This blog post introduces various examples of self-introductions that unfold the growth process, focusing on family relationships and family introductions.

Diligence and Humility Learned from My Father

My father is a symbol of diligence to me. Driving city buses, he never missed a single day of work for 30 years, even when feeling unwell or under the weather. Throughout those long years, he consistently greeted passengers with a smile and kindness, earning the company’s annual ‘Friendly Driver Award’ five times. Not only did he drive safely without a single major accident, but I came to deeply respect his professional spirit, especially seeing how he strictly followed safety rules whenever elderly passengers boarded.
Every time he rose at dawn to drive the first bus out, he would say, “So many people commute even at this early hour; my hardship is nothing,” humbly downplaying his own efforts. From his consistently humble approach to his work, I learned that “taking pride in what you do and performing it diligently is the most professional and beautiful attitude.” Through him, I also realized how crucial it is in society to respect and care for others while always adhering to principles.
Because my parents both worked, I naturally learned responsibility from a young age by looking after my younger sibling and handling household chores. When my parents weren’t home, I cared for my sibling with the mindset of being the ‘head of the household,’ and because of this, I was often told I was more mature than my peers. People around me frequently described me as “adult-like” and “reliable.”
In middle school, attending an all-boys school, I served as the classroom beautification officer, managing bulletin boards and keeping the classroom tidy. Though other students found it tedious, I volunteered for the role for the class’s benefit. Having performed well in my first year, I was recommended by my friends to continue the role throughout my second and third years, fulfilling my responsibilities faithfully for all three years. Through this experience, I learned the value of willingly serving within a community and quietly fulfilling one’s role.
Thus, at every crucial moment during my growth, I practiced the sincerity and consideration I learned from my father in my daily life. Thanks to this, I grew into a sincere young man who prioritizes people and takes responsibility for tasks until completion. Moving forward, I aim to emulate the attitude toward life my father demonstrated, striving to be someone who never loses sincerity and humility, no matter the situation.

The Value of Tolerance and Consideration Learned Through My Younger Brother

As a child, I was the older brother who felt a subtle sense of superiority watching my younger brother, who showed little interest in studying. Unlike me, my brother was tall, had a likable face, and possessed an outgoing and sociable personality, making him popular among friends from a young age. However, there was one area where he struggled to focus: his studies. I resolved that, if only to maintain my dignity as the older brother, I absolutely had to achieve overwhelmingly superior grades. So, instead of hanging out with friends, I solved workbooks and threw myself into exam preparation, striving to build my own ‘credentials’. Deep down, I even harbored the arrogance that, no matter how much my younger brother possessed socially advantageous traits, I would ultimately be life’s ‘winner’ because I had achieved greater knowledge. Looking back, I was consumed by an inferiority complex toward my brother and a misguided sense of pride.
As a result, I paid no attention to my sibling’s athletic abilities or vibrant social life, focusing solely on amassing grades to prove my worth. While my efforts did yield higher test scores than before, I missed out on many of life’s joys along the way. My relationships with friends gradually grew distant. I dismissed and rejected TV shows, entertainment, and internet trends that people enjoyed, labeling them “unintellectual.” In doing so, I locked myself into a narrow, self-righteous world where I couldn’t find common ground with anyone.
Then, I realized that what I believed to be the perfect answer based on my knowledge and logic was not at all perfect for others. I came to understand that a truly ‘good answer’ that satisfies everyone doesn’t come solely from simple practicality or the pursuit of achievement, but from a broad inclusiveness that respects diverse opinions and considers everyone. From that moment, I let go of the prejudice that dismissed spending time socializing with everyone as ‘useless.’ And I began striving to open my heart to the world and to people. I now believe that studying isn’t everything; rather, a broad-mindedness capable of embracing different strengths and thoughts is the true asset that enriches life.

