2019 Queen Farewell Letter
A year has gone by all too quickly. I felt that it was just yesterday when I was on stage with my pageant sisters. Now, in a flash, I will soon be moving onto the next chapter of my life after my momentous reign as the 2019 Miss Los Angeles Queen and Miss Photogenic.
I dreamt of becoming a contestant for the Miss Los Angeles Chinatown for the 2019 year since I was 14. At the age of 18, I was finally able to experience the once-in-a- lifetime opportunity. Through the difficult walking, dancing, and speaking practices, I hold myself with much more confidence and courage than I did before. This competition made me realize the importance of empowering women in our society and understanding our history as Chinese Americans. To the girls who want to become an ambassador for the Chinese American community, this pageant will not only teach you proper etiquette and confidence, but it will also help you present the best of yourself to become a great role model.
The 2018-2019 year was undoubtedly a year of change and adventure. I was in my first year of college trying to understand the process of transferring to a university while venturing into the American community in Los Angeles. Being the youngest on the court, I have so much to learn about being a college student and a leader. To my wonderful court: Isabell, Sela, Ashely, and Barbara, thank you all so much for teaching me and giving me the support as my unforgettable friends and sisters. I am grateful for my four amazing role models that helped me throughout my year. Their intelligence, poise, and kind-heartedness make them powerful women who will be making a significant impact in our world.
Through my involvement in the community this year, I earned a different perception of our Chinese American community. Living in Monterey Park, I never thought of going to Chinatown to discover my Chinese American history. Each event I attended made me realize the importance of treasuring our culture and history. Remembering and teaching the new generation of Chinese Americans about our culture as Chinese and American will help bring our community closer and stronger. I encourage everyone to learn and participate in this community through experiences such as sightseeing in Chinatown and receiving a history lesson at the Chinese American Museum.
To Tom Eng; Thank you for your love and unwavering dedication to the Miss Los Angeles Chinatown court. You helped me realize the beauty and the rich history of Chinese Americans in Los Angeles. I will always cherish the little gifts that you made for our court. Thank you for being our chaperone, chauffeur, photographer, tour guide of Chinatown, and most of all, a good friend. Your selfless acts, kindness, and dedication to ensuring the court to have a memorable experience are much appreciated.
To Scarlett Yen, Esther Ho, Eileen Ho, Miss Margaret, and Miss Tina; Thank you for preparing me for the year-long reign and for my future endeavors. I will be taking the lessons you taught with me forever. You helped me accentuate my skills to become a more confident woman and making me feel empowered through speech, posture, and walking. Thank you for your patience and commitment to ensuring a great pageant production and bringing positive energy to our rehearsals.
To Larry and Christine Chen; Thank you for opening this door of opportunity for me as my sponsors for Miss LA Chinatown. I am so grateful that this pageant allowed me to meet such warm-hearted and welcoming individuals. I have always admired your positive, kind, and warm energy you both emit. Although you both provided generous financial support for the pageant, I am also thankful for your support in my journey for my academics, career, and personal goals. I will forever cherish our friendship and our time together.
To Winston and Joanne Young; Thank you for your generosity and support for allowing me and my court the opportunity to travel to China on the most spectacular trip I have ever taken in my life. This cultural exchange trip exceeded any expectations I had going back to China. Thank you for hosting our China trip meetings and compiling the pictures into a memorable video. Because of this trip, I was able to meet travel abroad with new and amazing people, including, Leonard and Marsha Young, Charlie Wong, and Sophia Thompson. I also learned so much about my history in China and the business meetings from this trip. Thanks to both of you, I came back to LA with a new perception of China and Chinese American culture.
To my Mom, Dad, Grandmother, Grandfather, and Karen; Thank you for your unconditional support and love you give me. You were the drive for my accomplishments thus far. Whether it was practicing Q&A questions on quizlet, taking me countless times to downtown LA to find the perfect dress, or making sure I was eating well, I am so grateful to have this excellent support system. ___
To the Miss Los Angeles Chinatown Queen and Court of 2020, enjoy your year to the fullest. Seize the opportunities that are in store for you while you are on the court. Meet and connect with the brilliant people behind notable accomplishments as Chinese Americans and your fellow community members. Take this opportunity as a learning experience for your future endeavors as it will help you gain lessons and experiences only on the court. From your 2019 Queen to the Queen and court of 2020, always smile and be happy.
With all best wishes and love,
Your 2019 Miss Los Angeles Chinatown Queen