Many Asian Americans and most first-generation immigrants have experienced it at least a couple of times. We, Asian Americans, still face discrimination and racism. However, there is something that has not changed. As a result, we have become an indispensable part of this country. It’s an American story – and it’s the story of so many of my fellow Asian Americans.įrom coast to coast, we have worked hard, served our communities, started businesses, and raised families here, often while struggling to learn a new culture and a new language. Years later, my big dream came true – teaching at MICA, where I’ve worked for the last 10 years. But I finished my degree at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) and received a Master of Fine Arts at American University. Thanks to my husband and daughters, I went back to school and studied with students who were the same age as my youngest daughter. When I told a hiring manager my Asian name, he said let's 'call you Fred'įinally, I decided to do something for myself. (Photo by Jason Redmond / AFP) (Photo by JASON REDMOND/AFP via Getty Images) JASON REDMOND/AFP/AFP via Getty Images Reports of attacks, primarily against Asian-American elders, have spiked in recent months - fuelled, activists believe, by talk of the "Chinese virus" by former president Donald Trump and others. He was an inspiration to me.Ī man holds a sign that reads "Racism is a Virus" during the "We Are Not Silent" rally against anti-Asian hate in response to recent anti-Asian crime in the Chinatown-International District of Seattle, Washington on March 13, 2021. After I married my husband, he encouraged me as well. Now follow your own passion and dream.” They told me that otherwise our American Dream was not complete. Once their dreams had come true, they said, “It’s your turn, mom. They were the reason I went through all the hard times, and ultimately were the ones who helped me push through. Once my two oldest daughters grew up, they helped me a lot and took part-time jobs. I did everything to provide a better life and education for my daughters. I missed everything familiar from my homeland.
Without letting my daughters know, I would dry my tears quietly, remembering my childhood. My life didn’t seem to be close to the American Dream. I couldn’t take any sick days because I worked every day to feed my daughters, send them to school, and pay the bills. Moreover, as a single mother with three daughters, I didn’t have time to do anything for myself. But the reality here was tough: I didn’t speak much English, and I was in a completely different world culturally. I walked 2 miles every day between home and school since there was no bus available.Īt 20, I already had a “hard working gene” by the time I arrived to the US. Leftover and broken eggs that couldn’t be sold from the farm were my snack. My family worked hard, and I was taught to be sober and diligent – to never get lazy.
I was born nine years after the Korean War broke out. During this year’s Taekwondo Day ceremony, Governor Hogan broke through eight boards -to signify his eight years in office-labeled ‘toxic politics.I grew up on a chicken farm in a small town in South Korea as the youngest of eight kids. The governor and First Lady were joined by President of Maryland State Taekwondo Association Senior Master Yong Seong Chang, representatives from the Children’s Cancer Foundation, and officials from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea.īeginning in 2016, Governor Hogan has annually declared April 5th as Taekwondo Day in Maryland, which coincides with Arbor Day in Korea, to represent the growing and thriving Korean American community in Maryland and to honor the enduring bond between Maryland and Korea. Good luck to all of today’s participants!”
“Here in Maryland, we are so proud of the special bond we have with Korea. “Taekwondo is an important part of Korea’s cultural legacy and its successes and popularity have spread across Maryland and all around the globe,” said Governor Hogan. The governor and the First Lady serve as the championship’s honorary co-chairs, and all proceeds from the event are donated to the Children’s Cancer Foundation. ANNAPOLIS, MD- Governor Larry Hogan and First Lady Yumi Hogan today attended the 4th annual Governor’s Cup Taekwondo Championship at the Han Pan Korean American Cultural Center in Harford County.
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