There’s a phrase adults—including my mom—love to use whenever they talk about the past:
“Back in my day . . .”
But it made me wonder—what was Mom’s “day” actually like?
So I launched a full-scale investigation into her school-life history.
And now, I present to you: The Complete, Unfiltered Mom Analysis Report, written by yours truly!
Before we begin the investigation, could you introduce yourself?
I’m Kim Seon-ju. I was born in Mokpo, South Jeolla Province, and I’m the third of five siblings.
What’s your most memorable school experience?
Back in high school, my friends and I used our school-fee money to open a one-day café. We even made matching uniforms—bright orange shirts and pants—and sold coffee and other drinks. Thanks to all our advertising, lots of classmates came by. But honestly, we barely made any money. In the end, we pretty much lost all our school fees. I remember getting a pretty serious scolding from my dad afterward. Haha.
(Holding back laughter) What was your upbringing like?
My dad was a police officer. We weren’t wealthy, but we never lacked anything. I grew up in a warm home, surrounded by our parents’ love.
What was the social atmosphere like when you were in school?
At the time, university student protests were very common. One day, I happened to be downtown with some friends, and a rally suddenly broke out. Tear gas filled the air, and I ended up running to a friend’s house with my eyes and noses streaming.
Did you get along well with your siblings?
Yes, for the most part . . . though we definitely had our moments. Once, I borrowed my older sister’s clothes without telling her, and she caught me. Let’s just say I paid for it. But I didn’t really fight with my younger siblings. They usually listened to me pretty well. (Hmm, that doesn’t sound like my aunt, but okay . . .)
Did you ever stay up all night studying?
Yes, exactly once. I tried cramming for a test and pulled an all-nighter. I guess I wasn’t used to it, because I ended up with a nosebleed.
If you had to choose—your life now or your school days? One, two, three!
My school days. Back then, I didn’t have any big worries about life.
If you could go back to the past, is there anything you’d want to change?
There was a time when I played a prank on a friend just as she was about to sit down. She fell and got slightly hurt. I never properly apologized, and if I could go back to that moment, I’d want to sincerely say I’m sorry.
How would you describe your student self in one phrase?
I was very pretty.
As someone who’s already lived through her school years, what advice would you give?
Enjoy everything while you can! Your school days pass by faster than you think, so I hope you make the most of them in a healthy and happy way.
When I think about it now, my school years were very different from yours, Bomin. You need to stay diligent in your studies and also glorify God through good deeds. Even so, I hope you make plenty of time to talk with your friends, laugh often, and enjoy yourself whenever you can.
Finally, is there anything you’d like to say to yourself?
You’ve come this far, handled so much, and done an amazing job—keep going! Ánimo!
Mom was definitely a handful back in the day! After hearing all her wild school stories, I finally understand why adults love saying, “Back in my day . . .” Her advice to “laugh often, and enjoy myself whenever I can” totally caught me off guard—in the best way. Of course, if I try using that as an excuse when my report card comes out, I’ll definitely get scolded.
Anyway, I’d say my first deep dive into Mom’s past was a success. Mission accomplished!☆