This blog post explores the significance of an application essay that honestly shares a difficult upbringing when applying for an education position.
My Upbringing
I am the head of my household. When I was young, my family always lived in a warm and harmonious atmosphere. However, one day while I was in middle school, my mother passed away in a sudden traffic accident. I was only thirteen at the time, and I had three younger siblings, each two years apart. Naturally, I had to fill my mother’s void at a young age and took on the responsibility of caring for my siblings.
Back then, I didn’t even have time to feel resentment or sadness. I always prioritized my siblings first—feeding them, washing dishes, and taking charge of preparing meals for my father when he returned home after a grueling day. Of course, my father felt deeply for me, but he silently carried on with his work, knowing that if he didn’t provide for the family, we would all suffer. I, too, endured each day with a bright face, never showing how hard it was.
But caring for three younger siblings as a middle schooler was never easy. Days flew by in a blur; I was constantly dozing off in class. Sometimes I had to ask the teacher for permission to leave early to look after my little brother. Naturally, my grades steadily declined, and my concentration inevitably suffered.
After enduring that grueling middle school period and entering high school, life began to stabilize a bit as the next youngest sibling reached an age where they could somewhat look after the second and third youngest, excluding the youngest. But the youngest was still too small, and most of the care still fell to me. Time to fully focus on my studies was always scarce, and I was physically exhausted. Despite this, I refused to give up on my dream. Even amidst a hard and busy life, I didn’t want to lose at least the ‘foundation to achieve my dream’.
From that point, I changed my mindset. Realizing I couldn’t forever see my siblings as just little kids, I began assigning roles. First, I assigned my second younger brother the responsibility of looking after our third younger sister. I had a serious talk with him about our family situation and reality, persuading him. Of course, it was a time when he probably wanted to play and be free, but I emphasized that within the circumstances we faced, we had to share the responsibility together. I spoke similarly to our third younger sister, entrusting her with the task of taking care of our youngest sister’s commute to and from school and her daily life. As the family began sharing roles and responsibilities like this, I gradually found some breathing room to focus on my studies.
However, around the time I graduated high school and entered university, another major trial struck. My father passed away from overwork. My father, who worked tirelessly without rest for our sake, ultimately left this world after overexertion, and I suddenly lost both parents, becoming the sole head of the family.
In the midst of preparing for university, I ultimately decided to take a leave of absence and started part-time jobs to support us. Being young and lacking social experience made securing stable employment difficult, so I juggled multiple part-time jobs to save income. For two years, until my second younger sibling graduated high school and entered university, I dedicated myself entirely to work. Finally, I was able to enter university alongside my sibling.
I did consider whether I should postpone my studies further, but I concluded that graduating quickly and securing a stable job was the fastest way to send my remaining siblings to university. So, I threw myself back into my studies and eventually graduated. Now, all my siblings are doing well in university, becoming a solid support system for each other.
Of course, the road ahead is still long, and there is much left to do. But I continue to live my life to the fullest, as always. To protect my family, and to safeguard my own life and dreams, I take one step forward each day.
Motto and Life Philosophy
Albert Einstein once said:
“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”
These words became a crucial guiding principle for my life.
Truthfully, after losing both my parents, I found myself in a situation where life felt endlessly difficult and exhausting. Some might look at me and say, “How unfortunate,” or “What a hard life he must have.” But I don’t see my life that way.
Losing my parents was undoubtedly a great loss, but through it, I gained something invaluable that nothing else could replace: a deep and unbreakable bond with my siblings. We rely on each other more than when our parents were alive, communicate more frequently, and share our hearts more intimately. This brotherhood is a tremendous blessing to me, one that words cannot fully express, and I consider it a miracle in itself.
Through this experience, I resolved to live believing, as Einstein said, that everything in the world is a miracle. The small moments of daily life, the connections with people, the hope that blooms amidst trials… If all these are miracles, then I believe my life is walking a path that is sufficiently meaningful and beautiful.
Moving forward, I will continue to seek out miracles in my life. No, I will create miracles myself. And if that process can offer someone a little comfort and courage, then that too will be another miracle I leave behind in this world.
Career History
I originally dreamed of becoming a teacher. However, due to practical circumstances that didn’t allow me the luxury of preparing for the teacher certification exam, I had to temporarily postpone the path to becoming a regular teacher. Nevertheless, I never gave up on my dream of becoming an ‘educator’. As a means to approach that dream, I took my first step as a private academy instructor while continuing my studies.
For nearly five years at the academy, I taught a diverse range of students, from high schoolers to those retaking entrance exams. Through this experience, I learned far beyond merely imparting knowledge; I deeply contemplated and acquired the qualities and sense of responsibility required of a true ‘teacher’.
To live up to the title of ‘teacher,’ I have always made thoroughness my fundamental principle in preparing lessons. I never showed any sloppiness in front of students, constantly studying, reviewing the material I taught, and never neglecting efforts to improve my classes. For me, ‘teaching’ is not just a job; it is a meaningful mission to contemplate and guide someone’s future together.
I believe this experience is deeply relevant to your company’s work. I wish to be part of that role—the role of a helper who provides tangible support in achieving someone’s dreams. Building on the field experience and genuine passion for education I have cultivated thus far, I aim to continue contributing to the path of supporting and guiding others’ dreams.
Motivation and Aspirations
I believe the role of a ‘teacher’ extends far beyond merely imparting knowledge. It is crucial to consider what image one projects to others and how effectively one demonstrates their capabilities. This is a universal value applicable not only to education but to every profession.
I am applying for this position because I earnestly desire to work at your esteemed institution, which delivers high-quality education with a strong sense of pride. During my time working at an airline, I deeply felt the value and reward of helping others while working alongside colleagues dedicated to ensuring each passenger’s comfortable and safe journey. This experience equipped me with a mindset to genuinely assist others, grounded in thorough information and meticulous attention.
Should I be given the opportunity to work at your company, I will constantly strive to provide higher-quality lessons and maximize educational outcomes. Furthermore, as always, I aspire to be someone who grows together and achieves miraculous accomplishments within an atmosphere where organizational members care for each other like family and harmoniously unite as one.
Finally, I will be someone who shares your institution’s values and goals, driven by a sense of responsibility and mission not merely as a ‘professional’ but as an ‘educator’. Thank you.