A Father Like an Elm Tree

In my childhood, my father was a man who treated people with unwavering resolve and knew how to live his life to the fullest. Like a sturdy zelkova tree rooted firmly in the ground, he came to the city from the countryside with nothing but his bare hands, never shying away from manual labor or any odd job. He harbored the goal of “building a restaurant that stays in the same place year after year, where anyone can come,” and with that in mind, he persevered, advancing step by step. He ran a straight course toward that path, driven by an unwavering determination that spared no effort. It was also thanks to his unwavering resolve that he persuaded my mother—whose dream had been to marry into a wealthy family and live a life of luxury—to become his partner, walking together toward their shared future.
Yet he never acted rashly out of greed or charged ahead blindly. To gather the momentum for a decisive push toward his goal, the effort he invested was meticulously planned beyond imagination. He didn’t just ride the trends, competing with mediocre flavors or common menus. Instead, he poured his entire energy into developing recipes he truly loved—ones that could fill people’s bellies, combining both nutrition and taste. As far back as I can remember, from my distant childhood, my father staked his life on preparing to open a restaurant. Even after saving sufficient funds, he didn’t hastily buy land or decide on a business type. He carefully deliberated repeatedly, aiming not just for simple profit, but to build a restaurant that would become ‘a source of pride representing his life’.
Father always said: To grow a tree that will stand tall and strong for a long time, choosing good soil and the right variety is paramount. True to that philosophy, while he charged toward his goal, he never rushed the final decision. That prudence and resolve ultimately proved themselves in the restaurant that has thrived for over 20 years. My father’s restaurant, welcoming guests with consistent taste and heart from its unchanging location, is deeply rooted in the memories of many, much like a zelkova tree silently enduring the seasons and holding its ground.

A childhood filled with love for people

I’ve loved people since I was very young. Regardless of age or gender, the warmth I felt from people meant more to me than anything else in the world. According to my parents, even as a newborn, I was very comfortable in people’s arms and loved being held by anyone. Rather than being shy, I naturally enjoyed interacting with others.
My father worked at the neighborhood office, which is now the community center. Even though civil servants weren’t as socially prestigious back then as they are now, my father found great satisfaction in his work. It wasn’t a job that brought in a lot of money or garnered attention, but he felt a deeper sense of fulfillment in being able to help others. The stories he shared about his work weren’t glamorous, but they always carried the warmth of human connection. He said most young people could fill out necessary forms themselves and knew what they needed, so they rarely required much assistance. However, many elderly people came in because they couldn’t read or didn’t know what to do or how to do it. He said that days spent helping such people felt especially bright, uniquely joyful and rewarding.
My mother is also a public servant, but unlike my father, she handled specialized tasks rather than general administration. Yet, without realizing it, I seem to have inherited much of my father’s disposition. While handling tasks professionally and accurately is certainly important, what appeals to me more is treating people not merely as ‘work subjects’ but as ‘human beings’. My childhood fondness for human warmth seems to have naturally become my life attitude and values, inherited from my parents.

A steadfast supporter, my five-years-older sister

My parents, both working full-time, were always busy with their jobs. As a child, there were moments when this made me feel hurt. When it rained or snowed, other friends had their mothers waiting with umbrellas to walk home together, but I often had to walk home alone in the rain. Yet, I never resented my parents. Rather, it was thanks to them that I grew into someone who forges my own future and takes responsibility for my tasks. To avoid being a burden to my parents, exhausted from their outside work, I did my best at whatever was given to me. My sister’s influence was significant in helping me develop this mindset.
My sister, five years my senior, was always someone I admired. She excelled in her studies and stood out in arts and sports. She often looked after me in place of our busy parents. It was also my sister who always advised me to remember my gratitude towards our parents and to diligently do my part. Thanks to her, I could grow step by step, engaging in a healthy rivalry with my respected sister. As a result, we became known as the famous sisters among our peers, with such a strong bond and trust that no one who knew us didn’t recognize us as sisters.
Especially when facing important life choices, my sister was my steadfast advisor. When I was in my senior year of high school, agonizing over college choices, my sister, already in her final year of university, gave me realistic and concrete advice based on her own experience. Above all, her advice, coming from someone who knew my interests and strengths better than anyone, allowed me to solidify my future plans. Even now, we remain indispensable, steadfast supporters in each other’s lives. Because we have been each other’s strength, we can confidently enjoy life and move forward with dignity even in the face of difficulties. And this steadfast companionship will continue into the future.

