I graduated from a special-purpose high school where I lived in a dormitory in the countryside. The principal at the time was very strict about discipline and guidance. He believed that the school had to completely isolate students from temptations and make them focus solely on their studies to archive good results in college admissions.
As a result, we had an extremely tight daily schedule, and we had almost no freedom. We weren’t allowed to have cell phones or laptops. I do think the perseverance I developed during that time has shaped who I am today. But competing with my classmates in such a suffocating environment made it one of the hardest periods of my life.
I’ve become a parent myself since then. I see the growing fervor among parents for special-purpose high schools and constantly wonder what kind of educational environment would truly be the best for my child.
discipline - the practice of making sure that people obey rules and do not cause problems
perseverance - continued effort to do or achieve something, even when this is difficult or takes a long time
boarding school - an educational institution at which students live while pursuing their studies
나는 지방의 기숙사 생활하는 특수목적 고등학교를 졸업했다. 당시 교장은 규율과 생활지도에 매우 엄격했다. 학생들을 외부유혹으로부터 완전히 격리하고 공부에만 집중하게 만들어야 대학 입시에서 좋은 결과를 낼 수 있다고 믿었다.
그 결과 우리는 매일 빡빡한 스케줄을 소화해야 했고 자율은 거의 없었다. 휴대폰이나 노트북도 소지할 수 없었다. 그 시절을 버텨낸 인내력이 지금의 나를 만들었다고 생각한다. 하지만 숨 막히는 환경에서 친구들과 경쟁한 것은 내 인생에서 가장 힘든 시기 중 하나로 남았다.
그 후 나는 부모가 되었다. 특목고에 대한 학부모들의 열기가 점점 뜨거워지는 것을 보면서 어떤 교육 환경이 내 아이에게 가장 좋을지 늘 고민하게 된다.
- My parents were very strict about what I wore. / The company is very strict about security issues.
- Thankfully, I achieved good results in the exam. / Not everyone can achieve good results in the competition.
- I think this is the best for everyone. / Parents only want what is the best for their kids.
A: What was high school like for you?
B: I remember having classes for 10 periods a day and being forced to study until midnight.
A: Wow, that sounds rough.
B: It was a boarding school.
A: Oh, really?
B: Yes, it was a school with very strict rules and discipline.
