People say that while we live our lives, knowing ourselves is as difficult as it is important. Why do you think it is important? A few days ago, a young singer on a TV show I was watching made me realize the importance. The young singer called “IU” said that “I knew myself perfectly. Although I was not good at studying in school, I liked singing and I knew I could sing well. So, I did my best to be a singer.” She is only a 19 year old girl, but she already discovered what she wanted to be. As they say, we each have a special talent. I think that focusing on our identity as a gifted person and how we relate to our own identity is a foundation for growth and a road to successful life.
The Chonnam Tribune heard several suggestions for improvement through a round-table talk we held on the subject of our last issue. At the time, one of participants said, “I think The Chonnam Tribune needs to establish its own identity.” Yes, in co-publishing with The Chonnam National University Weekly (CNUW), the Chonnam Tribune is losing its identity. I think we, the Tribune reporters,are racing towards an unknown destination in a whirlwind with only a vague idea of where to go. Therefore, we need to re-establish our own identity. How can we do this? Our highest priority will be to make a special effort to listen to minority voices. By this I mean foreign students, disabled persons or anybody who is alienated from society. We will also be concerned with subjects such as problems in our local community -- which have been neglected, but deserve our attention. Indeed, most students might not be interested in local problems, but in the interests of understanding the community and our neighbors, we should try to relate to our nation on a broader scale, and furthermore the world. Likewise, the Chonnam Tribune will try to find its identity, focusing on small but important things which are not covered by CNUW in order to improve.
Are you sure that your present goal is what you want? Are you wandering a path without finding a map called Identity? Think about what you are gifted with and what you really desire. As above, understanding how much you are gifted with might be the first step to prove your great potential and lead more a fulfilling life. Just as you know yourself, so you find your own way. I hope all of you find the way.
By Park Hyo-gyeong, Head Student Editor
#306 Desk Column
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