Shin Seung-jun is a young man who is at the forefront of advocating for elder welfare in Gwangju, Jeollanam-do. Shin is one of three Gwangju youths awarded the “2023 Talent Award of Korea”. As the Secretary General of Sarang Daycare Center, he dedicates himself to enhancing the well-being of the elderly.
- Leading to Enhance Elder Welfare
Shin has worked in the senior care industry for about 7 to 8 years, starting from his late 20s to his mid-30s. Despite the crucial role and necessity of the elder care sector in society, he expressed concern about the reluctance of young people to join due to poor working conditions. With a heartfelt dedication to the elderly, he studied diverse theories in social welfare and elderly care at JBNU's Specialized Graduate School of Public Administration. He gained practical skills working at the forefront of the senior care industry. Recognized for his outstanding abilities and contributions to society, he was awarded the “2023 Talent Award of Korea”. This award is a project to discover and support talent hosted by the Ministry of Education and the Korea Student Aid Foundation. Shin continues to lead the way in enhancing elder welfare, particularly for those facing physical challenges or dementia.
- Sarang Daycare Center: Space of Passion and Fulfillment
Shin faced poverty in his early years. However, he grew into a healthy and upright young man with support from various corners of society. Reflecting on his background, he said, “Since my teenage years, I have consistently sought joy and fulfillment in helping others.” After becoming a social worker and experiencing various care services, he discovered many shortcomings of senior care services. Motivated to address these deficiencies, Shin founded Sarang Daycare Center. It is a senior care center that provides support and rehabilitation for seniors with disabilities or dementia, helping them regain lost physical and cognitive functions through various programs.
Initially, Shin admitted to lacking passion for his job at Sarang Daycare Center. However, a transformative incident occurred when a grandmother with Parkinson's disease* accidentally had a bowel movement in his car while in transit. He comforted the embarrassed grandmother and helped her wash up. He mentioned, "When I was cleaning the seat in the car, I didn’t think it was dirty at all. I just felt so sorry for her. In that moment, I discovered a profound connection with the elderly, realizing that I could excel in this work." From that point forward, Shin realized that his job is essential in society. He also felt proud of being a necessary presence in society and pledged to do his best.
*Parkinson's disease: a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and the parts of the body controlled by the nerves.
- Joyfulness through Constant Challenges
The first thing Shin Seung-jun does when he wakes up every day is to write down the values he considers important in his notebook. He has been writing down these things in his notebook for the past two to three years. Shin writes in his notebook that he is the proud son of his deceased parents and a lucky person, so he should do his best every day, live life without regrets, and always live with a grateful heart. “I witness death more often than others, so I think I should always feel grateful for being alive and should always do my best to avoid having regrets later,” Shin said.
Shin is scheduled to graduate with a master's degree from JBNU's Specialized Graduate School of Public Administration in February 2024. After graduation, he plans to begin a doctoral program at the Graduate School of Social Welfare at Gwangju University, in March. As for his future, Shin said he is preparing to open another adult day care center in Gwangju this year. Shin added, “My goal this year is to do my best and perform well in the tasks given to me this year. I hope that I will challenge myself to try new things this year and live a life that gradually grows as I do now.” He expressed his dream of building the best silver town in ten years, in Gwangju, Jeollanam-do, and Jeollabuk-do and establishing a scholarship foundation to carry out various projects for teenagers and young people.
When Shin was young, he did not study well while attending a vocational high school in Gwangju and he lived in poverty. However, after being discharged from the military, he worked hard with a single-minded attitude to change his life. Through his efforts, he has graduated with a master's degree from JBNU's Specialized Graduate School of Public Administration and has achieved the feat of being awarded the “2023 Talent Award of Korea”. He is also currently working on a social welfare project that generates more than thirty million won in revenue per month. Shin said, “Don’t be disappointed with how you seem now. I believe that anyone can live the way they want to live if they think about the kind of future they want and quickly put their thoughts into action.” Wishing JBNU students success in their endeavors, Shin pledged to continue contributing to JBNU's reputation through his ongoing efforts.
Shin Seung-jun refuses to settle for the status quo and persistently pursues his goals. His challenges are still ongoing. Yet, Shin’s story proves that it is very important how we use the time that is given to us. If you have a goal to accomplish, get to it and live each day without regrets!
ㅣ Kim Young-eun, Park Mi-so Reporters