▲On March 2nd, Kim Jin-Young was as the new principal of Michuhol Foreign Language High School. The Tribune, the club for the school’s English newspaper, had interview with him on May 9th to know how he feel about Michuhol Foreign Language High School and what his goals and plans are. Our questions focused on his philosophy of education and his ongoing literary activities.
On March 2nd, Kim Jin-Young became the new principal of Michuhol Foreign Language High School. The Tribune, the club for the school’s English newspaper, interviewed him to ask about his feelings toward Michuhol Foreign Language High School and what his goals and plans were.
△You were appointed as the principal of Michuhol Foreign Language High School this year. How did you feel?
Principal Kim: At first, I was surprised by the appointment as it was unexpected. However, I also felt incredibly honored to become part of Michuhol Foreign Language High School, which was known for its exceptional talents and dedicated teachers in Incheon. I am committed to doing my best to improve the working conditions for our teachers and to create a better educational and learning atmosphere for our students.
△What was your first impression of Michuhol?
Principal Kim: I was particularly impressed by the wide range of club activities available here at the school. The students' energy and bright minds truly energized me. Additionally, the procession of luggage bags on Mondays as students head to their dorm rooms and on Fridays as they leave for the weekend was remarkable. Moreover, the dedication shown by the members of the Michuhol Fathers Association in supporting weekly events at the school deeply moved me.
△You have been organizing literary activities for the entire school, such as “The Mailbox of Dreams” and “Poetry Treasure Hunt”. How did you come up with the idea to organize these activities?
Principal Kim: I realized that I had limited opportunities to directly interact with the students as a principal, something I deeply miss as a former teacher. In order to bridge this gap, I came up with the idea of using poetry as a means of communication. By encouraging students to submit poems they wish to keep or deliver to their friends by personally delivering them, it creates a meaningful connection and fosters friendships among students and myself. It also provides students with the opportunity to show gratitude and respect for their teachers.
△Is there anything in particular that you value about education or your teaching philosophy?
Principal Kim: I believe that education should be a fulfilling experience for all parties involved: students, parents, and teachers. Creating a happy learning environment for them is my utmost priority. I strive to facilitate communication through active listening and empathy, and by being respectful and considerate. My goal is to establish an environment where learning and growth take place in the classroom, where each student can discover their aptitude and talent, and where teachers dedicate themselves to helping students achieve their dreams. Therefore, as a principal, I am committed to creating the optimal educational facility, condition, and environment within the school.
△Are there any new competitions or activities you would like to organize?
Principal Kim: Given the already existing array of activities, I am mindful of not burdening the students. However, I have an idea in mind which I believe would be beneficial for the students. I would like to introduce a literary history tour program where students, parents, and teachers can embark on a journey together. This three-way tour would allow students to reflect on their own experiences and create valuable memories while exploring literary landmarks. I had the opportunity to implement this program at another school before, and it was received very well.
△We have heard that you were working on a writing meeting with the students called Booksori Book Café. What kind of meeting is the Booksori Book Cafe?
Principal Kim: As I said earlier, ever since I became the principal, I had fewer opportunities to communicate with the students, so I thought about what I could do and decided “Yes, I’ll create a reading club!” So I organized a reading club of about seven to eight students to read one book a month with me and to discuss and write about the book that’s been read and to go on literature trips if we have a chance, or go to diaspora film festivals and reading-related exhibitions so that at the end of the year, we could share our precious memories.
△You gave a speech with your thoughts and advice on the day of the admission ceremony. Do you have any advice on writing or speaking for our Michuhol students?
Principal Kim: Writing and speaking skills don't improve all at once. To write well, you need to think a lot, read a lot, and write a lot. So even if you write only one line a day, you shouldn't stop writing. If you keep practicing writing at a set time and place for just 10 minutes a day, just as our bodies are trained to gain muscle, if your writing muscles are trained, you'll be able to write longer and better. So, don’t stop writing even if you’re only writing one line a day.
△Lastly, can you introduce your favorite poem?
Principal Kim: There is a poem which Nazim Hikmet wrote in prison in Turkey. It is called "The True Travel", I give out this poem as a gift to many people in graduation ceremonies or to retired teachers because I think this poem is very meaningful. Would you like me to recite it?
〈The True Travel〉 - Nazim Hickmet
The greatest poem has yet to be written.
The most beautiful song has not been sung yet.
The best days are the days that haven't lived yet.
The widest sea has yet to be sailed.
The furthest trip is not over yet.
The dance of immortality hasn't been performed yet.
The brightest star is a star that hasn't been found yet
When you don't know what to do, only then can you do something real.
When you don't know which way to go, that's when the beginning of the real journey.
Like this poem, I hope you can dance, discover, and brighten your life like the stars that have not yet been discovered, songs that have not yet been sung, and dances that have not yet been performed.
Shin Seoyhun (1-3)¹ | Staff Reporter
Kwon Nakyung (2-6)² | Staff Reporter
1) se0hyun5687@gmail.com
2) Kwonnakyung01@gmail.com
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