Looking back on my life, I'm struck by the profound impact that the love and care of those around me have had. The affection I received from my teachers during childhood, in particular, still resonates deeply within me. My memories of second grade remain vivid to this day.
Back then, I'd leave home before dawn every morning, walking six miles to school. After a meager breakfast of porridge, skipping lunch was the norm. While other kids brought packed lunches, my family couldn't afford such luxuries.
One day, our homeroom teacher started bringing two lunchboxes. She'd call me over and give me one, complete with a fried egg on top. In retrospect, it was just a simple meal, but to me then, it was the most precious expression of love imaginable.
Another teacher once sent me on an errand to his home. What I saw there left an indelible impression: a tiny house with just one room and a kitchen. The teacher and his wife lived frugally in those modest quarters. It was then that I realized teachers' lives were far from affluent. Yet, their willingness to share what little they had with students like me taught me the true meaning of love and dedication.
These experiences became my life's compass. Throughout my school years and even during my studies abroad, I was blessed with the love and attention of both Korean teachers and foreign professors. They forgave my mistakes graciously and always believed in my potential.
As these experiences accumulated, I found myself compelled to treat others the same way. When my own students made mistakes, I'd try to understand, thinking, "They must have had their reasons." I'd believe in their potential and cheer them on. Of course, I maintained evaluation standards, but always strived to approach situations with understanding and forgiveness.
This attitude became more natural with time. In my younger years, I was quick to scold, but as I aged, such instances decreased. The same applied to raising my children. I was strict when they were young, but gradually found myself becoming more lenient.
Now, I'm certain: those who have received abundant love are better equipped to give it. The boundless love and attention I received enabled me to give just as much to others. This is the virtuous cycle of love.
Remembering the love we've received and paying it forward – that's what I believe will make our society warmer and more beautiful.
Back then, I'd leave home before dawn every morning, walking six miles to school. After a meager breakfast of porridge, skipping lunch was the norm. While other kids brought packed lunches, my family couldn't afford such luxuries.
One day, our homeroom teacher started bringing two lunchboxes. She'd call me over and give me one, complete with a fried egg on top. In retrospect, it was just a simple meal, but to me then, it was the most precious expression of love imaginable.
Another teacher once sent me on an errand to his home. What I saw there left an indelible impression: a tiny house with just one room and a kitchen. The teacher and his wife lived frugally in those modest quarters. It was then that I realized teachers' lives were far from affluent. Yet, their willingness to share what little they had with students like me taught me the true meaning of love and dedication.
These experiences became my life's compass. Throughout my school years and even during my studies abroad, I was blessed with the love and attention of both Korean teachers and foreign professors. They forgave my mistakes graciously and always believed in my potential.
As these experiences accumulated, I found myself compelled to treat others the same way. When my own students made mistakes, I'd try to understand, thinking, "They must have had their reasons." I'd believe in their potential and cheer them on. Of course, I maintained evaluation standards, but always strived to approach situations with understanding and forgiveness.
This attitude became more natural with time. In my younger years, I was quick to scold, but as I aged, such instances decreased. The same applied to raising my children. I was strict when they were young, but gradually found myself becoming more lenient.
Now, I'm certain: those who have received abundant love are better equipped to give it. The boundless love and attention I received enabled me to give just as much to others. This is the virtuous cycle of love.
Remembering the love we've received and paying it forward – that's what I believe will make our society warmer and more beautiful.
