Star Korean history lecturer Choi Tae-sung recently shared a touching story from his early teaching days that completely shifted his perspective on education.
During an appearance on MBC’s Radio Star on May 13, Choi shared his philosophy, stating, “Expecting fruit to grow just because you sowed seeds for three years is a teacher’s greed.” He emphasized that teachers must continuously sow seeds and have the patience to wait.
Recalling his passion as a rookie teacher, he said, “I really wanted to be a great teacher. No matter what, I wanted to help every student in my class grow into a healthy member of society.”
However, he admitted that not all students are the same. He spoke about one particular student he taught for three consecutive years who simply would not change.
“I was so frustrated,” he confessed. “I tried everything—home visits, texting, writing in diaries, and sending letters—but they just wouldn’t listen. Eventually, the student graduated without any change.”
To ease his own guilt and frustration, Choi admitted he resorted to self-justification. “I told myself, ‘This kid is trash, that’s why I couldn’t fix them; it’s not that I lack ability.’ I had to tell myself, ‘You’re trash, that’s why it didn’t work,’ just to clear my mind so I could welcome new students.”
Fast forward ten years, and Choi crossed paths with that same student selling items at a department store next to the school. Later, he happened to see the student on television as a successful show host. This realization led him to reflect on his lack of patience. In a heartwarming twist, he revealed that he is now in contact with the student and they maintain a great teacher-student relationship.
