My memories of elementary school became a crucial turning point in my life. The image of Principal Park Ik-hoon, who instilled hope and dreams even amidst the chaos of the Korean War, remains vivid in my mind to this day.
Every Monday morning, when all 240 students gathered on the playground, Principal Park would appear in his white shirt and bow tie. Though I was only in first or second grade, his words etched deeply into my young heart. "Children, we may be at war now, but you must become the workforce of this nation. Study hard. Though you're studying in this mountain village, your future is bright."
His words seemed to foresee our future. It was a message to nurture our dreams without losing hope, even in the pain of war. Looking back now, I realize how crucial the principal's passionate addresses were during those times.
Years later, in 1975, I had already become a professor at Sahmyook University. By chance, while reading the church magazine 'Sijo', I discovered a photo of Principal Park. He was still serving as the principal of Sokcho Central Elementary School, dedicating himself to education for 20 years.
At that moment, memories of my childhood came flooding back. I immediately wrote a letter. Surprisingly, the principal sent a heartfelt reply. Written in calligraphy, the letter conveyed the warm heart of a teacher remembering his student.
This experience gave me a profound realization. I understood how much influence one educator could have and how long that influence could last. Especially, I deeply felt the importance of an educator's role in encouraging students not to lose their dreams and hope, even in difficult circumstances.
Later, I visited Sokcho to meet the principal in person. That meeting brought another wave of emotion. The teacher was still full of love and passion for his students, and in him, I saw the image of a true educator.
Through this experience, I deeply contemplated the true meaning of education and the responsibility of educators. I directly experienced how much one teacher could change a student's life and how long that influence could last.
Even now, I often think of Principal Park Ik-hoon. His image always serves as an ideal model for me as an educator. Giving hope and courage to students even in difficult times - isn't that the true essence of a genuine educator?
We can all become someone's teacher, and we can also be someone's student. In this relationship, we inspire and grow with each other. Through my connection with Principal Park Ik-hoon, I realized this precious truth. And this realization has become the compass of my life, guiding me to this day.
Every Monday morning, when all 240 students gathered on the playground, Principal Park would appear in his white shirt and bow tie. Though I was only in first or second grade, his words etched deeply into my young heart. "Children, we may be at war now, but you must become the workforce of this nation. Study hard. Though you're studying in this mountain village, your future is bright."
His words seemed to foresee our future. It was a message to nurture our dreams without losing hope, even in the pain of war. Looking back now, I realize how crucial the principal's passionate addresses were during those times.
Years later, in 1975, I had already become a professor at Sahmyook University. By chance, while reading the church magazine 'Sijo', I discovered a photo of Principal Park. He was still serving as the principal of Sokcho Central Elementary School, dedicating himself to education for 20 years.
At that moment, memories of my childhood came flooding back. I immediately wrote a letter. Surprisingly, the principal sent a heartfelt reply. Written in calligraphy, the letter conveyed the warm heart of a teacher remembering his student.
This experience gave me a profound realization. I understood how much influence one educator could have and how long that influence could last. Especially, I deeply felt the importance of an educator's role in encouraging students not to lose their dreams and hope, even in difficult circumstances.
Later, I visited Sokcho to meet the principal in person. That meeting brought another wave of emotion. The teacher was still full of love and passion for his students, and in him, I saw the image of a true educator.
Through this experience, I deeply contemplated the true meaning of education and the responsibility of educators. I directly experienced how much one teacher could change a student's life and how long that influence could last.
Even now, I often think of Principal Park Ik-hoon. His image always serves as an ideal model for me as an educator. Giving hope and courage to students even in difficult times - isn't that the true essence of a genuine educator?
We can all become someone's teacher, and we can also be someone's student. In this relationship, we inspire and grow with each other. Through my connection with Principal Park Ik-hoon, I realized this precious truth. And this realization has become the compass of my life, guiding me to this day.
