Have you ever thought about the problem with our environment? The world has been changed because of some problems like carbon dioxide. Desertification affects 16000ha of land a day. 500 million people lose their homes due to flooding every year. 2000 islands started to submerge due to rising sea levels. 1500 children die every day due to the lack of drinking water. Nowadays, the effects of environmental problems are getting worse, so the International community has found a way and made an organization to make our future better called GCF(Green Climate Fund). They decided to supply the developing countries. Song-do was designated as the best location for GCF due to the free economy zone which can improve Korea’s economy.
First, Song-do has many profitable advantages for GCF. It is nearby Incheon international airport so that it can be possible to process the task rapidly, and it would be good for globalization. And, it is underway to progress the policy which recycles the waste water and decreases 38% of green-house gases. Also Songdo has constructed the tower named ‘I-tower’ which is a low-carbon, Eco-friendly building. It is an exclusive building for GCF. GCF can use this tower for free. For instance, exhibition of green vocation is held in Seoul every year. In the exhibitions, hosts explain about green vocation and evaluate leaders on how they are suitable for Green Growth. Korean hosts participate in many festivals such as Green Energy Exhibitions and environmental technology show. It demonstrates how Korea has been interested in environmental problems. Incheon is multicultural society. Chinese, Southeast Asian are living in Incheon. To emphasize globalization, Incheon would help GCF by attracting people to participate. As well as Korea is ranked 7 about carbon emit.
Moreover, a lot of celebrities and abroad presses have praised Song-do. An economist from named France Jacques Attali mentioned Song-do for exemplary Eco polis. He suggested setting up 10 eco polis which scale is 50000 population in 2008. Also, a prominent journalist for Forbes, Mr.Steiner highlighted in his book ‘20$per Gallon’, said “Song-do city offers many of the answers to the pressing problem of high oil prices.” Even UN Secretary of Genera, Ban Ki-moon mentioned “Song-do city is the world’s most eco-friendly city” at the 2009 global Environment Forum. Also, an ordinary person Jac cui said “Song-do is a great place to live. It is true that Song-do is good place for living. For example, my family has enjoyed the community for the last years. There is a famous convention center with activities for people, restaurants to go to, and new shops opening up all the time. Song-do is a pleasant city that has infrastructure such as dwellings, businesses, schools, leisure and culture. Also, green area ratio occupies 32% so Song-do makes good purify system. Many people expect Song-do to be a perfect partner for GCF.
Third, If Song-do is chosen for GCF, the regional unbalance problem can be solved. These days, international organizations which are related to the environment are located in Europe(8), North America(4). So it is time to locate in Asia for a wide range of effects. Head of International Cooperation at Global Green Growth Institute, Darius Nassiry said “Korea is a natural home for the GCF. When it comes to climate change, Asia is the future. So much of what we need to do on mitigation, adaption, is going to take place in Asia. So it’s natural to think about Korea and the GCF as perfect partners.”
In conclusion, An Eco-friendly city can use new renewable energy at the city planning stage. This is why Song-do is suitable city for GCF. Song-do does not only preserve the natural resources but also leads sustainable development. It is completely equipped with a variety of infrastructrue for transportation, distribution of high tech industry, education and culture. Song-do has been active in an effort to reduce green house gas in the city, so Song-do has the ability to support a successful launch of the GCF office. Song-do has a lot of advantage. Incheon international airport makes GCF connect with other countries and Song-do’s policy will affect GCF in various positive ways. Also Song-do has been praised from a lot of presses from abroad and it has been recognized as GCF’s partner.
Finally, Song-do has decided to support GCF by investing, and other countries will be satisfied if GCF is established in Song-do because Song-do is good enough to live and has many good possibilities. In additon, GCF should be developed if they decide to establish in Song-do because it is time to globalize just in Europe and North America where has some international organizations are associated, but in Asia as well.
The world has found the best place to establish GCF. Song-do is a partner of GCF. Now, Song-do has 32% green area ratio and it is located near the Incheon international airport. It could be accommodate for GCF meeting and so on. There is much hope for success.
