By Honorary Reporter Alaa Atef Ebada from Egypt

Photos = Alaa Atef Ebada

Last year, I received my degree from the College of Medicine of Mansoura University in Egypt at the same time that I received my certificate of appointment for my second year as an Honorary Reporter. In a funny coincidence, I got the certificate on March 6 last year, the same day in 2020 that I received the email on my acceptance as an Honorary Reporter.

Below are the highlights of my second year in the program.

Gaining confidence in writing content

I didn't expect to be accepted into the program because of lack of experience in Korean culture. In my first year, however, I started exploring new ways of writing and in the second, I challenged myself to do more. I interviewed several celebrities I was a fan of and wrote more than 30 articles in both Arabic and English. And several of my stories were posted in the weekly Honorary Reporters highlights on Korea.net and one in Korea magazine.

Online gatherings

I gave a presentation on writing good articles at the first online gathering of Honorary Reporters. This was the first time in my life that I spoke to a large number of people (nearly 500) from different cultures. My favorite workshops were "Simple but Powerful Photography Tips" by Monthi Rosselini from Indonesia and "Putting your Thoughts into Webtoons" by Diya Mitra from the U.K. I loved interacting with our coordinators in the program, and they gave quizzes and gifts through the gathering.

Monthly missions 

Monthly missions helped us search for more aspects of Korea to create unique content. One that stood out was making a fall magazine, in which we worked in groups. Fifteen Honorary Reporters and I teamed up to make the Arabic magazine Korea in Colors, and we worked on the second issue and published it on Amazon Kindle.

K-healing On Festival and visiting Korea

Korea.net hosts at the end of every year an online festival to honor excellent works by Honorary Reporters. I used to watch it live on YouTube but attended last year's event in person in Korea. I was one of 13 "best" Honorary Reporters invited to Korea to mark the 50th anniversary of the Korean Culture and Information Service (KOCIS). Visiting Korea was literally a dream come true for me.

Meeting Korea's first lady in Egypt

KOCIS last year held a Korean culture-themed event in Cairo, and I was invited to attend. I got to meet first lady Kim Jung-sook as a representative of my country, and it was such a huge honor.

Souvenirs I received from Korea.net last year

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.