When we go about the campus, we can see people who work at the school. There are people who calculate parking charges at the front and back gates, parking attendants, and security guards who are responsible for the security of the campus. However, while most students show little interest in them, some students greet them when they meet. The Pharos interviewed the security guards to listen to their stories.

How long have you been working here? Why did you come to Kyonggi University?

I have worked here for 5 to 6 years. Among our security guards, there are a variety of people. One has worked for 15 years and another has worked for only several months. We all came here because we didn’t have jobs after our mandatory retirement.

What is your main work?

We open the doors before students’ class time. After that, we close the doors to prevent strangers entering the buildings. Also, we help people who come the school for the first time. We provide information to foreigners, visitors, and freshmen. Our most important work is student safety and accident prevention, so we have to watch for strange people and keep them from entering. Sometimes homeless people come in, so we have to go on night patrols.

What is the good thing about working here?

Students greet us and say “Thank you,” so we are very proud of our work. Some students see me from far away and greet me. I feel very good when that happens. When I worked at the Student Building, the CCC club president liked me so much that he helped me very much. I’m very thankful for all that he did to help me. I thanked him very much. I think he has graduated from the school. In addition, I talk so much with students that I feel younger.

Is there anything that is hard to do?

Sometimes students treat me disrespectfully. When I went on a night patrol one time, a student was drunk on campus, so I asked him, “Why are you walking around campus?” However, he said “Use honorific language.” I talked to him very directly because it is dangerous to walk around at night, but he wouldn’t go home. That incident caused me a lot of trouble. Also, it is inconvenient that students tend not to flush the toilet. I think college students are intelligent people, but sometimes I think they are lacking in public morality. There are certain behaviors that they do at school that they wouldn't do at home. Actions such as sitting with their feet on a table, or throwing away cigarette butts beside a trash can even though a trash is next to them are two examples. Things like that make me feel unhappy.

Have you had any memorable events or episodes?

In a special episode, a student threw away a cigarette which was burning in a trash can, and the garbage in that trash can caught on fire. It was a dangerous case that could have become a serious incident.

Is there anything you wish someone had said to you at the beginning of this job or you want to say to other security guards at the school?

Yes: “Supervise the facilities with your original motivation so as to not cause damage to Kyonggi University. I’m glad I choose this path after compulsory retirement.”

Do you have anything to do with school or students?

I'm satisfied with all the welfare and welfare facilities of the guards. What I want the school to do is provide a lecture or training for Kyonggi University students about public morals and proper school behavior to enhance the status of Kyonggi University. Also, some student seem to think they can act disrespectfully to security workers. We’re mostly retired from companies, and we’ve come here to continue working. People who work in the school are mothers and fathers of someone, so please cooperate more with us.

As you read this interview, remember that the people who work in our school are the parents of someone. They are attentive to us and feel rewarded by our youthful greetings. Why don't you say hello to the people who work in the school and express your gratitude when you meet them?