One song can spark a moment, One flower can wake the dream
One tree can start a forest, One bird can herald spring
One smile begins a friendship, One handclasp lifts a soul
One star can guide a ship at sea, One word can frame the goal
One vote can change a nation, One sunbeam lights a room
One candle wipes out darkness, One laugh will conquer gloom
One step must start each journey, One word must start each prayer
One hope will raise our spirits, One touch can show you care
One voice can speak with wisdom, One heart can know what’s true
One life can make the difference, You see, it’s up to you!
Although the author is unknown, the message given from the poem above was very inspiring to me over the years. Often I use this poem in class to remind my students how important to start something in action rather than just thinking. And also this poem is very useful to make them realize the importance of one self developing individual leadership. Compare to my college days, my students are much more exposed to abundancy, mobility, and endless possibilities but they are less focused on taking action or thinking about individual responsibilities. With this in mind, I like to share my short wishes to those who will be the global best through Sookmyung!
You must believe that you are the “one” who has the greatest potential and freedom to choose. And as it was mentioned in poem above, it is “you” who will make a difference in life. In order to achieve this in reality, you must constantly think what you have to do in given time in given place. Even when you are in class, why not you refrain from using your cell phone or communicating via. social network service and concentrate your purpose in class...which is to study! In each subject, two or three hours of lecture per week is offered to you for your own good, if you miss out on those hours then you have totally wasted those hours of education service you deserve and paid for. Not fully engaged in one class, which means you have lost 1/16 of your semester and if this accumulates, you can imagine the result without my explanation. Dear my students, instead of raising your voice for “half tuition,” I suggest that you investigate school’s various programs such as global exploration and career building programs and begin to grab to make it yours and take the first step to your long journey for your future.
Realizing what is the issue you need to focus, knowing how to solve the problem, deciding when to make the right action, and finding the right direction will be key things for you to constantly remind yourself. It is often disappointing to see many students not taking that first action but wasting their precious time doing nothing productive. The world has changed since my younger days and I do realize the competition is much more severe. No matter what the circumstance is, you will have to start somewhere as one tree can start a forest; just thinking about it will not get you the forest. It is easier said then done but why not make today the day you start taking action to your dream. You may make an action plan of the things you wanted to achieve while in college, when you are 20’s, 40’s or by year 2030 and etc. And start to take that important first step toward your dream. You will see by tomorrow your dream list is much more active and full of other possibilities. On the other hand, if you don’t take any action today, you will not see anything different tomorrow. But if you have taken that important first action, first step, first something on your own, then you would realize the meaningful power of your self as important “One.” Without you and your new paradigm, the world will not be changed. Am I being too ambitious? I don’t think so, every creation and innovation started from one very simple idea put into action. I know you are full of potential, so get up and start moving, right now!
It is delightful that we are celebrating the 300th issue of the Sookmyung Times today. Without each and every reporters, editors, and chief director’s effort & initiatives in the Sookmyung Times over the years, we would not have this opportunity to celebrate with great excitements. I look forward to congratulate on the 600th issue in coming years. Best wishes to everyone at the Sookmyung Times and stay alert in making the first ideas always!
[PROFILE]
SwooKyung Suh / Professor
Ph.D of Design
Environmental Design Department
swoosuh@sm.ac.kr
