The Songgok Journal, Fr the Line between Responsibility

Hi, my junior students. I am Park So-rim, a former freedom writer. I am happy to write an article again. I heard the sad news that it is the last issue. I don’t know what’s going on at school, but I would like to say that everyone did a good job and did their best. I appreciate that I am one of the Freedom Writers. I will write what I want to say to students who will become adults.

First, you must take all the responsibility by yourself. You can do anything when you become an adult. It means that people do not care what you do and what you think. You must think for yourself and make the best choice. I want you to know that your actions or decisions affect your future and even extend to you.

When I was a freshman, I did not study hard because I thought it would be alright. And then, I prepared to be an exchange student in the second grade. However, I missed the chance to be an exchange student because of the lack of credit. The reason was that I didn’t take enough classes in the first grade because of my wrong thoughts. Back then, I felt that a choice I made in the past might influence me in the future. That is why I want you to take responsibility. Nobody knows when the best opportunity comes. The opportunity comes at an unexpected moment. You should prepare to catch it.

However, everyone makes mistakes. The most important thing is how to deal with it. Acting without fear is another thing I want to tell you. I told you to take responsibility. However, if you can handle it, try anything. It is your life, and no one has the right to meddle.

In my case, failing to become an exchange student, I went on a trip alone with the money I saved. Rather than being frustrated, I wanted to travel independently and meet various people to broaden my values and thoughts. Like this, there are many alternative ways to solve problems when you fail. The more you experience and learn, the more you will grow. Do not be afraid of challenges with just one sense of responsibility.

But you should know one thing. If you say, “I will do it on my own.”, you must show the result. Otherwise, people will not believe you no matter what you do. I want you to keep the line between responsibility and recklessness and do what you can.

I am worried that it seems like a ‘Ggondae.’ When I was young, I did not understand the word. I know it is hard to keep the line between responsibility and recklessness. I am sure it means thinking before acting. A new beginning of your life awaits you. Congratulations on becoming an adult :)

Hello, guys. I am Song Chae-eun, a high school graduate five years ago. Lately, I heard the news that the Songgok Journal will cease with this issue. HOWEVER, as I expected, it was a bit sad when I listened to that announcement in reality the time I spent with people passing by like a flash. During the three years I was in, I shared my entire school life with the club. It was not just an ordinary club that regular people usually think they had to attend high school. I learned lots of feelings, thoughts, and directions in my life with this club.

These days, I’m about to graduate from the final school of my life. I’m a student majoring in the business administration department at Seoul Women’s University. For five years after graduation, I had a lot of things, and it still goes on. Too long to write. I’ve changed a lot but also the same as before.

When I was young, like a middle school student, or whatever, I felt a little bit awkward about being a college student in the future. Because becoming a college student means becoming an adult who has a sense of responsibility, knows all the answers, handles emotions well, and all that sort of things. Every good thing is combined. How nice would that be? But now, I’m not the person I mentioned before. Come to think of it, and such things were utterly unsuitable. I’m still becoming an adult, and it will be forever.

While I have faced and realized that fact by this time, it was so hard. I was so anxious. However, in our insecurities, there is always realization. I want to say; you can give up, despair, and fail in any way. Such is a natural thing. So that’s how you get to know yourself. Based on that, live as you are. And I hope you make all the decisions yourself with fewer regrets. Thank you for listening to me.

Lastly, thanks to Mr. Lee, I am who I am now.

Song Chae-eun