Return of the Genius Photographer

“K-Kai, you say?”

“Isn’t he already recognized as a professional photographer? Why would he come to university…?”

A murmur spread among the professors.

The same thought Professor Ryan had when he first saw the application.

Why would a photographer like Kai, already established, want to attend university?

It seemed everyone was thinking the same thing.

“Well, I suppose we’ll have to ask him that ourselves.”

Professor Ryan looked unusually pleased, which surprised the other professors, given his typically reserved demeanor.

“In any case, it looks like we’ve found this year’s scholarship recipient.”

Admission was already a foregone conclusion.

Kai was a photographer who had competed with professionals and achieved outstanding results in the international competition.

Professor Ryan believed the school should treat him accordingly.

His level was simply incomparable to that of other applicants.

But.

“Will the scholarship foundation agree, though?”

One of the professors spoke up, his tone tinged with concern.

“He’s undoubtedly an exceptional photographer… but I’m not sure if he’ll make a good student.”

“I share that concern. It’s hard to believe someone who’s already achieved success would enroll just to learn.”

“He might just be looking to add another line to his resume.”

“And there’s no guarantee he’ll even stay in school.”

“Even if we do grant him the scholarship, I’m worried. There was that case where a student took the scholarship and then left…”

The professors’ concerns weren’t unfounded.

A few years ago, Lin Xiangtao, a highly talented Chinese student, came to Yale on a full scholarship, recognized by both the professors and the school.

Yale had high hopes for what Lin Xiangtao would achieve through the university.

But not long after, he suddenly dropped out and returned to China.

While the scholarship money was returned, it was still a baffling situation for Yale.

In the end, the scholarship meant to support a talented artist in need had gone to waste.

To make matters worse, China promoted Lin Xiangtao as a once-in-a-century genius that even Yale couldn’t contain.

From Yale’s perspective, it was as if they had been stripped of their name and reputation for nothing.

Since then, the scholarship foundation had prioritized the likelihood of a student graduating when awarding scholarships.

And that was exactly what the professors were most worried about.

But Professor Ryan was firm.

“That’s nonsense.”

His face had returned to its usual stoic expression.

“Scholarships should naturally go to the most outstanding applicants. If not Kai, then who else could possibly deserve it?”

“The foundation might reject it.”

The other professors looked uneasy.

With Professor Ryan, the most authoritative figure in the photography department, being so resolute, they were at a loss.

Whether he understood their concerns or not.

Professor Ryan added nonchalantly.

“If everyone’s so worried, I’ll meet with them and discuss it.”

“Who are you planning to meet…?”

“Both Kai and the foundation.”

With that, the conversation ended in an awkward silence.

***

Click—!

It was a leisurely time.

I spent my day casually, taking photos of children playing freely in Central Park with my Polaroid camera.

“Wow! This is so cool!”

“Mister, what kind of camera is this?”

The sight of an image slowly forming on the white film seemed utterly fascinating to the children.

Their eyes sparkled with curiosity as they looked at me, asking questions about the camera.

Their pure and adorable expressions made me smile without realizing it.

It was truly a happy thing when someone loved the photos I had taken.

I was enjoying this rare moment of relaxation and happiness when…

Ding—!

A notification chimed on my phone, signaling that I had received an email.

It was the news I had been waiting for.

― Congratulations on your admission to Yale University. ―

‘So today’s the day the results come out.’

Time had flown by without me noticing. Between photography commissions and taking some well-deserved rest, I had completely forgotten that today was the day the results were announced.

Thinking about it, it had already been two months since I submitted my application.

Given the timing, it wasn’t exactly sudden.

After checking the email, I closed the window with a calm feeling.

For most people, this would be a moment of joy and excitement.

But for me, it wasn’t all that surprising.

It felt more like the beginning of something.

After all, my goal wasn’t just admission—it was what came after.

From my perspective, getting accepted was a given.

But…

The acceptance email wasn’t the only thing I received.

