Mayor Joo Kwangdeok: "Small Actions Lay the Foundation for Changing Your Life in 10 or 20 Years"

Mayor Joo Kwangdeok Highlights at Toegyewon High School Lecture
"Dreams Grow with Attention and Record-Keeping"
Sharing the Value of Dreams with Students, Inspired by the Spirit of Dasan

Namyangju City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Joo Kwangdeok) held a career lecture for 200 first-year students at Toegyewon High School on the 27th.

Joo Kwang-deok, Mayor of Namyangju City, is giving a career lecture to 200 first-year students at Toegyewon High School on the 27th. Provided by Namyangju City

This special lecture was organized under the theme, "A Time to Share Dreams and Hope Inspired by the Spirit of Jeong Yak-yong: Steps Toward Our Dreams," based on the philosophy of Dasan Jeong Yak-yong, a prominent figure representing the city. The event aimed to emphasize the importance of "living a life true to oneself" and to convey to young people the value of dreams and the necessity of designing a self-directed life.

During the lecture, Mayor Joo began by introducing himself, saying, "I am Joo Kwangdeok, Mayor of Namyangju, the city of Dasan Jeong Yak-yong." He then advised that creating a unique branding statement that defines oneself is the first step toward living authentically.

He also quoted the poem "Grass Flower" by poet Na Taejoo, urging students to remember that every being is unique and precious in the world, and to nurture their own dreams with this in mind.

Mayor Joo stated, "Just as crops in the field grow while listening to the footsteps of the farmer, you too should care for and support your dreams every day. I also hope you will cultivate a creative and self-directed life by developing a habit of constant writing, just like Jeong Yak-yong." He added, "Small actions and the right mindset for realizing your dreams will become the foundation for changing your life ten or twenty years from now."

One student who attended the lecture shared, "I was deeply moved by the message to regard myself as a precious and valuable being, and I was impressed by the practical advice for achieving my dreams. This lecture was a time that awakened my attitude and mindset toward life."

Meanwhile, since last year, the city has been conducting career lectures at 11 schools in the area, including Toegyewon High School. To help students explore their studies and career paths and nurture their dreams, the city plans to continue offering career and academic support programs, such as the "Career Education Expo" on October 31, "Second Half Career and College Consulting" in November, and "Regular College Admissions Consulting" in December, providing students with a variety of experiences.