One's Skill Should Not Exceed One's Virtue
Martin Hyun
Berlin, Germany
English is not my first language or even my second, so I thought for weeks about how best to describe my brief but lasting experience with Dr. Hesung Chun Koh on my visit to the U.S. in 2007. I thought about all the fancy sentiments I could choose from the wealth of the English language. In the end, however, I thought it best to relate my experiences in a pure and simple way since Dr. Koh’s own mother taught her to value “virtue over skill.” I hope that my virtue may always exceed my skill.
I was introduced to East Rock Institute and Dr. Koh’s work through my dear friend Seung-hee, who came to Berlin from Los Angeles in 2006. She was representing East Rock Institute at a German Korean national conference where I was a participant. She talked so highly and continuously of Dr. Koh that I was eager to meet such a respected scholar and mother in person. Then, I got my chance the next year. At the invitation of ERI, I was able to attend the 2007 NamMae retreat, an annual gathering in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, of young professionals dedicated to authentic leadership. Dr. Koh also attended and presented a lecture during the weekend. It was truly an honor to spend those days with her, sharing meals and stories. Before returning to Berlin, I made a stop at the home of East Rock Institute in New Haven, Connecticut, which I know is a home
for all diaspora Koreans.
In the beginning, what most impressed me about Dr. Koh was that she had raised six children while working toward her doctorate. In fact, this continues to impress me. As a retired ice hockey player, I dream about having a full line-up of kids one day with my future wife. I thought that my future wife could serve as goalie. I am not sure if she would like the idea; this, however, is another topic. I do know that all of my children would have a deep sense of their cultural values, strengths and what they can bring to the world. In my encounters with Dr. Koh, I have learned these essential lessons that are crucial for the road and career path I have chosen for my life. I strive to be steady in whatever I do. Whatever I am and will become, I choose to be a human first. Nothing is more important than to remind myself in moments of despair or success, transcendence and strength, to value virtue over skill
and to remain humble.
For Dr. Koh’s 80th birthday, I wish her continued happiness and health so that she may serve as a guiding light for so many more young Koreans living in the diaspora worldwide. I am grateful for her inspiration and example. Happy birthday, Dr. Koh!
With my kindest regards from Berlin, Germany!