The aesthetic sense inherited from my mother and the creative thinking passed down from my father

My mother possessed a natural aesthetic sense. Thanks to her, our home was always as sophisticated and cozy as the interior photos in magazines. From childhood, I marveled at the sense of style permeating every corner of our house. Even curtains that seemed outdated and unusable were transformed into stylish interior accessories under her touch. Despite never majoring in design, her craftsmanship rivaled that of professionals. Perhaps inheriting her talent, I was often told from a young age that I had an exceptional eye for design.
My parents enrolled me in an art academy because I loved drawing so much. There, I received positive feedback from my teachers and gradually built my confidence. However, I found myself more drawn to applied industrial design, which finds practical use in daily life, than to fine art. This shift in perspective came when I happened to visit the ‘Industrial Design Exhibition’ while accompanying my mother to numerous art shows. The excitement I felt there never faded, and in that moment, I became certain that ‘product design’ was the path I should pursue. I then honed my skills by learning computer design, and my mother provided constant encouragement and support to help me move toward my dream.
My father is an inventor who holds patents. He constantly came up with new ideas to improve everyday inconveniences and worked hard to bring them to life. Even now, in his later years, I’m constantly amazed by the ingenious ideas he shares. For my father, invention wasn’t just a hobby; it was a creative act of bringing ‘convenience’ to life. I was profoundly influenced by his values and approach. That’s why, when designing, I prioritize practicality and convenience above mere aesthetic beauty.
Ultimately, I inherited aesthetic sensibility from my mother and creative thinking and practicality from my father. If the strengths of both parents can harmoniously blend within me, I believe I can one day create the ultimate product design that makes many people’s lives more beautiful and convenient. This belief is the driving force behind the path I’ve walked so far and the reason I will continue to challenge myself without pause.

Growing Passionately Under Passionate Parents

Though both my parents are now over sixty, they have never stopped learning. My mother is completing a training program at a daycare center to become a storyteller, while my father is studying to obtain his certified nursing assistant license and simultaneously planning a new business venture. As part of this, he consistently attends relevant courses at the Small and Medium Business Administration. I believe it’s rare to find people at their age learning and challenging themselves in so many different fields.
In fact, my parents were incredibly passionate even when I was young. They would go to work early in the morning and return late at night, yet still continue studying. They always lived lives of learning and trying new things. My father achieved outstanding results in sales, demonstrating such passion and drive that he ranked first in the city where I lived. My mother was equally dedicated, always giving her utmost to every task.
Growing up with such parents, I naturally inherited this ‘passion’ as part of my character. While others focused on one thing, I tackled two or three simultaneously. If something sparked my interest, I had to see it and experience it firsthand to satisfy my curiosity. In middle school, a foreign designer’s photo book I stumbled upon became a major turning point in my life. Drawn to those captivating works, I began studying art and eventually enrolled in a design program. After choosing web design as my major, I steadily built my career in the field. Working as a freelancer for many years, I gained experience on diverse projects and significantly developed my practical skills.
Looking back, the driving force behind the constant challenges and learning in my life seems to stem entirely from the passionate example my parents set. My parents’ pursuit of learning and taking on challenges continues to this day, and witnessing this, I too will keep moving forward toward new paths without stopping.

Diligence in giving my best: A lesson from my father

My father runs a factory producing automotive parts. While it is now recognized as a major parts manufacturer in the industry, exporting to several countries, the journey wasn’t smooth from the start. The factory’s early days were extremely difficult, and at one point, he even faced bankruptcy. During that time, our entire family struggled, and Father endured each day with great hardship, hounded by creditors demanding repayment. Yet, even in that situation, our family stood united as a strong pillar of support, enabling Father to rise again, and ultimately, he succeeded in making a comeback.
One of my father’s core beliefs is ‘never losing faith in people.’ While trust in others was one reason for his business failure, paradoxically, his successful comeback also stemmed from that same faith in people. In the past, he had to shoulder a large debt due to a joint guarantee issue with a business partner. Yet, the driving force that enabled him to develop new parts to meet emerging demands, secure patents, and rebuild the company was his unwavering trust and investment in his employees. My father always trusted and supported his staff, and that trust led to the company’s new leap forward.
Another of my father’s principles is ‘always giving his best with sincerity’. He rose at dawn every day to go to the factory and stayed on site until late at night. While he now delegates much of the work to employees, he still personally meets with buyers from other companies to finalize important contracts, working through the night if necessary. Even now, he arrives at the company early in the morning to personally attend to every detail and meticulously encourage his employees.
Growing up beside such a father, I learned firsthand that ‘trust in people’ and ‘sincerity’ are not mere words, but vital values that guide one’s life. Even now, grounded in those values, I strive to be someone who never loses faith and gives my best in any situation. The path my father showed me will remain my unchanging compass in life.

