Inspired By One

The first day of school, 2009-2010. Students are trickling into the multipurpose room at I--, enthusiastically greeting old friends. New students stand to one side, shyly wondering where they have landed. A few of the "old timers" seek out the new students and introduce themselves. Everyone from Kindergarten to 12th grade is fresh and bright eyed, wondering what the new year has in store. Chattering, everyone slowly finds their seats. Suddenly, an Asian looking man they have never seen before bounds up on stage. He introduces himself as the new secondary principal and lays out his main goal for the year: that students would take advantage of every opportunity to do good. The interested students shrug. “He seems like a great principle, but we will have to wait and see.”

For any student of I--, it is impossible not to have noticed Mr. L: He walks the halls talking to students, he gives announcements at chapel, and he monitors our behavior at lunch. Even though he has only been at our school for little under one semester, the students have already felt the impact of his presence. His spiritual as well as academic leadership has left a favorable impression with students, parents, and staff. How well do we really know our principal, however?

Mr. L was born in Korea, but moved to Los Angeles when he was a year old. He grew up in a Christian home and accepted Christ when he was in 5th grade, although he admits that he is still learning how to live for Him. He grew up on the “streets” of LA, which he said, “gave me a good exposure to different challenges.” His growing up experience showed him that God wanted him to work in the inner city as a teacher. In fact, because of his calling to work in the inner city, he had no concept of wanting to work overseas!

All this changed when he spent a year teaching English in Korea, an experience he enjoyed immensely. Then, while working at an English camp in Central Asia, God used a mentor to change his thinking. This mentor cornered Mr. L and convinced him that God had a place for him working overseas. He taught Social Studies at B---- Academy for a number of years before coming to our school, although he has visited Turkey a number of times. On one visit, a parent at our school said, “Don’t forget us!” a statement that stuck with him. Up until this past March, he had been planning to go to Nepal, but his plans fell through. At the last minute, he accepted a position here at our school.

He has said that his goal for this year is learning and growing—in character and in his understanding of people. He has a few plans for the school, which are either in the works or in talks. He already has plans for our spring service project underway, where 11 students in two teams will go to Romania and Bulgaria to serve. He is also talking about instituting a strong student government. “I want students to take ownership of the school,” he said. However, he is mainly trying to learn about our school and seek the Lord’s will for us.

When asked how I-- had blessed him, he praised the graciousness of the staff and students…and the Turks he meets. He said the best way we as students could serve him is to share our perspectives and insight with him. Mr. L’s love of people is evident in the way he interacts with those around him. The thing he would like to have put on his tombstone is: "inspired by One, he inspired many." Christ’s inspiration in his life is evident; we have no doubt that he will leave his mark on our school as well.