I met my fourth grade teacher in a skating rink for the first time. I went to a skating rink with my father during winter vacation after third grade. Then I met my third grade teacher and him. I didn't know he would be my fourth grade teacher. When I found out he would be my fourth grade teather I was very surprised and wondered if he remembered me. At that time, he was in his forties. He was not very tall or fat, but he had gotten a bit of a paunch. He smiled charitably like a grandfather. He enjoyed wearing simple formal suits.
　　　 When I was an elementary student, in my school students had to do some chores every day. I was in charge of cleaning the window on the door. Because the window was high and I was small, it was difficult for me to clean the top of the window, but I cleaned it every day. One day he praised me for cleaning the window every day. I was very happy. After that I tried to clean the window perfectly twice a day. In that way, he taught me to take pleasure in a job.
　　　 When my classmates and I studied in class, we often didn't sit with correct posture in our chairs. My teacher told us to sit correctly. According to his words, I tried to sit with correct posture in class. I could concentrate on my study better and study harder than before. He also told us to hide a yawn behind our hand, and he praised us when we did. For one year, because of his teachings, I came to have better habits, such as hiding a yawn behind my hand and correct posture. In other words, he taught me manners.
　　　 Also he often asked us to memorize the dates of national holidays and the 24 divisions of the year in the lunar calendar. If we didn't know the date, he taught us the date and explained why the day was important. I tried to answer his questions. I became concerned about those dates and looked for them on the calendar. One day he asked us if we knew when the shortest day of the year was. A few days before, I had found out when that day was. I raised my hand first and answered his question. So even now I can't forget the shortest day of the year. He taught me to know about our customs.
　　　 Although I had sung the first stanza of the national anthem, I didn't know all of that song well. He made us memorize it from the beginning to the end. It was difficult to remember it, but I was proud of knowing all of our national anthem. He taught me to know about my nation.
　　　 This special teacher's lessons became a guide post in my life. I tried to do as he said. Even now whenever I take any action or make a decision about something, I think back on his lessons. I think I was a lucky child, because I met him in my childhood. Though I don't have contact with him now, his lessons are in my heart. Someday I'd like to meet him. If I met him, I'd like to thank him for his special lessons and tell him that I remember them. The year when he taught me was like a golden time in my life.