[Student Reporters] If Everyone Dreams, It Becomes True

Interview with National School Debating championship director Youngjun Kim

On February 6th National Schools Debating Championship began and lasted two days. Apart from the fierce competition among the teams Chairman Youngjun Kim stood in the back watching the whole event.

- What responsibilities do you hold as a chairman?

▷ I would like to say I am a captain on a voyage to set destination that is meaningful and valuable and provide correct paths so as to avoid any snags.

- What was the motive for the foundation of NSDC?

▷ Students especially those residing in Korea have relatively less chance to engage in various experiences. Most middle and high school students are busy going to institutes and only focusing on university admissions. I wanted to provide an opportunity to recognize the potential of becoming a global leader and materializing it in today's international communities.

- What do you think is the most difficult task of carrying out NSDC?

▷ The reality in Korean education system is too focused on university admissions. Most teams participating are from Foreign Language High Schools or Global High Schools. But I really do hope that anyone regardless of their records what schools they are from can participate. So balancing the world of idealist and realist just like in any debate is the biggest obstacle.

- When do you feel most rewarded?

▷ It is too early to be satisfied and stop at where we stand. However I feel the most rewarded when students steadily develop their skills and watching these participants grow I feel very fruitful.

- Is there anything you want to say to the students in Korea?

▷ If only one dreams it stays a dream. But if everyone dreams it becomes true. This statement is a famous quote of Genghis Khan. Even though the reality is difficult I really want to make every student to participate. This is a responsibility that holds for not only the parents and managers alike but also for the students. I want all of Korean students to take the challenges. I hope the students can be the leader of their own life and be active.

Chan Mi Lee / 10th Daewon Foreign Language High School