Life Values Learned from My Father

From childhood, I was raised to value diligence and hard work above all else. These values stemmed from my parents’ lives. My parents, who regarded diligence and hard work as the foundation of life, greatly influenced me to live a planned life and strive for excellence in everything.
Even now, running a business and leading over a hundred employees, my father never lost sight of his original aspirations. He began each day at 5 a.m. Until his commute, meaning until 6 a.m., he never put down a book. Watching him, I had no room for laziness. I respected my father for his strict self-discipline and relentless commitment to learning, and I nurtured the dream of becoming a remarkable person like him.
Having lost his parents early and built his life from scratch, my father worked harder than anyone, driven by the determination not to pass on poverty to his children. Thanks to him, our family never lacked for anything, yet he never tolerated waste. Frugality was his guiding principle; he saved money for himself but never spared any expense when it came to supporting his family. Because of this, I was able to enjoy the benefits of a comfortable life while simultaneously learning the value of restraint and balance.
My father paid close attention not only to his family but also to those around him. He consistently worked to help neighbors in need, regularly donating to the ○○ Rehabilitation Center and often saying, “Remembering the hard times I went through, I cannot just pass by neighbors in difficulty.” He also taught me, “Because you’ve lived diligently and done your best, you can enjoy happiness now. So find happiness in everyday life and be grateful.”
Indeed, my father lived with a heart of gratitude for each day passing safely, for good weather, and for every small part of daily life. Watching him like this, I too learned to view the world with a positive perspective. I strive to cherish small joys, never turn away from those in hardship, and live with an attitude of gratitude in all things. Ultimately, my father’s life and teachings became the foundation of my values and approach to life, forming the strong roots that shaped who I am today.

A Person Who Always Grows

I believe a person who always grows is someone who discovers their own shortcomings before anyone tells them to, and grows through the process of striving to fill those gaps. And such a person is someone who never stops, continuously pursuing self-improvement. I was able to observe such a person very closely—my father.
My father runs a small parts factory. Even when I was young, he made a living as a subcontractor, receiving blueprints from large corporations and manufacturing mechanical parts. However, as time passed, competing subcontractors rapidly increased, and an unjust situation began to unfold openly: without bribes or connections, securing orders became difficult. Faced with this reality, my father felt a sense of crisis, realizing that “it would be difficult to sustain the factory in the future if things continued this way.” He ultimately decided that he had to create products the factory could produce independently.
Lacking formal education, my father thought he needed to prepare before it was too late, around the time I entered elementary school. He earned his high school equivalency diploma through the GED exam. He then secured a production job at a large corporation. He worked at the company during the day and participated in running the factory at night and on weekends, steadily building his skills and experience. With the expertise he accumulated, he began drawing his own designs. He manufactured products he designed himself and now proudly runs the factory, holding multiple certifications and patents.
My mother always says I’ve been greatly influenced by my father. Indeed, once my father becomes engrossed in a task, his concentration is so intense that he remains completely oblivious to anything happening around him. I, too, have a tendency to become so absorbed in something that I wouldn’t notice even if a war broke out beside me. As a child, watching my father draw blueprints, I dreamed of building cars and my heart would race imagining myself constructing robots.
Now, building on the perseverance, focus, and passion for learning I inherited from my father, I am taking steps to become the best service engineer I can be. Someday, I too aspire to be like my father—someone who identifies their own shortcomings, fills those gaps, and continues to grow.