Happy New Year. In the new year, people make new resolutions and have new wishes. For these, some people visit religious institutions, while others take the trouble to visit sunrise spots. As POSTECH dorm director, I would like to express the following wishes for our students living in the dormitory.
Keep healthy. It is a cliche but if you are not healthy, nothing will be achieved. Without health, you are unlikely to feel happy. In order to maintain health, abstinence and regular exercise are essential. Though situations have improved much better compared to the past, there are still some students who suffer from health problems due to excessive drinking and excessive games these days. Abstinence is not only a way to maintain health, but also a good defense mechanism that can be used to dispel various temptations. Nobody denies that exercise is essential to keep you healthy. As many studies have shown, exercise benefits physical health, as well as mental health. It is widely known that exercise is a powerful treatment for depression. In terms of mental health, doing exercises outdoors in nature has proven to be more effective than indoor activities. Experience the therapeutic effect of nature while exercising.
Look around. There are neighbors in difficult situations next to you. They may be your friends, or they may be secondary school students who are excluded from socio-economic benefits. In underdeveloped countries, many young children cannot eat regular meals, suffering from malnutrition. Listen to your friends' troubles and be with them. Become a mentor for high school students in a tough environment. Donate a portion of your allowance for those who do not have enough food to eat. Serving and donating money for those in harsh environments can be very rewarding.
Have a variety of experiences. College days are the most relaxing time in life and also the time to explore various possibilities for your future. Internship experience, laboratory experience, or tutoring experience related to your major fields will be helpful for your future research and work. Experiences related to your own hobbies and  religion will enrich your life. Students interested in hip-hop should deliberately take the time to visit the South Bronx, New York, USA, home of hip-hop culture. Find a place where you can practice the love of Jesus. You may go to a serene temple in a mountain area and practice Zen meditation. These experiences will contribute to establishing your self-esteem and a sense of dignity, which in turn help overcome difficult situations in your future.
Finally, I would like to mention the following wish. Whatever you do and wherever you are, please keep the following passage in mind: Carpe Diem, Memento Mori. Carpe Diem means to seize the day and enjoy the present, not worrying about the future that has not come yet. Memento Mori means to remember death. Living in the present and pondering over the meaning of death will serve as a worthy guide of your life.
I sincerely hope all of you will be at peace all year long.