As I reflect on my life's journey, I realize how profoundly I've changed over time. In the span of over half a century as a professor, my persona has undergone a significant transformation.
When I first stepped into academia, I held the firm belief that strictness and discipline were the cornerstones of education. I've heard that students used to call me the "Tiger Professor" behind my back. My no-nonsense demeanor and rigid personality must have been a source of intimidation for my students. Back then, I was convinced that this approach would benefit their growth.
However, as years passed and experiences accumulated, I gained a crucial insight. I realized that the true essence of mentorship doesn't solely lie in strictness. I came to understand the necessity of a balanced approach - one that recognizes students' diverse personalities and circumstances, responding sometimes with gentleness and other times with firmness.
This realization changed me. In the latter half of my teaching career, I strived to become a more flexible and empathetic educator. Students must have noticed this shift. Witnessing the gradual transformation from fear to comfort in their approach towards me, I too could sense my inner change.
We shouldn't fear change. We are beings capable of constant growth and development. While my initial strictness wasn't entirely negative, transcending it to gain a broader perspective was, I believe, my greatest personal growth.
Now, I hope to be remembered as a balanced educator, one who harmoniously blends the strictness of the past with the gentleness of the present. I hope this journey of change has not only enriched my life but also positively impacted the lives of many students.
This experience wasn't limited to the educational sphere. I've tried to apply this lesson in all areas of life. The process of finding balance between strictness and flexibility continued in my family relationships and social activities.
Particularly in my journey as a theologian, this change held even greater significance. While I initially focused on strict interpretations of doctrine and tradition, over time I developed an attitude of accepting and embracing diverse perspectives. This broadened my theological thinking and helped me gain deeper insights.
Ultimately, this process of change has made me a more humble and mature individual. Acknowledging my imperfections and maintaining an attitude of continuous learning and growth has become my life's greatest asset. Now, I wish to pass on the wisdom gained from these experiences to the next generation. The message is clear: don't fear change, constantly reflect on yourself, and keep growing. That's the true meaning of the path I've walked and the path I intend to continue walking.
When I first stepped into academia, I held the firm belief that strictness and discipline were the cornerstones of education. I've heard that students used to call me the "Tiger Professor" behind my back. My no-nonsense demeanor and rigid personality must have been a source of intimidation for my students. Back then, I was convinced that this approach would benefit their growth.
However, as years passed and experiences accumulated, I gained a crucial insight. I realized that the true essence of mentorship doesn't solely lie in strictness. I came to understand the necessity of a balanced approach - one that recognizes students' diverse personalities and circumstances, responding sometimes with gentleness and other times with firmness.
This realization changed me. In the latter half of my teaching career, I strived to become a more flexible and empathetic educator. Students must have noticed this shift. Witnessing the gradual transformation from fear to comfort in their approach towards me, I too could sense my inner change.
We shouldn't fear change. We are beings capable of constant growth and development. While my initial strictness wasn't entirely negative, transcending it to gain a broader perspective was, I believe, my greatest personal growth.
Now, I hope to be remembered as a balanced educator, one who harmoniously blends the strictness of the past with the gentleness of the present. I hope this journey of change has not only enriched my life but also positively impacted the lives of many students.
This experience wasn't limited to the educational sphere. I've tried to apply this lesson in all areas of life. The process of finding balance between strictness and flexibility continued in my family relationships and social activities.
Particularly in my journey as a theologian, this change held even greater significance. While I initially focused on strict interpretations of doctrine and tradition, over time I developed an attitude of accepting and embracing diverse perspectives. This broadened my theological thinking and helped me gain deeper insights.
Ultimately, this process of change has made me a more humble and mature individual. Acknowledging my imperfections and maintaining an attitude of continuous learning and growth has become my life's greatest asset. Now, I wish to pass on the wisdom gained from these experiences to the next generation. The message is clear: don't fear change, constantly reflect on yourself, and keep growing. That's the true meaning of the path I've walked and the path I intend to continue walking.
