One of my students left Korea last year to attend law school in Boston. When she visited me one afternoon to say goodbye, I borrowed a piece of encouragement RM had given to Jimin on his 20th birthday.
Studying in a foreign country is daunting enough, but attending one of America’s top law schools with ambitious students is particularly intimidating. As a Korean, she was understandably anxious about thriving among such brilliant peers. She confided in me that she hadn’t slept well for weeks, her mind consumed with doubts about her ability to succeed.
The thing is, my student is exceptionally intelligent, with a keen analytical mind and the ability to articulate her arguments eloquently in both speeches and essays. Her LSAT score was in the top 2% range. I had no doubt whatsoever that she would accomplish all her goals, and I pointed this out to her. However, my assurances did not seem to reach her heart.
Though she was not ARMY, she listened to some BTS songs and admired RM for his intellect and writing skills. So, I went through my BTS quotes folder on my iPhone and found the message RM had written to Jimin nine years ago. I showed it to her, and a smile began to appear on her face as she read it. My words did not seem to allay her anxiety, but RM’s words did the trick. She even chuckled a little, amused that I had a folder dedicated to BTS quotes. No matter, I was able to make her smile and offer a bespoke quote to help her, even if just temporarily.
Well, she returned to Korea yesterday, having aced her first year, just as I had predicted! She even secured an excellent internship for the summer, so after a few weeks of rest in her parents’ warm home, she’ll return to the States once again.
As a teacher, I often receive thank you cards at the end of the year, but the one she gave me last year was perhaps the most meaningful I’ve ever received. I know many of my fellow ARMYs are teachers, and we all share the belief that we don’t do this work for recognition or praise. We give our best because we understand the significance of our role: shaping young minds and guiding their growth. Still, I couldn’t help but feel my eyes well up as I read the line she wrote: “You truly change your students’ lives for the better.” While I don’t teach for the sake of acknowledgment, it was deeply affirming to know that I am making a difference.
This is the card she wrote for me. Yes, I suppose it may sound like I’m bragging—and perhaps there’s some truth to that—but I share it to show that there are young people who are mature and kind. With students like her, the future of the world doesn’t seem so bad.
And, this is what RM said to Jimin on his 20th birthday:
Vocabulary:
*멌있고 (cool, awesome, great, stylish, splendid)
싶어하는 (want to be)
JM에게 (to Jimin)
나는 (I’m)
*RM이얍 (RM)
너의 (your)
그 노력과 (that striving and)
멋있고 (cool, awesome…)
싶어하는 (want to be)
의지가 (determination)
이미 (already)
하나씩 (one by one, piece by piece)
너를 (you)
멋지게 (cool, awesome…)
보이게 (appear)
해주고 있단다 (making it so)
좀 더 (a little more)
스스로를 (yourself)
믿고 (believe)
확신을 (confidence)
가졌으면 (have)
아 (ah, oh)
어쩌면 (maybe)
나 스스로에게 (myself)
해주고 싶은 (want to give, offer)
말인지도 몰라 (perhaps the words)
멋있게 (cool, awesome…)
*살자꾸나 (let’s live)
20th 생일 (20th birthday)
축하해 (congratulations)
멋나는 (cool, awesome…)
형이 (your Hyung)
*멋있다 (muht-(y)it-dah) primarily means ‘cool’ or ‘stylish,’ especially when referring to fashion or lifestyle. However, when used in the context of one’s aspirations, it means ‘awesome,’ ‘splendid,’ or ‘great.’
*To say “I’m RM,” the correct way is “나는 RM이야 (nah-neun RM-yi-yah), but RM adds a ‘ㅂ’ to ‘이야,’ making it ‘이얍 (RM-yi-yahb).’ It is a playful, made-up sound, as if RM is being extra playful to indicate that he’s a bit shy about writing a happy birthday message to his younger bandmate.
*To say ‘let’s live,’ all RM needed to say was ‘살자 (sahl-jah),’ but he adds ‘꾸나 (koo-nah)’ at the end. This expression is typically used by someone much older when addressing a younger person to suggest doing something together. The funny thing is, RM is only a year older than Jimin, so his use of this expression adds a playful touch, like RM is a father telling his son, “let’s live brilliantly together.”
Complete English translation:
To Jimin, who aspires to be awesome,
It’s me, RM. Your dedication and determination to achieve greatness are already making you shine, little by little. So there’s nothin’ to worry about, nothin’ to be anxious. Believe in yourself more, and embrace confidence. Ah, perhaps this is advice I need to hear myself. Let’s live brilliantly together. Congratulations on your 20th birthday.
Your awesome Hyung.