Shin Hyung-jin Wears Graduation Cap in 9 years “This is the last day of my nine years of college education. I feel sad at the thought of having no more classes.” ‘Yonsei Hawking’ Shin Hyung-jin posted his feelings about graduating this February on his Twitter. In 2002, he entered the Computer Science department and took 2-3 courses every semester. He has finished the course requirements in nine years. Since seven months after birth, Shin Hyung-jin has had spinal muscular atrophy—a neuromuscular disease characterized by degeneration of motor neurons, resulting in progressive muscular atrophy and weakness. His disabilities did not stop him from pursuing his education. He attended classes in his wheelchair while he was paralyzed from neck down. Shin Hyung-jin was able to finish college with cordial support from his mother, the Yonsei University, and the most advanced eyeball-tracking electronic devices. The eyeball-tracking mouse and keyboard enabled Shin Hyung-jin to use the Internet and write papers for the classes. Despite his extraordinary passion for education, Shin confronted many hard times because of his illness. He attributes his strength to endure such painful times to his religious faith in God. His mother, Lee Won-ok expressed her thanks, saying “His strong faith in God helped him overcome his battle with the disease. There are so many people from Yonsei and church who have encouraged and supported Hyung-jin.” Hyong-jin hopes to become a software developer. He will soon decide whether to join an IT company or continue studies in graduate school.