Shin Ae Ban

Her Story

Childhood Memories

Shin Ae, hailing from Jongro, Seoul, holds a cherished childhood memory from her pre-kindergarten days. During those years, she was often treated to a heartwarming surprise when her grandmother and uncles from the provinces came to drop her off at school. These precious moments, filled with laughter and excitement, remain vivid in her mind to this day. Another significant childhood memory took place during her 3rd-grade year when her school frequently organized picnics. These outings were a source of immense joy for her and her friends. One particular day, despite heavy rain, Shin Ae was determined to go on the picnic, having prepared diligently the night before. She carried her rolling backpack and a duffle bag filled with picnic supplies, ignoring her mother's attempts to dissuade her. To her surprise, many of her classmates shared her determination and arrived at school with their own picnic gear. However, the day didn't go as planned, and they had to call their parents to retrieve the picnic supplies and school backpacks, leaving behind a memory of youthful determination.

Childhood Dreams

Shin Ae's childhood dreams were shaped by her experiences and the comics she avidly read. As a child, she aspired to become a doctor, driven by a desire to help her family access medical care without financial constraints. Her love for books about hospitals and medicine fueled this ambition. However, the daunting path to becoming a doctor led her to reconsider. In middle school, she redirected her ambitions toward becoming a nurse. Although it wasn't her initial dream, she was drawn to the medical field, admiring the nurses she encountered for their dedication and their striking uniforms. While she didn't realize her childhood dreams in the medical field, her early aspirations and determination remain integral to her life story.

Happiness

In her younger years, happiness for Shin Ae was defined by spending time with friends, particularly enjoying street food and snacks together after school. She fondly recalls her more materialistic outlook as a child, driven by a desire for possessions. Her tomboyish nature sometimes intimidated classmates, but her peers often fulfilled her requests for items she couldn't afford due to financial constraints at home. However, as she's grown older, her perspective has evolved. Now in her early 70s, she recognizes that true happiness is not found in material possessions but in health, strong relationships with family and friends, and the fulfillment of simple, meaningful moments in life. She emphasizes that while education is essential, the most profound happiness stems from strong connections and experiences shared with loved ones.