[Current & Culture]The Family Trusts the School and Teachers

When I was in high school, a certain teacher was diagnosed with cancer, and the school organized a fundraising campaign. In the 1990s, there were many reasons to bring something to school. Every year-end, we were forced to buy Christmas thread, collected scrap materials monthly, brought items like fish tanks or flowerpots for the classroom, various supplies, and even packed lunches for the homeroom teacher and bus driver during field trips. When I told my mother that I needed money for this and that, she readily gave me 100,000 won.

The next morning, as the class president collected money and noted down who gave how much, when he saw the amount I brought, he asked, "Hey, is that really 100,000 won? Why?" Several others gathered around and started murmuring. Are your parents rich? Even if they are, why are you donating so much? I was actually curious myself. We weren’t rich, nor had I ever donated that much before. Then I remembered something and told them, "My dad is also a high school teacher." At that moment, everyone’s curiosity seemed to be satisfied. Ah, then that makes sense, we get it.

My father retired as a high school math teacher. He was a wonderful father to me, but I don’t know how he was to his students. Being a good father doesn’t necessarily mean being a good professional. I just assume he did his job well. I remember when I brought home report cards during my elementary school years. There were sections titled ‘From School to Home’ and ‘From Home to School.’ Throughout my elementary, middle, and high school years, my father always wrote the following in those sections: "The family trusts the school. If there is any wrongdoing, please discipline him firmly." At the time, I wondered why he trusted the school but not his son, but now I think I understand his feelings a little. Being a teacher himself, he was someone who always trusted the school.

That was also his way of trusting and supporting me. That mindset helped shape who I am today. I remember two occasions when he got angry with me: when I asked whether to choose the humanities or sciences track, and when I asked which university to attend. "Minseop, you shouldn’t ask me those questions; you should ask yourself. If you like Korean language, then choose the humanities track. You apply to universities yourself, and just tell me where you applied, then I will support you." His role was significant in helping me achieve emotional independence.

A few years ago, when my child brought home their first report card, I wrote the following in the ‘From Home to School’ section: "The family trusts the school and teachers. If there is any wrongdoing, please discipline him firmly." I think this kind of mindset is needed now more than ever. I, an unfinished being, send my also unfinished child to school every day. I don’t believe only my child is right or precious. Watching ordinary teachers around me who contemplate their calling as educators, I trust them as much as I trust my child. And they are probably better people than I am.

Kim Minseop, Social and Cultural Critic