The extensive role professors play in the lives of college students today extends beyond the realms of academia and education. This is no different at Korea University (KU), as they help to bridge the gap between mentorship and allow students to build meaningful connections on campus. As professors are an integral part of college life, it is crucial to gain insights into the far less discussed life of a professor. For the March issue of The Granite Tower (GT), GT’s own winds of change blow as professors are featured for the first time in the Voice on Campus Section. A total of three professors were interviewed to find out more about their personal experiences as a professor, what inspired them in their career paths, what it has been like so far teaching in KU, and a word or phrase they think encapsulates KU best.

Professor Kim Bo-Hyun (Department of French Language and Literature)

It is hard to describe KU in one word, so I will go with a word combination and say “tiger-squirrel.”

The symbol of the school is a tiger, but for me as a former KU student as well as for current KU students, the Squirrel Trail symbolizes KU best. I realized that I could satisfy my curiosity and find convincing answers to the endless questions I had through reading. When I found out that this was the job that I could share the answers I found with my students and fellow colleagues, I was convinced that I could enjoy it even when I am old. There are many times when I feel rewarded; I am very happy when my students are passionate, when I find ideas or connections that at the end of the semester my classes were memorable and helpful. However, there are some inconveniences unlike the times when I was a student; I am now hesitant to eat alone at famous restaurants near KU.

As for memorable incidents, quite a few students pop up in my mind, including those who frequently asked questions after class, those who wrote very good reports even though they did not speak up often in class, and even those who were deeply interested in social issues and were practical in their approach but did not get a good overall grade due to their attendance. Starting from this semester, I look forward to teaching face-to-face without masks on and feeling a closer bond with students.

Professor Beelee Chua (School of Electrical Engineering)

I would describe KU as “a place of good memories,” as it is full of fond memories that we can recall long after we leave.

It was not exactly my plan to become a professor. I was a senior research engineer in a Silicon Valley biomedical start-up company. I came to Korea with my wife, who is Korean and also a professor at Ewha Womans University. She has always encouraged me to move into academia, and the School of Electrical Engineering was very generous to allow me to join them back in 2013. Personally, I think being a professor comes with plenty of responsibilities, especially to the students. We have very privileged access to students because they are always observing and listening to us, both inside and outside of classrooms. Thus, I always feel that if someone’s life becomes better or more bearable because of what I have said or shared, then it makes everything worthwhile.

It is always nice to receive teaching awards or have our research work featured in the press. But the most rewarding, warm, fuzzy, cozy feeling has always come from students saying hi outside of the classroom – especially those who have already graduated long ago. They will drop an email, or send a contact request on LinkedIn, Instagram, or KakaoTalk, remembering something that I have said a long time ago. Recently, one of my former students stopped me on the streets of Kyoto just to say hello. It always feels good to know that they are moving on with their lives and found their niche in the world. It has been a very wonderful 10 years at KU, and I have met many wonderful professors, staff, and students. Going forward, I just hope that I can remember all the students’ faces and names better.

Professor Kathleen Lee (Department of English Language and Literature)

I would use “unpredictable” to describe KU due to the many changes taking place.

As a student, I was fortunate to have taken classes with amazing foreign language teachers from high school to university. They understood the struggles language learners face and created an engaging and instructive classroom atmosphere. Thankfully, I could combine my interest in linguistics and my desire to teach students in the ways my former teachers helped me, and I became a professor. It is rewarding when students tell me that they can apply what they learned from me to their other classes and other areas of their life. I wish all students could see learning as meaningful even after the semester is over and after they graduate, and I would say I am moved when students become more autonomous and see each other as resources for learning instead of simply relying on the professor.