Gong Gam, the CBNU student council, held the Gong Gam Festival on May 23rd for two days. Kim Ji-seon, the director of Culture Planning for the Student Council, said, “We came up with the theme for this festival from the ‘Bluespring Festival’ held in Seoul. Youth means young days of life, like CBNU students. We think of youth as a time when CBNU students shine. Also, we planned this festival with the hope that CBNU students would enjoy their youth through this festival.”
  There were guest speakers where students gave talks about their lives, various events and food in this festival. First of all, the speakers spoke about students’ worries. The Student Council installed an outdoor stage at Solmot and spread mats so that students could sit and listen to speakers. On the first day, the rapper Seo Chul-gu, known for his appearance on ‘Show Me the Money’ (a survival TV show for rappers), spoke of his life and dreams. His topic was, “It is okay if you are not okay.” He went to America to study as a 13-year-old. He spent puberty in a foreign country, and he was lonely. He said that he cried buckets and confessed to having no friends during counseling with his principal. He cried for over an hour at that time. His speech consoled the wandering and weary students.
  On the second day, the comedian Jang Dong-min talked about dreams, how to start a business and his life. He said that if you want success, understand yourself and discover what you like and do it well. He also said that doing one’s best makes dreams come true. Nobody succeeds from the start. If you fail, you can learn and correct the mistakes. He consoled the young students. Also, he gave hope to students who had experienced more failures than success.
  Park So-hee (’16, School of Business) said, “There were many speakers in the past. However, it was the first time that the speeches were held outside. I felt comfortable and relaxed because the guest speakers were held at the beautiful Solmot. Various speakers came, so I could hear various stories. Speeches were based on their experiences, so speeches touched my heart. During my busy daily life, I had a short reprieve thanks to the Gong Gam Festival. From now on, I hope the speeches will be held often at the beautiful Solmot.”
  CBNU students also graced the stage. The Student Council recruited CBNU student guest speakers through a contest. Kim Ji-seon, said “We planned the contest so that CBNU students could become guest speakers and tell their stories in front of other students. It was a good opportunity to look back on their lives.” Also, the Student Council received applications for busking performances. Talented students took the stage and performed busking.
  Various events and experience booths also made the festival more meaningful. The Student Council made photo zones here and there at Solmot. They charged 1,000 won and took pictures of students. Additionally, the Student Council hired applicants to manage the booths voluntarily. Most of the booths were related to food, experience or flea market. Diverse foods were prepared in the booths, which made the festival more pleasant. There are Gambas Al Ajillo, Fruit Juice and Sweet Rice Drink among the food booths. People could get henna tattoos, determine their personality color, buy flowers, shop for accessories or purchase eco bags. The CBNU Disability Support Center, Nonghyup and Cheongju Cultural Center participated in the festival and promoted their organizations.
  While planning this festival, Kim Ji-seon said that she thought the free atmosphere was very important during the festival. She hoped students ate delicious food, enjoyed booths and busking, and listened to useful speeches. She hoped this festival would recharge the energy of the students and give them a break with a gentle breeze. The CBNU Student Council also said, “We are trying to keep election pledges. We will show a better appearance and try to make campus life for students more rewarding and useful. We will appreciate it if you look forward to our next move.”

By Park Jeong-min
 jm38@cbnu.ac.kr