I've spent most of my life as an educator. Looking back, my career path has been both simple and profound. Right after graduating from university, I landed my first job as a professor at the Korea Military Academy, which doubled as my military service - a unique experience to say the least.
Those three years at the academy were a time of dual roles: active-duty soldier and educator. Teaching German to future military leaders was immensely rewarding, as I felt I was contributing to broadening their horizons. The passion and curiosity of those young cadets were a great inspiration to me, ultimately setting me on the path of lifelong education.
After my stint at the military academy, my interests gradually shifted towards theology. The transition from teaching German to theology education marked a significant turning point in my life. It wasn't just a change in subject matter; it was a deep process of redefining the direction and purpose of my life.
In retrospect, I've never had a job other than teaching. But this singular path has been far from monotonous. Education is a field of constant change and growth, and I've continued to learn and develop throughout. From military education to language and theology, each stage has presented new challenges and insights.
It's not just the diversity of careers that brings richness to life. There's immense value in immersing oneself deeply in one field, building expertise, and continually discovering and developing new aspects within it. In my case, I found infinite growth and fulfillment in education, despite - or perhaps because of - sticking to this one path.
My journey as an educator has been meaningful beyond just imparting knowledge; it's been about having even a small influence on students' lives. Now, in the latter part of my life, I feel deep gratitude and satisfaction for choosing this path. Education has been both my profession and my calling, and it will continue to define my life in important ways.
Those three years at the academy were a time of dual roles: active-duty soldier and educator. Teaching German to future military leaders was immensely rewarding, as I felt I was contributing to broadening their horizons. The passion and curiosity of those young cadets were a great inspiration to me, ultimately setting me on the path of lifelong education.
After my stint at the military academy, my interests gradually shifted towards theology. The transition from teaching German to theology education marked a significant turning point in my life. It wasn't just a change in subject matter; it was a deep process of redefining the direction and purpose of my life.
In retrospect, I've never had a job other than teaching. But this singular path has been far from monotonous. Education is a field of constant change and growth, and I've continued to learn and develop throughout. From military education to language and theology, each stage has presented new challenges and insights.
It's not just the diversity of careers that brings richness to life. There's immense value in immersing oneself deeply in one field, building expertise, and continually discovering and developing new aspects within it. In my case, I found infinite growth and fulfillment in education, despite - or perhaps because of - sticking to this one path.
My journey as an educator has been meaningful beyond just imparting knowledge; it's been about having even a small influence on students' lives. Now, in the latter part of my life, I feel deep gratitude and satisfaction for choosing this path. Education has been both my profession and my calling, and it will continue to define my life in important ways.