Now days, the world is suffering from climate change. UN has launched GCF to in order to assist the developing countries to prepare and adapt to climate change. GCF is seeking for a place for its headquarter and Song-do, a new born city is one of the candidates. Even though it is very young, Song-do has got many advantages. It is designed and built to be environment friendly and optimize connection to the world. Considering these merits, Song-do is very moderate to the UNGCF
As UN GCF involves international activities; Song-do the international Free Economic Zone provides easy access to the world. One of the advantages of Song-do is that it has one of the world`s greatest airports in 40 minutes distance, Song do is suitable for the UN agentswho have to move around the world a lot. In addition, Incheon international airport has very broad connection to many cities. This also enables the short time flying to many important Asian cities like Tokyo, Vladivostok and Beijing. Song-do is directly connected to Incheon International Airport with only one highway. Much more efficient and cleaner than going through heavy traffic that many cities in the world are experiencing. Though Song-do is quite far away from central Seoul, excellent bus and subway system will enable easy and quick trip. Song-do is planned to be a city of international businesses and multi-culture. Therefore, there will be no linguistic problem or uncomfortable experiences brought up by cultural differences.
As UNGCF is environment caring organization, it`s headquarter must be placed in a eco-friendly city. Song-do has been recently built and has a lot of latest eco-friendly infra and system. The operating system of Song-do IFEZ is programed to be efficiently eco-friendly. For example, introduction of new method of transportations such as boat taxi decreases the rate of traffic jam and geo-thermal heating and solar power system make the whole city cleaner and greener. 15,989,541㎡ of greens placed all around the city, including the rooftops of buildings effectively absorbs co2. Everyday rubbish is sent right to the incinerator through underground tunnel reducing co2 produced by rubbish collecting trucks. The heat of incinerator is used for local central heating. Sewage is renewed for toilet, city cleaning and water for operating parks. Qualification of LEED-ED program that set its main object to efficiency of traffic system, structures, energy usage and supply and infra proves the effectiveness of Song-do in environment caring. Producing less CO2 and being more eco-friendly, UNGCF may enjoy present technology just like any other metropolitan cities around the world.
Lastly, Song-do gives opportunity of co-growth. There are many international organizations cramped in and important committees held in few cities of North America and Europe. Korea is still at the developing level and not known to the world in detail. Song-do, a new born city, is not so famous now but it has got infinite possibilities of being a new big city like New York and Tokyo. Korea was once a poor undeveloped country but in few decades, it became one of the developed countries. GCF, program of helping undeveloped countries, may give hope and roll model of success by placing its headquarter in Korea. Placing UNGCF`s headquarter may be Song-do`s first step to its growth. UN`s object, ‘unity of nations’, development of Song-do can be a step forward to the unity and ‘world growing together’.
In conclusion, Song-do is suitable for UNGCF headquarter because it has fast and easy access to the airport and central city. Also, few hour trips to many countries is possible through Incheon international airport. Secondly, Song-do is designed to perform high efficient eco-friendly systems such as solar power, water recycling, and alternative transportation. A huge area of greens including rooftops and lakes keeps the city clean and green. Thirdly, giving support to Song-do by installing the headquarter gives opportunity of co-growth of Far East nations, and further, the world.
School rules
An obligation or voluntary?
Which group are you in? A group of students who skillfully break the rules without being caught by teachers and the other group who just obey the rules. There are countless rules we need to follow in school and some make us feel we are treated unfairly. However, every rule has its own meaning and they are established to restrict something that is not allowed in school.
What are the most important rules we need to keep in school?
-Students should wear proper uniform in school.
This is one of the rules that is the most fundamental and basic rule for students. When you come to school, you should wear uniform. This is a daily routine every student do. However, at the same time, this is the rule that causes the most conflicts between teachers and students.
Wearing uniform itself is not a difficult task. Nevertheless, when it comes to how we wear, it becomes a different story. Wearing other outfits on uniform, wearing P.E. uniform when it’s not P.E. time, not wearing tie or vast or jacket and even wearing summer uniform in autumn. All these examples are against school rules but we can find the cases easily in school. The teachers want us to unify the clothing-the word ‘uniform’ itself also means the unified clothes that a group of people wear-and look neat. Besides, the purpose of this rule is to make student focus more on study instead of spending time on the appearance. As a matter of fact, wearing uniform does save us a lot of time in the morning-we don’t need to spend our time choosing what to wear. Wearing uniform is not as bad as we think. It’s just too cold in winter without extra outfit on the uniform-since our uniform is not warm enough to get over the winter. With a little understanding between students and teachers would be the solution for the frequent quarrel between teachers and students.