‘What’s this?’

Another email from Yale University.

Curious, I opened it.

[ Dear Photographer Kai, we sincerely congratulate you on your admission to Yale University.

We would like to request an interview with you… ]

The email was requesting an interview at the university.

I tilted my head in confusion.

‘An interview request?’

Yale University doesn’t conduct interviews for admissions—it’s all based on academic records and portfolios.

Moreover, since I had already received the acceptance email, I couldn’t understand why they were asking for an interview.

It was puzzling, but…

‘Well, there’s no reason to refuse.’

I’d find out the reason for the interview when I met them anyway.

Without much thought, I sent a reply.

After coordinating with the university, we scheduled the meeting for two days later.

***

‘This must be it…’

The Yale University School of Art building.

This building, home to various art departments, stood out even within Yale’s campus.

The streets and squares nearby were filled with numerous art installations.

And the art gallery building was visible from a distance.

Even as a first-time visitor, the traces of vibrant artistic activity were unmistakable.

After wandering around for a bit, I soon found the building housing the photography department.

‘The professor’s office is Room 326, right…?’

The third-floor hallway, where the photography department professors’ offices were located.

As I walked down the corridor, the walls on either side were adorned with photographs, as if announcing that this was the photography department.

They were likely the works of alumni, I thought, as I made my way to the end of the hall.

Room 326.

Professor Ryan’s office.

‘I didn’t expect to meet him so soon.’

I straightened my clothes in front of Professor Ryan’s office.

Lion Gold.

Even in my past life, when I was active in the U.S., he was one of the most renowned educators and photographers in the industry.

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that he was one of the main reasons I wanted to attend Yale.

I had seen his photographs and read his books dozens of times, but this was the first time I would meet him face-to-face.

With a mix of anticipation and curiosity, I knocked on the door.

“This is photographer Kai. I’ve come as requested for the interview.”

“Come in.”

At the immediate response, I opened the door and stepped inside.

A middle-aged man came into view.

I knew he was in his 50s, but…

Whether it was his appearance or something else, he looked no older than his late 30s. At most, he might be pushing 40.

Professor Ryan looked remarkably young.

His pale skin, unreadable expression, and cold gaze.

He seemed indifferent to the world, yet there was an air of elegance and artistry about him.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Welcome. Please, have a seat.”

His tone was as dry as his expression.

His unreadable demeanor made it impossible to guess what he was about to say.

Naturally, the atmosphere in the office was tense.

“I’ve seen your portfolio. I didn’t expect you to apply to university…”

He leaned his elbows on the desk, interlocking his fingers as he looked at me.

“I was quite impressed by the photos you submitted for the Arles…”

“Thank you.”

It didn’t seem like he was about to deliver bad news.

Professor Ryan’s compliments felt genuine, even if his tone remained dry.

It didn’t come across as insincere.

Why had he called me here?

My curiosity growing, I cautiously asked the professor, who was studying me intently.

“May I ask why you wanted to meet with me?”

“Right… I’ll get straight to the point. Do you plan to graduate from this university?”

“Huh?”

Professor Ryan began to explain in a slow, serious tone.

“As you may know, Yale selects a promising student each year as the scholarship recipient and provides a full scholarship.”

Interesting. I had been so focused on my personal projects that I had completely forgotten about the scholarship program.

“We’re considering you for this year’s scholarship… but the foundation is concerned about your commitment to graduating.”

I nodded at his explanation.

“With a career like yours, you could leave the university at any time.”

Professor Ryan looked me in the eye as he spoke.

“That’s why I called you here—to hear your intentions directly.”

Then he added.

“To be honest, this could have been done over the phone… but I wanted to meet you in person. My apologies.”

“Not at all.”

After answering Professor Ryan, I paused to think.

A scholarship…

It was quite an enticing offer.

Yale’s tuition was $57,000.

Multiplying that by four years, it was no small sum.

