On January 2, 2026, my birthday, a student sent me a message.
“Hello, teacher! Happy birthday!”
It was already lovely that they remembered. Then came the next sentence:
“I got accepted to Catholic Kwandong University’s pre-medicine program, haha.”
This was news I had been waiting for. Getting more excited about a student’s medical-school acceptance than my own birthday greeting must be a teaching habit, haha.
I had been hoping for a good result for this student, so the message was especially welcome.
Their mother had also been waiting eagerly. Hearing that the student had been accepted made me happy for both of them. I congratulated the student and asked them to pass along my greetings to their mother.
Looking back at my reply, my excitement was quite obvious:
“Yes! I’ve been waiting so much for your news.”
When a student shares an acceptance result, I also think of the family who has been waiting alongside them.
The days can feel long while an admissions decision is still uncertain. A message like this brings relief as well as happiness.
I appreciate students who remember to keep in touch after their lessons have ended. Hearing about their next chapter is one of the rewarding parts of teaching.
Congratulations again on your acceptance to Catholic Kwandong University’s pre-medicine program.
I hope the university years ahead bring plenty of learning and good experiences. Please pass along my congratulations to your mother too.
Thank you for sharing such wonderful news on my birthday. It was a lovely birthday gift.
The quotations above are English translations of the original Korean messages.
AP · IB · A-Level Chemistry — JjangJi
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