-Hair length restriction
This is another ‘be-talked’ topic among students. Very strict restriction sometimes arouse complaints from students. However, purpose of this rule is same as the uniform rule-to remove all those distracting things from study. Teachers don’t check that frequently prepared to the uniform but recommend you to have hair cut regularly for your own sake.
Now days, the world is suffering from climate change. UN has launched GCF to in order to assist the developing countries to prepare and adapt to climate change. GCF is seeking for a place for its headquarter and Song-do, a new born city is one of the candidates. Even though it is very young, Song-do has got many advantages. It is designed and built to be environment friendly and optimize connection to the world. Considering these merits, Song-do is very moderate to the UNGCF
As UN GCF involves international activities; Song-do the international Free Economic Zone provides easy access to the world. One of the advantages of Song-do is that it has one of the world`s greatest airports in 40 minutes distance, Song do is suitable for the UN agentswho have to move around the world a lot. In addition, Incheon international airport has very broad connection to many cities. This also enables the short time flying to many important Asian cities like Tokyo, Vladivostok and Beijing. Song-do is directly connected to Incheon International Airport with only one highway. Much more efficient and cleaner than going through heavy traffic that many cities in the world are experiencing. Though Song-do is quite far away from central Seoul, excellent bus and subway system will enable easy and quick trip. Song-do is planned to be a city of international businesses and multi-culture. Therefore, there will be no linguistic problem or uncomfortable experiences brought up by cultural differences.
As UNGCF is environment caring organization, it`s headquarter must be placed in a eco-friendly city. Song-do has been recently built and has a lot of latest eco-friendly infra and system. The operating system of Song-do IFEZ is programed to be efficiently eco-friendly. For example, introduction of new method of transportations such as boat taxi decreases the rate of traffic jam and geo-thermal heating and solar power system make the whole city cleaner and greener. 15,989,541㎡ of greens placed all around the city, including the rooftops of buildings effectively absorbs co2. Everyday rubbish is sent right to the incinerator through underground tunnel reducing co2 produced by rubbish collecting trucks. The heat of incinerator is used for local central heating. Sewage is renewed for toilet, city cleaning and water for operating parks. Qualification of LEED-ED program that set its main object to efficiency of traffic system, structures, energy usage and supply and infra proves the effectiveness of Song-do in environment caring. Producing less CO2 and being more eco-friendly, UNGCF may enjoy present technology just like any other metropolitan cities around the world.
Lastly, Song-do gives opportunity of co-growth. There are many international organizations cramped in and important committees held in few cities of North America and Europe. Korea is still at the developing level and not known to the world in detail. Song-do, a new born city, is not so famous now but it has got infinite possibilities of being a new big city like New York and Tokyo. Korea was once a poor undeveloped country but in few decades, it became one of the developed countries. GCF, program of helping undeveloped countries, may give hope and roll model of success by placing its headquarter in Korea. Placing UNGCF`s headquarter may be Song-do`s first step to its growth. UN`s object, ‘unity of nations’, development of Song-do can be a step forward to the unity and ‘world growing together’.
In conclusion, Song-do is suitable for UNGCF headquarter because it has fast and easy access to the airport and central city. Also, few hour trips to many countries is possible through Incheon international airport. Secondly, Song-do is designed to perform high efficient eco-friendly systems such as solar power, water recycling, and alternative transportation. A huge area of greens including rooftops and lakes keeps the city clean and green. Thirdly, giving support to Song-do by installing the headquarter gives opportunity of co-growth of Far East nations, and further, the world.
Songdo, a prepared city for the GCF
Ever since the industrialization started in 18 century, the world is going through the dramatical changes in climate. Unusually often natural disasters and unclear boundary of the season are the familiar story you can find in the news. Every country is not an exception. The whole world is suffering from global warming gradually and it can not be solved with only a few countries’ cooperation. GCF(Green climate Fund) is the institute that can contribute to the solution of global warming by supporting the developing countries to reduce greenhouse gas and maintain low-emission system. It is expected to play an important role in leading the countries to be prepared to the changing climate. With this features of GCF, Korea, especially Songdo-the international city-suits the best for the host country of GCF for the several reasons.
