Read the full transcript of Dr. Mike Hong’s speech below:
Thank you. Thank you very much, especially to be introduced by my favorite actor Cha In Pyo, and Alison Lee. I’ll tell you, how about that ‘Go Bruins’?
Well, thank you so much for coming. This is a tremendous honor. First, I want to congratulate fellow honorees in their success and achievements. I was once young and handsome like you guys. But time has caught up with me. As you see, I may be an old fart, but I am strong and kicking about. I would also like to thank James Ryu from Kore Asian Media and everyone who has supported me along the way. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my other half, my wife Lorrie. Lorrie, would you stand and take a bow? Thank you.
As the saying goes, behind every great man stands a great woman. Lorrie is exactly that, and I thank her for her support. People always ask me the same question: “Dr. Hong, what is the secret to your success?” The answer is really quite simple. Just do your best. Pay attention to the details. Strive for excellence in each and everything you do, no matter how small the task. Every time you succeed, you are representing the Asian American community. Do not dwell on negative thoughts. Your positive thoughts are self-fulfilling prophecies. Do not be afraid of your success.
Even in my darkest hours, when I doubted that Dura Coat could succeed, I drew on the support of my wife and forged ahead. You cannot do it all alone. When I was working as a houseboy in Beverly Hills, not too far from here, all those years ago, I didn’t have enough money to pay the tuition to graduate at UCLA.
Those days, for non-residents, tuition was $200. That’s not that much today, right? But an English professor gave me $200 without any strings attached. With their help, I was able to register and graduate. I was very touched. And I pledged to study hard, work hard and someday help other people as well.
I kept my word. I love my kids, but I think my fortune will do much more good for young people who need opportunities in order to empower them toward lifelong success. So I have chosen to invest in future generations, because that’s every generation’s responsibility.
It’s not just my American dream. It’s our American dream. I truly believe it is more a blessing to give rather than to receive. The recognition given to me tonight, with this great award, is not only humbling but a blessing indeed. Thank you very much.