If I could cover that with a scholarship, it would give me a lot more financial freedom.

The only condition was confirming my intention to graduate, so I doubted anyone would refuse…

But.

“I think it’s difficult for me to give you an answer right now.”

I politely declined.

It was definitely an attractive offer, but…

At this point, I had no idea what the value of my time would be a year from now.

Committing four full years to this place was a bigger risk for me than the scholarship itself.

And honestly, I wasn’t even sure if the kind of learning I wanted would take four years…

“So, you’re saying you’ll pass on the scholarship?”

“Yes. If I have to answer right now, that’s my decision.”

I spoke confidently to Professor Ryan.

“If you’d like, I can give you some time to think it over.”

“Professor. This isn’t a student speaking to a professor, but one artist to another.”

For me, it was a simple matter.

“I came to this university to learn and to take better photos than I do now.”

In other words, for me, learning was…

Preparation to challenge myself in more and better genres of photography, something I had to give up in my past life due to practical limitations.

“If the university can continue to provide high-quality learning, I’ll consider staying.”

Once I had absorbed all the knowledge I wanted.

My purpose here would be fulfilled.

And then I would need to go out into the world, gain more experience, and fully internalize what I had learned.

When that time came, I would be ready to leave this place.

“But if you were in my position, Professor, do you think there’s a reason to stay at the university if you feel there’s nothing left to learn?”

At that, Professor Ryan chuckled and said.

“No, there wouldn’t be.”

“I feel the same way.”

For the first time, a smile appeared on his previously expressionless face.

I had just declined his offer, so why did he seem pleased?

I couldn’t figure him out.

“I understand. I’ll respect your decision.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re free to go now. I have other matters to attend to. It was a truly enjoyable conversation.”

The corners of his mouth had already turned downward.

Professor Ryan’s face returned to its usual stoic expression, but…

His words about enjoying the conversation seemed genuine.

“Then, I’ll take my leave.”

“Let’s meet again.”

*

As Woojin left, the office fell into silence.

Professor Ryan stared at the door Woojin had just walked through, lost in thought.

‘It’s been a while since I met a photographer I truly liked.’

At first, it had been mere curiosity—

A young prodigy who made a name for himself early, winning the grand prize at Arles.

As if to flaunt his talent, he had built a portfolio that rivaled those of seasoned professionals.

Yet, instead of continuing his career, he had chosen to apply to university, defying all expectations.

He was someone you couldn’t help but be intrigued by.

But after meeting him in person, he had far exceeded Professor Ryan’s expectations.

His depth seemed unfathomable.

Unlike most young students, who often struggled to define their academic goals, Woojin had a clear purpose for attending university.

His ambition for both learning and photography.

His unwavering confidence in his own future.

It was far beyond what someone his age should be capable of.

‘What kind of life has he lived to be this mature?’

Professor Ryan thought back to the many students who had sought his guidance over the years.

Talented individuals.

Outstanding graduates who later gained fame.

He tried to recall a student similar to Woojin, but…

No matter how hard he searched his memory, there was no one quite like him.

At most, a student under twenty might show some degree of immaturity.

But Woojin—

He was composed. Calculated. Almost unreadable.

To a man who believed that depth of character was shaped by life experience, Woojin was an enigma.

And yet, instead of feeling frustrated, Professor Ryan felt something else entirely.

A sense of joy.

A satisfied smile crept onto his lips—

A rare sight that would have shocked anyone who knew him.

“Professor, it’s time to go.”

A voice called from outside. His assistant.

“Ah, right. I still have that to deal with.”

The scholarship foundation.

Today was the deadline to select a recipient.

Professor Ryan rose from his chair.

Woojin had declined the scholarship, but…

Unlike him, Professor Ryan had no intention of letting it go.

The scholarship belonged to the most talented student.

And as an educator, it was his duty to make sure of that.

“Well… I suppose it’s time to have a little showdown with the old pigs at the foundation.”

With that, he headed out the door.