First of all, Songdo is a prepared city with an easy accessibility to the world. In fact, contributed to the construction of the Incheon bridge, the Incheon international airport takes less than an hour from Songdo. The airport allows not only the quick exchange of the human resources but also the easier approach to the developing countries, where they need appropriate support for their developing industry. Moreover, port is also nearby, which helps to transfer enormous materials from one side to other. Being close to the various international transports will be convenient for the international organizations. Furthermore, Songdo’s varied facilities for foreigners such as international schools and foreign centers makes Songdo a better place to be global institute’s headquarter.
To my second point, Songdo is close to the ocean, where the creatures most sensitive to the climate changes live in. As a matter of fact, a lot of scientists observe the ocean creatures to find out the changes in the temperature of the ocean. As the variation of temperature affects the flow of current, the habitats of the fishes are changed. The fishes which used to live in the cold water started to migrate as the ocean they used to live in became warm. Accordingly based on the data, nowadays, shrimps from the tropical ocean started to appear in front of Jeju island and the squids which lives in the special current in the East ocean started to appear in the West ocean which is unusual. The animals’ migration suggests that the temperature of the ocean has increased in a few decades and this symptom is affecting the global climate. Songdo, where is near to the ocean and the tideland is somewhere we can have research constantly.
Lastly, Songdo can be a role model to the developing countries. As a matter of fact, Songdo is one of the cities that is expected to be the best eco-friendly designed city around the world. Its water purification system and low CO2 emission system are already famous outstanding features to other countries. Since Songdo is a designed city, their plans for the future and their effort to maintain the new systems such as decreasing carbon dioxide in organized ways are good examples of starting new eco-friendly systems for the developing countries. The case of Songdo will give the developing countries or the cities where they are planning to designate the city’s system the idea of being environmentally friendly and active to solving the problem of sudden climate changes.
In a nut shell, the world’s climate is changing to the unexpected ways day by day and we need effective solution with the help of the every single country. The GCF is the one who is trying to do this work of gathering the cooperation of the countries and Songdo is the best place for them to perform their work. The city with convenient transport connected globally, opportunity to have research on the ocean closely and the possibility of being a benchmark to the countries who are trying to adopt eco-friendly system will be the finest choice.
Globalization
Have you ever been to other countries for family trip? Nowadays, as the transportation went through a big development, not only domestic travel but also international travel became much more convenient. Every year, over 10 million people go to foreign countries and come to Korea. Having breakfast in Seoul, having lunch in Tokyo and having dinner in Beijing on the same day is not an impossible story anymore. However, contrast to the rapid development of vehicles, people’s understanding for the foreigners got left behind. The cases of tourists being ignored or deceived by local people while traveling foreign countries are the common stories we can find in the news. How about in Korea? Are the foreigners treated fairly?
Martin Luther King said he wanted to see the world where his children can be judged by their character, not the skin color. In the USA, it has been long to accept the non-white people as the part of social members and now everyone can have a right equally, whether their skin color is white or not. Nevertheless, our perception about the colored people hasn’t changed a lot in Korea. Although Koreans are trying to keep up with the flow of global society by being open minded about globalization, still a lot of people are fond of Western people. Think for yourself that you met two foreigners who seemed to be in trouble and one person is from Asia and the other person is from Europe. Who would you like to help? Quite a lot of people think they don’t have any discrimination and they would help Asian too, however, when it comes to a real situation, the result turns out differently. There once has been the EBS documentary about Koreans’ attitude towards foreigners and they had an experiment with two foreigners, each from Canada and Indonaesia, to see whether people have preference. According to the experiment, majority of the Koreans were eager to help troubled Australian but they didn’t even look when the Filipino asked the way. We are not as open as we think.
On the one side, there are people who claim Korea is in the process of globalization, while there are some people who still discriminate Asians and Africans and show preference to white people. We should know that it is impossible to define individuals by races and there is no superb human race. Everyone should be equally treated as visitors to our country. Next time, when a troubled Asian asks you the way, instead of running way, why don’t you help him?
The pollution and forest destructions become more frequent and serious so climate changes occur more often than before with various and critical effects. It affects all around the world, but it’s more critical because some countries don’t have a resolution for effects of climate change. For example, Thailand experienced flood during the summer and because of that, people died, lost someone in their family or lost their house. Due to the climate changes, developing countries such as Vietnam, Burma and Philippines had handicaps while other countries were able to protect themselves from climate changes. That was why some countries decided to unite and establish GCF, Green climate fund. However, GCF still needs support in financial and in other aspects in order to achieve their aims, which is why we claim that Songdo, Incheon is the best place to work as a partner with developing countries for various reasons.
