By Honorary Reporter Dayviana Diaz from Cuba

Photos = Alaa Atef Ebada

Alaa Atef Ebada, an Egyptian medical intern, is one of this year's best Honorary Reporters among 3,432 who write about Korea. The following are excerpts from an Dec. 23 interview with her. 

Why did you join the program?
In late 2014, I followed Korea.net's Korea Clickers page on Facebook because it was the only site I knew of with updates on Korea. I saw a notice about the Honorary Reporters program, but as a medical student, I didn't feel ready to join. But in February 2020, it was my last year in medical school so I applied.

Alaa Atef Ebada is a medical intern in Egypt.

What do you consider your best contribution to the program this year?

I gave a workshop on writing good articles in the first online gathering. I was surprised when asked to present because I wasn't sure about my skills, but the program coordinators said I was "much better than you think." Other memorable moments included introducing the Medical Korean Academy to my fellow medical students and interns in Egypt and the World Convention of Korean Language to Arab friends.

Alaa Atef Ebada earned a free trip to Korea as a reward for being named one of the year's best Honorary Reporters.

How did you feel earning a free trip to Korea this year?
It felt like a dream come true. On Nov. 5, I was informed by Korea.net that I was invited to attend the K-healing On Festival of the Korean Culture and Information Service (KOCIS) in Seoul after being named one of the best Honorary Reporters of the year. I sat at the same table with KOCIS Director Park Jung-Youl, gave a speech, met the program's coordinators and got interviewed on Arirang TV. 

I also attended this year's Mnet Asian Music Awards and visited Gyeongbokgung Palace.

What has being an Honorary Reporter meant to you?
The program has given me new life in opening new horizons and guiding me on new journeys and adventures. I hope to stay with Korea.net for a long time.

enny0611@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.