about the 2025 College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Freshmen Orientation (Saeteo)

 Before the start of the 2025 spring semester, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences successfully held its Freshmen Orientation (Saeteo). The three-day, two-night event took place from February 17th to 19th and brought together current students and freshmen from all 16 departments of the college. In this interview, we spoke with Choi Hyena (Department of Plant Science, Class of ’24), the vice president of the Horticultural Life Science major, and Kang Sumin (Department of Plant Science, Class of ’25), the sub-representative of the “Teunsak” class (a freshman class in Horticultural Life Science), to hear their thoughts on the event.

 

 

Q1. During the three-day orientation, there were various activities such as performances, large group games, and tea time. Were there any programs you particularly enjoyed or memorable incidents?

 

Choi Hyena: I had to perform during the student council’s performance on the second night. We started preparing back in January—assigning parts and learning the choreography—so I was really nervous. But hearing the loud cheers from the Horticulture students every time I appeared on stage made me feel proud.

 

Kang Sumin: I was amazed at how many different clubs had prepared performances. Watching the upperclassmen perform was a lot of fun. Among them, I especially remember the band performances. It was such a memorable experience to jump and cheer together with my classmates.

 

 

Q2. During the morning programs and large group games, you spent a lot of time bonding with your department peers. Any moments that stand out?

 

Choi Hyena: As soon as we arrived at the lodge, we came up with a chant. At first, only the president and I were shouting it enthusiastically, but as we kept winning games, the atmosphere lifted, and everyone joined in energetically. Also, many people had said that previous morning programs were too simple, so we improved things this year based on that feedback. It ended up being really fun and fulfilling.

 

Kang Sumin: We even wore matching outfits and competed against other departments, which helped build team spirit. During breaks, we shared class schedules and got closer. At the tea time, even though I don’t drink alcohol, the drinking games were so fun that I still play them with my classmates sometimes.

 

 

Q3. What was it like to spend time with your professors during the orientation?

 

Choi Hyena: Three of our professors joined us, and it felt really reassuring to see them in a new setting. They brought ice cream, snacks, and even three bottles of whiskey for the tea time, which made the gathering truly abundant. I’m very thankful for that.

 

Kang Sumin: As a freshman, it’s not easy to meet professors, so being able to greet and talk with them helped me feel more comfortable and closer to them.

 

 

Q4. This was your first time attending Saeteo—how was the overall experience?

 

Choi Hyena: This was my first time attending, and I had the added responsibility of being a group leader, which made me feel a lot of pressure. I was very grateful to our president who supported me throughout. I also appreciated how active and cooperative the Class of ’25 students were. Personally, I had a great time.

 

Kang Sumin: Saeteo is the biggest event in our college, and it really helped me bond with my classmates and seniors, making it easier to start my college life. I met students from other departments too, and it would be great to have more interdepartmental exchanges in the future.

 

 

Q5. Any final words for fellow Saeteo participants?

 

Choi Hyena: I’m so glad the event ended safely without any incidents. I want to thank everyone who contributed in their own roles. Not only the student council but also the Saeteo preparation committee worked hard during winter break to prepare everything—thank you all for your dedication.

 

Kang Sumin: I was nervous and excited going into such a big event without knowing what to expect, but the upperclassmen were very thoughtful and helped me a lot. It was great to get closer to everyone. I hope to return next year as an upperclassman and make even more great memories.