The first reason is because of Incheon’s accessibility to the world. Most of the developing countries are in Asia and it’s very necessary to have accessibility to those countries because otherwise it’ll be difficult to assist developing countries. This will help GCF to have visual information and detailed situation of developing countries also. For accessibility, Incheon offers ICN, the largest hub in Asia with geological strength and technical advances. Since Incheon International Airport is in 20 minute distance, Incheon has one of the best accessibility to the world. Developing countries such as Vietnam and Cambodia are all in 5 hour distance from ICN (Incheon international airport). This will help GCF to get visual information and detailed situation of developing countries. ICN offers 215,000 flights in a year and also voted as the best airport in the world. Not only international flights, local transportation facilities provide 16 subway lines and 434 bus lines throughout Seoul and to Korea’s authentic countryside. With ICN, it would be convenient for GCF to achieve to developing countries that needs help.
The Next reason is that Incheon provides not only in transportation advances but also in pecuniary support. Incheon may be the frail candidate between other well-developed countries, but we are preparing the best financial support we can offer. We do acknowledge that sufficient first start finance fund is definitely rudimentary for GCF’s successful start. Thus Korean government will supply 2 million USD in 2012 and additional 1 million USD per annum until 2019. Not only the first start finance fund, Korean government will also support utilizing 40 million USD between 2014~2017 to support building a capacity buildings in developing countries, which is one of the plans of GCF. A building will be available for GCF, too. This confesses that Korea wouldn’t just be a bystander but an active supporter of GCF.
Last but not least, the final reason is that Korea is leading the way on green growth and therefore we need GCF because we believe that with GCF, Korea could be the best example of eco-friendly city. 60 years ago, Korea was damaged and devastated because of the outcomes that came from the Korean War. We started as a poor, undeveloped and undemocratic country. But now, Korea is one of the most urbanized cities with democracy, technical progress and genuine culture. Despite all the things we have done after the war, our action to climate change is still green. We haven’t experienced extreme climate change or affecting us so we haven’t had a moment to prepare for change. If GCF chose Korea as their host country, it will be a great chance for Korea to gather interest of our citizen about Green growth and prosper our eco-friendly business. Also, we’re expecting 100 million USD incomes after GCF becomes stabilized in Korea. We planned to spend those incomes to support residential and to grow our environmentally friendly business.
Everything has its strong points and weak points. But it is important to accept them whether they are strong or weak. Being an early mover of green growth, we believe that GCF and Korea can be the great partners. Korea would help GCF in financial support with transportation and technological advances. If GCF chose Korea as their host country, it’ll bring 100 million USD profits to Korea and the money would be used for growing environmentally friendly business in Korea. Not only in economy, hosting GCF would gather people’s attention to green economy. Korea hopes GCF to make the best decision for them and for us. Also we would be glad if we can be the host country of the GCF.
http://www.e-reading-lib.org/book.php?book=80878
http://www.e-reading-lib.org/book.php?book=80121
The history of the holocaust
And how it affects us to this day
By Eun Kim 김은
Can you imagine being ripped away from your family in the middle of the night, stuffed inside a cattle cart, taken to a prison like building, stripped of your clothes, starved, shaved of your hair and forced to do labor to hold on to a thin thread of hope. You say “that’s terrible! That could never happen in real life!” you’d be surprised to know that this is true. Oh so terrifyingly true. In 1993, the holocaust started and it went unnoticed for 12 years. During the the holocaust, innocent victims suffered beatings and hard labor. Others ceased in mass executions and gas chambers, those who had survived examinations went on death marches where over a hundred thousand innocent lives were buried in the blood stained snow. The holocaust had shocked the world, leaving it to take precaution against genocide.
