Last message_Spirit of the Game (first draft)

I hope you have had a good experience in this course. KIN 110, Ultimate, could be thought of as one of the required activity classes. And yes it is on the surface. But I have hoped that it has not just stayed and passed like that both you and me.

This semester was my first experience in America. In the middle of a whole different language and culture, this class was an enormous burden and pressure even considering my teaching experiences in Korea. At the end of this semester, I can tell that this course was a wonderful opportunity to understand and learn a lot. You always answered my greeting with a shining smile, participated actively in the activities I prepared, and stepped up to share your understanding when my explanation was confused or insufficient. I was a teacher for this sport but you were also a good teacher for all of us. I want to give my sincere gratitude for being my students, teachers, and friends.

I love this sport, Ultimate. This is not because it is easy to learn and play but because it clearly puts the Spirit of the Game forward. And that is the last one I want to emphasize in this course one more time. Your physical skills are important. Your rule comprehensiveness is also important. But it is not as much as sympathizing with the spirit.   

A truly unique and defining element of ultimate, Spirit of the Game places the responsibility of fair play solely on the athletes themselves by requiring each player to know the rules and make their own calls, without the help of a neutral official. These underlying principles reinforce mutual respect and trust between opponents; communication and conflict resolution skills; and self confidence – both on and off the field of play.
USA Ultimate _ Spirit of the Game

This world is always mean and nasty. All the media and professional sports are telling us that you have to win, otherwise, you will be just a loser. Yes, that is one big part of this society and we have to accept that to some extent. But, I believe this is not the rule we live by on an individual level. It will be great if you win a game and achieve something precious. It will be hurtful if you fail a test and lost important chances. You are likely to be tempted to break rules to win, blame other things such as your teammates, or pretend you didn't have much interest or it is not important that much. This Spirit of the Game, however, is enlightening that you are not such a person. It emphasizes that we can exercise our responsibility of fair play respecting and trusting each other, without the surveillance of official. By participating in games, we were able to have some chances to look back on our behaviors.

In my cultural background, humble and careful reflection is the core of making a person better. Self-PR is important but not more than humble and careful reflection because no one could be perfect. I sincerely believe that acceptance about who you were and strong volitation to become a better person are the keys we have to live by. I would like to reiterate this again.

Love yourself and Peace. See you on campus.

(It's a secret that it took more than two hours only to write this short letter)