We often remember the wisdom passed down through a kind and gentle presence, while completely forgetting the actual facts and knowledge taught in the classroom.

What should education truly be about?

This is a question with no standard answer, yet it is one we should ponder every single moment of our lives.

I can barely remember a single thing from my childhood textbooks. However, I know with absolute certainty that my philosophy on life was deeply shaped by a few key enlighteners:

1. The Montessori professor who led me to see the vital value of education in life.

Coming from a non-early childhood education background, the birth of my own child sparked a deep curiosity about life within me, prompting me to embark on a journey of educational exploration. I will always remember the professor of my very first class—so gentle, graceful, and elegant, beautifully narrating how a new life unfolds. At that exact moment, I felt a profound sense of awe. It was a class that didn't focus on how to cram knowledge into a child; it was entirely different from any of my past learning experiences. For the first time, I realized that education is the continuation of life's core values.

2. My college mentor who watched over me during a time of immense grief.

In a competitive music program that strictly valued performance technique, I was a back-row student with very low self-esteem. To make matters worse, I was struck by a series of devastating blows: the passing of my mother and a major car accident. My world turned so dark that I could barely find the strength to keep going. Yet, my mentor's gaze gave me strength, carrying the same warmth as a mother's. She offered tangible help that pulled me out of the mire of grief, inspiring me to vow that I, too, would become a source of strength for others, just like her.

3. The distant relative who brewed chicken soup for me every single day during junior high.

The image of that kind, soft-spoken figure is forever etched in my mind. From them, I learned what it means to possess moral character, grace, tolerance, warmth, and resilience. This enlightenment became the benchmark I strive for, pushing me to smooth out my sharp edges and overcome my laziness. Having once experienced that tranquil and beautiful atmosphere, I wanted to work hard to recreate it for the people around me.

4. My mother, who infused life wisdom into the most important 17 years of my existence.

My mother didn't have much formal education, but her life was filled with stories. Our home went through many turbulent times, often harboring emotional landmines that could detonate at any moment. Yet, the picture of my mother's life was one of unwavering resilience and wisdom. Since I was small, she would constantly use everyday moments to teach me, telling me that studying hard could change one's destiny. She wanted me to build up the skills necessary to survive and thrive. Looking back now, my mother enlightened me in every facet of life, instilling the most critical values and traits I hold today. The older I get, the more her profound influence is proven true.

I was incredibly fortunate to cross paths with these lifelong enlighteners at a very young age. What they awakened in me was wisdom, character, values, and a deep emotional capacity for life—ultimately guiding me to become a person of value.

To me, this is what education is truly about.