After the First World War, Germany had to pay retributions to the Allies. But because they had to pay their own war dept, they suffered an economic crisis. Many people were left angry and poor. A man named Adolf Hitler took power during that time. He manipulated the public’s anger by making himself into a hero through a movie that made him loved by the public. His effective use of propaganda won his people over, on the 30th of January 1933 Hitler became Germany’s chancellor, he and his regime soon began the mass genocide of the Jewish population. He started with his infamous Enabling Act on March 23rd 1933 that gave him absolute power over the government, he started by ordering the making of a new textbook, in the textbook young people would be taught that the Jewish were the cause of all their problems which stirred hate and racism. He also created an army of devoted soldiers, they called him the Führer (Fuehrer) and because much of Germany’s youth were Nazi soldiers, they had a sense of belonging and marched through the streets blinded by mob mentality. From there, he started to nibble away at the Jewish population; he began little by little, such as forcing the Jewish to wear arm bands to distinguish the Jews and closing Jewish owned businesses one by one. Then his actions grew louder, moving them in cramped cattle carts from one ghetto to another until they finally entered the concentration camps where they would be immediately killed or become slaves to hard labor. The Jewish were mainly targeted but they weren’t the only victims; gypsies, the Polish, Slavs, homosexuals, the disabled, and Jehovah’s Witness were also targeted.
In 2012, 67 years have passed since the liberation of death camps and we are still being affected by the holocaust. One way is through prevention. During world history class, a whole chapter consists of the holocaust. During English class, we are assigned at least one book about the holocaust during our high school experience. All this is done to educate the future generation. Tons of movies and books were made about the holocaust, such as The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, the Night, Diary of Anne Frank, Hiding Place, Schindler’s List, Shoah and more! Being possibly the last few generations to ever see a survivor in person is unfortunate but it is that much urgent to educate the young people. They say that history is constantly repeating itself. Therefore, if we are educated on genocide, it could prevent another from happening. After all, they say that knowing the past is the most important tool for the future.
TiTle : Why Korea should host the Green Climate Fund
This summer have you asked yourself at least once “When did it get so hot?” During this year, there have been two severe hurricanes in the Korean Peninsula, major wildfires, droughts and deathly tornadoes in the United States alone! Researchers say that with global warming increasing, it will not only bring up the global temperature by a few degrees but it will also bring about even more devastating outcomes. Starting from hotter summers and snowier winters, it will cease to stop. Increase in heat waves, droughts, floods, severe storms, forest fires, increase in insects, weeds, and pests, all are just the beginning. The aftermaths of these problems will start to affect our daily lives. There will be a decrease in farmed goods such as corn, which is used in bread, candy, soft drinks, and used as food for animals which affects our poultry price also. Prices for food would become high and cause a food shortage. Not only that, the higher temperatures in the warmer seasons would cause an energy shortage also. The climate is connected to the global economy which connects to all aspects of our daily lives. Some people do not recognize this problem; they simply regard this as a myth. Which is the reason why the GCF was made, to not only help developing countries prevent damage and adjust to these climate changes but to help to raise awareness of the seriousness of climate change. Korea has come up as one of the main choices for hosting the GCF.
Korea would be a great foundation to help the GCF program for many reasons. One reason would be our convenient location. The location for GCF Korea would be in New Songdo city, Incheon, which has become one of the most eco-friendly cities in the world, from low-carbon buildings to a remarkable recycling program that reuses a major percent of renewable waste. It is also connected to the metropolitan city of Seoul and almost all major cities in Korea. It is only a few minutes’ drive from the Incheon International Airport that serves over a 100 major cities all over the world. Songdo city is home to many foreigners as it is located near UN buildings, embassies, and international schools. Another reason could be that the people of Korea would provide a supportive environment for the GCF. Korea understands the importance of taking a stand against global warming. When a policy to lower carbon emissions were sent to the legislation, it was passed in less than a year because both parties agreed that the effects of global warming would only get worse and action needed to be taken. The government also takes charge to assist the Korean eco-system for example; the Korean government announced that they had finished restoring the four major rivers of Korea through the Major River Restoration program. Finally, another reason is that Korea would like to return the help we have received. As everyone knows Korea has ascended from being one of the poorest countries into becoming a thriving global market. This was only possible because other nations came together and lent a helping hand. Now, in 2012, Korea has become a global helping hand, volunteering and donating to developing countries, our country will become a great global partner to the GCF.
Title: Importance of learning history 10106 김은
Hello ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for coming.
What comes to your mind when you think of learning history? Most of you probably associate learning history as a boring experience. Trust me I’ve been there, sitting in history class wondering why time passes by so slowly. However, you would be surprised at what you can learn from history besides… well… history! So today, I would like to talk about the importance and the benefits of learning history. But before I start let me introduce myself.
