wt-youngmi han-#19-c2
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I Miss his Smile and his Laughter
By Young-mi Han #19 C2
“If you want to take away the students, you must step on me first.” is a famous
saying uttered by the late cardinal, when police came to the cathedral to arrest
students during the democratization movement. (Cardinal Kim Su-hwan, 1987) How
many people can be so strong and act so bravely in front of armed soldiers? Can I?
I'm not sure. I know the one who did on the side of the weak. It's Stephen Kim Su-
hwan, Korea's first cardinal. I don't believe in any particular religion. However, he had
a major influence on my life in terms of how to live and to see the world. More than
400,000 people attended his funeral ceremony, which proved how much he was loved
by Koreans, so I also respected him. In this paper, I will describe why I admire
Stephen Kim Su-hwan greatly and how he has influenced me on my personal and
professional life.
It was early evening on February 16, 2009. Just coming back from work, I saw
breaking news on TV which said 'Stephen Kim dead'. I was shocked because it
happened suddenly. He didn't want people to worry about him, so the news was just
released after his death. He was that kind of person who was always concerned about
many people over himself. His motto was 'for you and for many!'. His life was not
only for the Catholic Church but for all Koreans and for all people. His great love for
people is the most important thing I want to tell you.
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Stephen Kim Su-hwan often visited the poor, the disabled, the condemned
prisoner and the homeless and listened to them to improve their standard of living
and the human rights. When he was with them, he was so humble, generous and
open-minded that some people called him just 'grandfather'. He even smiled at those
who didn't favor him. That's the way he practiced his great love: listening to the
underprivileged and helping them find ways to get over their difficulties. In the end,
he donated his eyes which were the only thing to donate due to his old age. His organ
donation inspired many Koreans to join the worthy program. He shared love entire his
life.
Courage against injustice was the second reason why I admire him greatly. He
gave refuge to protesters sought by the police during the democratization movements
of the 1970s and 1980s. As mentioned at the beginning, “If you want to take away
the students, you must step on me first” became his famous saying after that. He
expressed his deep concern for the underprivileged and did not hesitate to speak out.
Besides, he called on the president at the time, Chun Doo-hwan, to allow for Korea's
first open presidential elections. That's why Koreans remember him as the most
reliable and beloved leader in the Korean society.
Kim Su-hwan’s great love for people made a profound impression on the way of
my thinking. Personally, I used to be a bit emotional and sensitive, I easily became
exhausted and sad at work. Looking at him, I set my mind positively and tried to
understand people and situations. I turned into a cheerful person just after I changed
my thinking positively. I also tried to find some ways to help others, especially those
in need. I reached an idea that donation is the easiest and most effective way for me
to practice and share love. Now, I regularly donate some money for my students and
children in need. I also consider joining the organ donation. I'm happy to realize the
joy of sharing love. Love makes the world go round.
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Professionally, I'd like to be a better teacher. He inspired me to be more eager
for it, in terms of loving students. Looking back on my former days, I didn't know the
way and skipped some important steps. The golden rule I found out from his legacy
was to listen to my students and to be with them until they don't emotionally and
mentally want me anymore. Sometimes, having somebody to be with makes a big
difference and gives comfort. Whenever I stayed at school late at night, I talked with
my students about anything they wanted. I could hear many hidden stories from
them that led me to the further understanding and was glad to offer some useful
advice. Indeed, love makes the world go round.
Lastly, I hope that I'll be always courageous against injustice like Stephen Kim
Su-hwan. It's one of my philosophy here and there. An ordinary person like me can
do something. I voted in every single election for democracy, kept traffic order for
somebody's safety and offered my seat for the disabled and elderly. At school, I
attended a student council meeting for revising school rules and opened up my idea
for them. This is my own way of practice courage.
The priceless message Stephen Kim Su-hwan left through his life is to love all
people around me. I’m grateful that I could realize how important and rewarding it is
to love people even when it takes courage. I’m also glad to find myself trying to be a
loving, caring and brave person personally and professionally. In fact, his life gave me
an opportunity to grow further as a human and a teacher. Though the cardinal left us,
he will always remain in my heart. I miss his smile and his laughter.