The Things We See with Our Eyes Closed

We often think that we see the world through our eyes, but sometimes our eyes can actually be what keeps us furthest from the truth. We can see the faces of our family, friends, and neighbors, but we cannot truly see what is hidden in their hearts, their worries, love, hopes, and other things that matter most.

Soon-kyu Shin lost his sight at the age of nine. Instead of seeing the world with his eyes, he learned to experience it through listening, feeling, and deep reflection. Looking back on all the love and help he has received throughout his life, he says he chooses to live with gratitude. His journey took him through Harvard, Princeton, MIT, and the University of Pennsylvania, eventually making him the first visually impaired financial analyst. In some ways, he may actually see much more of the world than we do.

When I was in fifth grade, I decided to study in the United States after simply saying, “I want to go to America too!” Leaving my family behind and going alone was both exciting and frightening. Would I really learn and experience more? Would I make friends? Would I end up alone? I kept asking myself the same questions.

My mother wanted me to go to America so I could experience more of the world, and I also wanted to improve my English. So, I made the decision to go. Since I went without my parents, the beginning was difficult. Everything was unfamiliar, and there were days when I would hide under my blanket and cry because of the strange environment and language. I tried to believe that everything would eventually be okay, but reality was not always easy.

I often had to start my mornings on an empty stomach. My guardian’s oldest son said that our school schedules overlapped and asked our Spanish neighbor to take me to school instead. Thankfully, she was incredibly kind and took good care of me—in exchange for helping her son George with his homework. Although the school was not very far away, I was upset that I could not simply be driven there like some of my classmates. I worried that they might see me as the poor kid who had to ride with someone else to school. That was when I began to realize how much love and care I had always received from my parents. I thought I already understood their love, but perhaps I had never truly been able to see all of it.

As time passed, school became more enjoyable. I made many wonderful friends, George, Samantha, Abby, Alyssa, Monse, Lyndon, Kate, Evan, Wilson, and many others. They no longer saw me simply as an Asian student from another country. They treated me with genuine friendship. I am also grateful to my kind homeroom teacher, Mr. Glaser. These people became an important part of my life and gave me the confidence to step into a wider world. I think of them as my “other family.”

In February 2019, I eventually returned to Korea before completing ten months in America. Although my time there was short, it became an important foundation for my growth. Soon after I returned, COVID-19 began, so my decision to come home turned out to be fortunate. Still, I sometimes regret not being able to finish my life in America.

Shin Soon-kyu says there are three things we need to understand about another person: first, the reality they live in; second, the thoughts and work they hold onto; and third, the love that changes their life. He says we need an “X-ray vision” that allows us to see beyond the surface. In other words, sometimes we can come closer to the truth when we close our eyes.

He also says that there are times in life when we have to turn around or change direction, but we should never lose sight of our dreams. What matters is continuing to move forward. Life is full of unexpected changes, so we need confidence, hope, and a positive attitude. Above all, we should never forget the importance of family. The people who support us during our hardest moments are often the ones who show us what true love means.

Today, we are so used to smartphones and social media that meaningful conversations and time spent together can easily be overlooked. When Shin Soon-kyu said that if he could see the world for just one day, he would want to see his son’s face, I suddenly felt tears in my eyes. It made me realize that I had also taken my family for granted.

He says that finding meaningful work is an important part of living a good life. Work is not simply a way to earn a living, but also a way to practice love. I still do not have a clear idea of what I want to do in the future, but I hope to work with people who welcome and care for me, while also earning enough to live comfortably.

Shin Soon-kyu also reminds us not to reject people who are different from us, but to understand and embrace them. Beyond differences in politics, religion, and culture, we should sincerely look at one another and help each other. When we share the love we have received with others, we can experience true happiness.

I feel the same way. I am grateful for the love I received during my short time studying abroad—love that I could not have fully seen with my eyes.

From now on, I want to live my life by seeing and feeling with my heart. I want to develop my own “X-ray vision” and show genuine love to the people who love me