Teacher anonymously supports former student for 7 years

In a heartwarming display of dedication, a teacher from Pohang Jecheol Jigok Elementary School, affiliated with POSCO Education Foundation, has been quietly supporting a former student for seven years. This act of kindness, revealed just before Teachers' Day, underscores the profound impact educators can have beyond the classroom.

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I want to buy B even a meal or a piece of bread.

The teacher, identified only as Mr. A, began providing a monthly stipend of 150,000 won to student B and his family in 2020. This support came after B's father passed away, leaving his mother, who suffers from high blood pressure and diabetes, to support the family through part-time work.

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I want to help until he graduates high school. Please don't tell B, or anyone else. That is my wish.

Mr. A's generosity was unconditional, driven by a simple desire to ensure B could have basic necessities like a meal or a snack. He expressed a wish to continue this support until B graduates high school, requesting that his actions remain anonymous. This selfless act was only brought to light when B's mother, having secured a stable job, sent a letter of thanks to the foundation, expressing her deep gratitude for the teacher's unwavering support.

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You have done something that even relatives could not do. Every night, I shed tears of gratitude for the teacher while looking at the ceiling.

The foundation recognized Mr. A with a commendation, calling his actions the "highest virtue an educator can aspire to." Despite the recognition, Mr. A declined to have his personal details revealed, preferring to remain in the background. This story, originating from Dong-A Ilbo, highlights a deeply ingrained value in Korean society: the profound respect and dedication shown by teachers towards their students, often extending far beyond what is expected.

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The highest virtue an educator can aspire to.