By Sho Chang-young

They are now in their early 50s, and I am in my late 60s. We first met at Buan High School in the countryside of North Jeolla Province. I was a fledgling teacher and they were my new students. In an era of rapid population growth, the classrooms were filled with energetic students even in a rural high school. I guided them as their first-grade homeroom teacher and taught them physics as well. My life with them, like that, carried on for three years, and I was able to be with them until they graduated. That was 33 years ago.

Earlier this month, one of the students, who was the student council president, contacted me for the first time in a long time. He said that they wanted to hold a teacher appreciation banquet celebrating the 33rd anniversary of their graduation. Thus, they politely asked their former teachers to attend. Additionally, he explained that they were originally going to have a 30th anniversary celebration, but it couldn't be held because of COVID-19. I could feel their sincere affection and deep respect for their teachers. Therefore, I gladly accepted the invitation.

As they kindly arranged my transportation, I had a comfortable three-hour trip to get there. It was pension-style accommodation, quite big with a large event hall and a nice view of the surroundings. Such a long time has passed that I had some difficulty recognizing my former students and fellow teachers. Regardless of our joy, none of us were free from the traces of time. All in attendance being seated, there was a Nanta performance from a local music group, as a pre-event. The rhythm and beat were familiar to us and the vibrancy we felt was extraordinary.

Then the main events began. Following the opening statements, there was an introduction of the guests and teachers. Some gave commemorative or congratulatory speeches, and then we watched a presentation on a wide video screen that brought back memories. Various parts of the event, including presentations of gifts and bouquets, a cake-cutting and taking a group photo, were held in a joyful mood. The most memorable of these was the turn of the former students to get down on their knees and bow together to their teachers. As we are all getting older, we old teachers were so thrilled that we bowed in response. We all sang, "Teacher's Grace" and "School Song," hand-in-hand.

After that, mingling and sharing episodes of the past, we had a well-prepared buffet meal. The emcee, who enhanced the atmosphere with appropriate humor and jokes, was also excellent. By the time we teachers left first, it was already late in the evening. After receiving a hearty farewell from the former students, we left the place. The whole way home on the bus, I was very happy.

However, the current ambiance at the school and the status of teachers are quite different. According to the results of some surveys released on May 15 on the occasion of the 42nd Teachers' Day, teachers' self-esteem is far lower than it was when I was working. Will today's young teachers also have the opportunity to smile with their past students after three decades?

There are still many reasons why we shouldn't give up. Beautiful stories of love between master and disciple move us from time to time. I also want to give strength and courage to my juniors, while savoring my own happy memories.

The writer (sochan57@naver.com) is a retired principal of Gunsan Girls' High School.