- "Teacher-Student Reunion" Event Held for Teacher's Day May 11, 2023
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Students on deans' lists invited their middle and high school teachers to campus to express gratitude
The atmosphere of Teacher's Day these days is unlike before due to COVID-19 and the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act (also known as the "Kim Young-ran Act"). Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea, has drawn public attention by inviting Yonsei students' middle and high school teachers to the university to express their gratitude.
On April 29, more than 160 people attended the "Teacher and Student Reunion" event held in the courtyard of the President's Residence, including Yonsei students, their teachers from middle and high school days, President Seoung Hwan Suh, deans, and vice presidents of Yonsei University. More than 70 sophomore students with excellent academic achievement over their first year in 2022 invited their middle and high school teachers, who had the greatest influence on them, to their university campus.
This Teacher's Day celebration was held by Yonsei University for the first time. The Office of External Affairs and Development prepared the event with the hope that students will continue their relationship with their teachers in the future by inviting and giving thanks to the teachers who had a significant impact not only on the students' studies but also on their emotions in their teenage years when students' senses of value are formed.
At the event, each student delivered a bouquet of carnations to the teacher they met again. Various events were held along with the luncheon, including the performance of a student band, "Smithsonian," formed through the "Kki Project," cheering time with the Cheering Squad "Akaraka," and Polaroid photo-taking at the photo zone. Students and teachers enjoyed them to make memories together for a long time after the students’ graduation. After the event, students and teachers walked around the campus and shared their stories.
"The teachers who participated in this event have been willing to walk the path of a difficult teacher with the only mission to convey the right teaching," President Suh said, "Thanks to your love and passion as teachers, Yonsei was able to meet these students. I ask you to continue to deliver good teaching."
Lee Seoyeon (English Language and Literature), a student who participated in the event, said, "It is also good to come with my parents when I receive a good award, but inviting my teacher like this couldn’t be any better," adding, "I appreciate so much for inviting my teacher and me to this meaningful occasion." Hong Jisoo (Interior Architecture and Built Environment) said, "I was sorry that I couldn't visit my teachers often under the pretext of being busy, but I'm grateful to the university for giving me this opportunity to express my gratitude properly."
The event, held ahead of Teacher's Day on May 15, served as an opportunity to reflect on the teacher's grace and express gratitude for being a compass for life in school when students were growing their dreams. As a prestigious private university leading higher education in South Korea, Yonsei will continue to provide opportunities to connect the ties between teachers and students. In an era when the meaning of teachers and students is fading, we hope the event will be the starting point for spreading the atmosphere of sharing strong affection between students and teachers among universities.
We listened to the memories and feelings of students and teachers at the site of the "2023 Teacher-Student Reunion."
"To describe my teacher in a word, I would say she was the "memory of my three years in high school." I think it's great to have an opportunity to meet the teacher who I've been with for three years in high school but never met after graduation."
Kwak Minseo (Interior Architecture and Built Environment)
"If I describe my teacher in a word, she is the "road sign that shows you the right way." When I didn't know where to go, she led me well with the right mindset. I'm very proud to see her today because I feel like I have achieved my teenage day's dream. I feel like crying to see my teacher at school again, who helped me decisively."
Oh Chaerin (Korean Language and Literature)
"I think my teacher is like a warm and gentle "spring breeze." She is a person who makes me laugh when I'm tired from studying, and I feel good when I'm with her. When I was her student, I showed her a lot of things that I lacked, but I am so grateful and happy this time that Yonsei University allowed me to invite my teacher because I studied well."
Lee Chaewon (English Language and Literature)
"When I was invited to today's event and read the word "teacher," I thought of Mr. Lee Jung-hee. I can say that he is like a "father." He's so passionate and kind. Whenever I texted him, he checked again on the phone to see if I was doing well and took good care of me like my father."
Hong Jongpyo (Underwood International College)
"I had wanted to come to Yonsei University since I was in 10th grade, but it was hard to get information on Korean universities since I went to an international school. So I invited him to today's event because I think I could come to Yonsei University because he guided me about Korean universities in detail and supported me well. I'm glad that he'll get some reward for this occasion today because he had a hard time helping us."
Yu Jihang (Underwood International College)
"I often visit universities for work, but this is the first time I got invited because of my students' excellent performances. I think it is the most proud and honored place for us teachers to meet students who are doing well."
Lee Jung-hee, a teacher at Cheongna Dalton School
"I'm so proud to think about how much effort my student put into coming here. I saw the Yonsei Eagle Statue in front of the Central Library for a long time. The eagle who develops its abilities, struggles, and strives to rise… I think Yonsei University will definitely turn students into flying eagles."
Kim Jong-ho, a teacher at Shincheorwon High School
"These days, there are many stories about "loss of teacher's authority." But on the front line, teachers are very sincere in guiding students. After fifteen years of teaching, I thought, "Isn't that much social recognition not given?" But today, I was very grateful and happy to think, "But still, my thoughts on what I put my heart into are shared in a way.""
Lee Eun-jung, teacher at Sangam Middle School
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