This is an old memory, but one that still lives clearly in my heart.

When I first came to the United States alone, there was a time when I had no family here and very few people around me. The moments that felt the loneliest were during Thanksgiving and Christmas times when the world seems happiest. While others gathered with their families, I often found myself alone at home.

One Christmas in particular, I hadn’t prepared any food in advance and had nothing to eat. What hurt more than the hunger was the feeling of loneliness.

But during those times, I was fortunate to meet kind and warm hearted people. They invited me into their homes on Thanksgiving and Christmas, shared meals with me, laughed together, and helped me forget the longing I felt for my family. I experienced this kindness in Australia and several times again in the United States.

I still remember that warmth. The kindness, the closeness, and even the food we shared.

Now, as Christmas approaches again, I try my best to help others who may feel lonely or overwhelmed people who remind me of who I once was.

As our school’s motto says, I hope our children grow up to change the world. But that doesn’t only mean choosing a successful career.

If children learn manners and discipline, treat others with respect, and grow into people who are willing to help those around them with a warm heart, then the world is already becoming a better place.

When people with that kind of heart come together, and when they grow into leaders of our society, I truly believe they will create a beautiful and meaningful world.

That is why I teach Taekwondo. And that is the value I care about most when teaching our students.