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Yook Jun-yeop |
By Yook Jun-yeop,
Daeyoung High School in Seoul
A once-in-a-lifetime experience sometimes becomes a lesson that he or she can hardly forget. That experience was the Good Neighbor English Camp hosted by the U.S. Forces in Korea (USFK).
Ahead of the start of the program, I had thought that it would be just filled with 'tour-and-photo' routines. Nevertheless, the camp gave me a precious lesson ― and much more than I had ever expected.
First of all, thanks to my host family and their immeasurable warmth, Mr., Mrs. Clouden, Javon, and Kennon, I could well experience and appreciate American family's cultural traits and virtues.
During my stay, I felt glad to find out that Americans have similar family standards.
Like Korean families, Americans also regard family as fundamentals supporting individual strength and daily happiness. Moreover, I was also pleased to discover what they value most when they prayed before mealtime: family unison, the same value that we rank first too.
Secondly, I have also made a lot of American friends, who treated me equally and gently. Unlike American students' usual misconception depicted in some teenager movies, they were warm and greeted anyone with sincere kindness.
They always smiled and tried to make me feel comfortable when I approached them to say hello and introduce myself. I would regret a lot of times had I decided not to join the camp or not been selected. It was really a good opportunity to recognize such nice friends.
Thirdly, the Camp offered me an opportunity to understand the U.S. army's commitments dedicated to protecting Korea. Before the camp, I never knew how hard the U.S. forces are working to bring and maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
Now I feel grateful for their support, and will remember and thank their endless efforts to keep us from danger and help us build a healthier and more secure future.
Lastly, as an ambassador of my country, I was delighted to introduce and explain my country's culture to my American host family and my American friends. Since they live and spend most of their time in the Army base, they never had an opportunity to appreciate Korean culture. I felt proud and honored as I taught them Korea's table manners and other cultural differences.
Overall, the program gave me a unique experience, which is more precious than it was designed to create. I could understand American family's love, forge friendships beyond nationality and admire the U.S. forces' work for peace. In addition, I successfully undertook my 'mission' as a Korean civilian ambassador. I will always cherish the days and the memories I spent in the camp.
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yistory@koreatimes.co.kr
