“To infinity and beyond!” This is a phrase Buzz Lightyear repeatedly uses in the film Toy Story (1995). In the film, Buzz, along with another character Woody, are both important toys to a boy named Andy. As Andy grows into a young adult, the two toys stand by him throughout his childhood. Similar to Buzz and Woody, every one of us must have a precious item in our hearts that captures memories of our childhood. The Granite Tower (GT) interviewed students of Korea University (KU) about the memories associated with their special childhood item.

Lee Myungho ('19, Business Administration)

The most special item of my childhood is a blanket that I used since I was a newborn baby. This blanket was particularly unique in that each side was made of different material. One side felt like a typical soft blanket, and the other was much lighter and cooler. I would cover myself with it even during the hot summer days. When I was little, I had a hard time falling asleep, but this blanket helped me feel comfortable — this is why it is a precious item for me.

Since I took the blanket everywhere with me — when eating meals, watching the television, or playing computer games — it soon began to fray. However, with the help of my grandmother, I was able to mend it and keep it intact to this day. Recently, after entering KU and sleeping alone for the first time, I felt so lonely that I could not easily fall asleep. A few days later, my parents sent me the blanket, and I was able to sleep soundly with it next to me.

This blanket was a present from my aunt, who passed away when I was a child. As the blanket reminds me of not only my childhood but also my aunt, it is a very meaningful item. I want to thank my aunt for giving me this special present. I miss her very much.

Lee Juhyeon ('20, English Language and Literature)

When I think of a special childhood item, a doll my mother made me comes to my mind. My little sister and I were each given one as a present. The dolls looked like an actual baby girl, with remarkably realistic hair. Along with the dolls, my mother also created several pieces of clothing for them. I would get into small fights with my sister about choosing the clothes that matched each season for the dolls.

One time, I was playing with my sister’s doll and accidentally pulled out all of its hair. I remember being scolded for my actions. Unfortunately, the doll has remained bald for almost 15 years now. My doll has blackened and is displayed in my room at the moment, but it is indeed a precious item which captures my dear memories from childhood.

Kim Soo Jin ('18, Education)

When I was an elementary school student, I received an album where I could store pictures and tickets as a present from my friend. It was small — around the size of a postcard — with pink polka dots on its cover. Ever since I had this album, I loved to print out pictures with my family and friends to put them in it. Pictures of my elementary school friends at birthday parties or picnics are all delicately placed inside.

At first, I only collected printed pictures but soon I began to collect tickets from performances in the album as well. One of the most memorable tickets is from the Cirque du Soleil: Quidam held in Seoul. My family and I went to see this performance when I was 14 years old, which was when I had recently moved from Busan to Seoul. It was mesmerizing to see how various artists came together to present their extraordinary talents on stage. The performance led me to make a hobby of watching performances. I continued to enjoy watching plays and musicals throughout the years, and this became the driving force behind my decision to join KU’s Musical Theater Club.

Today, the album is filled with pictures and tickets that capture my memories from childhood to recent days. As an album which stayed with me since I was little, I am proud to say that it is a collection of my special life memories. I wish to store more pictures and tickets that mark precious moments in this album in the future.

Park Sooyeon ('16, Materials Science and Engineering)

One of the rare memories I have of South Korea before leaving to live abroad is receiving an Anpanman plush toy when I was four years old. It was a prize from a local pizza place in front of my apartment. I do not remember the exact area or the apartment, but I vividly recall the moment of holding the toy, feeling excited, and looking at my family members smiling at me. I carried it around lovingly all day long.

As I moved abroad at such an early age, I do not know popular cartoon characters in South Korea that well. However, thanks to this toy, Anpanman is the one character that I clearly remember from my childhood. Unfortunately, the toy disappeared at some point and is not with me now, although it is the only item that I remember among the things I brought with me when moving.

The reason this plush toy holds a special place in my heart is that it reminds me of the day I received it and its warming atmosphere. As I grew older, it became more and more difficult to spend time with my family, which is perhaps the reason why this plush toy became one of the most valuable memories of my childhood.