Hello, my name is Eun Kim and I am currently in my first year at Incheon Gonghang High School, I have lived abroad in America for over 9 years. I simply always knew I was Korean, I would cheer for Korea during the Olympics and I’d be proud to say I was Korean but I didn’t have any knowledge of Korean history nor did I think it was that important to learn. However, my moment of realization from my ignorance of my country’s history was on the 26th of October; our class went on a field trip to the Seodaemun Prison. As soon as I entered the facility was in shock for a few minutes. In America, we learn about the Holocaust and the massacre of the Jewish people inside concentration camps. I couldn’t have ever imagined that such pain existed in our country’s history. There had been so much suffering and sacrifice made by our ancestors and I had not known a single thing about it. Which is why I want to emphasize the importance of history, to learn history is to learn your identity, history shows us who we are, where we come from and how we’ve changed. From this, I’ve gained so much pride and respect for Korea and our ancestors.
A majority of people do not recognize that history is a very important asset in today’s society. It helps us when we speak and when we write and it provides us with moral understanding. Whether we speak or write something, history provides us with a backing and sets a great foundation to build on.
Another way learning history is beneficial would be that history enhances judgment and decision making because we learn from past mistakes and opportunities, and in this process, we strengthen our ability to learn from others. Knowing the mistakes of the past, we can keep from making those mistakes in the future. We must understand and learn from them, and change our course to reflect that understanding. No one is above the influence of the past. What we truly understand of our past is what shapes our future. To succeed, we must educate ourselves about the world both around and behind us. After all, it is because of the past that we have accelerated into our current society.
Like this, we take reference from history all the time, almost everything in our lives were due to the efforts of our ancestors from democracy to the invention of the pizza. We are merely heirs to this legacy and our duty is to remember and offer our part to history. We must stop thinking that history is not important, it is! It will become a great tool for us in both the present and the future. Philosopher George Santayana once said “Those who cannot remember history are condemned to repeat it.” We learn from the past, they say that the past tends to repeats itself, so it is up to us to understand and change the outcome. People can learn their roots through history, opening their eyes to their roots and to the ties we all share, as mine were opened when I entered the Seodaemun prison. Learning history itself is a way to change the world. I want my future to be a part of making that change and to do so it starts with all of you.
Thank you for listening.
The Story of Kyle
One day, when I was a freshman in high school, I saw a kid from my class walking home from school. His name was Kyle. It looked like he was carrying all of his books. I thought to myself, “Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd.”
I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on. As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him. They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt. His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him. He looked up, and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes.
My heart went out to him. So I jogged over to him, and as he crawled around looking for his glasses, I saw a tear in his eye. As I handed him his glasses, I said, “Those guys are jerks. They really should get lives.” He looked at me and said, “Hey thanks!” There was a big smile on his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude.
I helped him pick up his books and asked him where he lived. As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before. He said he had gone to private school before now. I would have never hung out with a private school kid before, but we talked all the way home, and I carried his books.
He turned out to be a pretty cool kid. I asked him if he wanted to play football on Saturday with me and my friends. He said yes.
We hung out all weekend, and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him. And my friends thought the same of him. Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again. I stopped him and said, “Boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday!” He just laughed and handed me half the books.
Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends. When we were seniors, we began to think about college. Kyle decided on Georgetown, and I was going to Duke. I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem. He was going to be a doctor, and I was going for business on a football scholarship.
Kyle was valedictorian of our class. I teased him all the time about being a nerd. He had to prepare a speech for graduation. I was so glad it wasn’t me having to get up there and speak.
On graduation day, I saw Kyle. He looked great. He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school. He filled out and actually looked good in glasses. He had more dates than me and all the girls loved him! Boy, sometimes I was jealous. Today was one of those days. I could see that he was nervous about his speech, so I smacked him on the back and said, “Hey, big guy, you’ll be great!” He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled. “Thanks,” he said.
As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began. “Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years. Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach — but mostly your friends. I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. I am going to tell you a story.” I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day we met. He had planned to kill himself over the weekend. He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his mom wouldn’t have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home. He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile. “Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable.”
I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment. I saw his mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile. Not until that moment did I realize its depth.
Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture, you can change a person’s life.
(via andallofthe-above)
