Queen Farewell Speech
There are sometimes moments in life that take you down an unexpected path but leave you with great friendships, mentors, and experiences. One year later, I’m closing the cover on an unforgettable journey of the personal transformation, an inspiring sisterhood, and global adventures that have defined my time as Miss Los Angeles Chinatown Queen 2018.
As a then incoming freshman college student, I was curious to develop a greater appreciation of my Chinese heritage in a city as ethnically diverse as Los Angeles. Only through participating in the Miss LA Chinatown fashion show and pageant did I realize my dream of becoming a cultural ambassador. But like any competition, it took diligence, willpower, and a little bit of blood, sweat, and tears to prove myself worthy to assume this historic title.
For me, Miss LA Chinatown was the amalgamation of the best of two divergent worlds. On the American side, she was a representation of overwhelming hope, a boldness to pursue the impossible dream, and a global citizen. From the Chinese side, she was a testament to the rich traditions and cultural norms of our ancestors, a devout community servant, and a symbol for the dedication, assiduousness, and personal resolve that defines many Asian people. In becoming Miss Los Angeles Chinatown, I sought to transform the sash and crown into a platform fostering Chinese-American cultural exchange, becoming a voice for those without one, and the spearhead of making a difference one person, one gathering, and one community at a time. This year long journey as a titleholder has affirmed my commitment to expand my current role in the future to become a Foreign Service Diplomat targeting greater Chinese-American relations.
But this journey of becoming my best self and exponential growth would not have been possible without the five amazing Miss Chinatown court members that I now call my sisters. After all, no Queen can be without her court. To my best friends, sisters, and fellow milk-tea connoisseurs: Joyce, Jaclyn, Jasmine, Anna, and Sally, thank you for making this year a remarkable time of jubilation and excitement. I’m filled with so much gratitude for having role models like them who possess not only stage-presence, charisma, and grace, but intelligence, compassion for others, and leadership. With them I feel as though we are not just pageant-scholarship winners, but empowered women who are changing the world. With them, I shared countless precious moments of waving to thousands during the Chinese New Year Golden Dragon Parade, playing with children adopted from China, setting off firecrackers and dancing with the Lion Dancers in front of Chinatown’s Thien Hau Temple, cheering on runners in the Firecracker Run, capturing Instagram-worthy pictures atop City Hall, eating more dim sum than we could have ever imagined in China, and serving the Los Angeles community.
Throughout my year, I overcame numerous trials including my transition to college, the unfamiliarity of a new city, and even the unfortunate event of my community and home burning down. Conquering these would not have been possible without the love and support of many individuals. They have welcomed me into a family as wide as the Asian-American community of Los Angeles. I am truly grateful for experiencing this idea of welcoming every individual into a community that resembles an expansive family that is characteristic of Chinese Culture.
To begin, thank you to the honorable Chairman of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Chester Chong for your unwavering dedication to making my year as Miss LA Chinatown so special. You have been instrumental in providing opportunities to meet and network with individuals in Los Angeles, all over China, and Hong Kong. Thank you for organizing a once-in-a-lifetime trip to China and treating us to the finest experiences in ZhongShan, ShenZhen, Shanghai, Suzhou, Huai’an, and Chengdu. I hope to one day serve my community with the same kindness and benevolence that you show every individual.
Tom Eng; never have I met an individual more selfless and thoughtful than you are. Thank you for always being there for me whether it was providing a car ride to appearances, ensuring that I had everything I needed, or sharing in our passion for photography. I am grateful for your kindness, in awe of your dedication to the Miss Chinatown court and alumni, and your tireless efforts to make our year as memorable as possible. I consider myself fortunate to have you has a mentor and friend.
To Scarlett Yen, Esther Ho, and Eileen Ho, Miss Margaret, and Miss Tina; thank you for equipping me with invaluable etiquette and verbal skills that I will undoubtedly carry with me throughout my life. I greatly admire your devotion to creating not only a captivating pageant production but also in designing an uplifting environment during each of our rehearsals. It’s through your generous contribution of time and effort that has led young women such as myself to have many personal and professional opportunities open to them.
Winston and Joanne Young; without your trust and faith, I would not have had this opportunity of a lifetime. Your magnanimous sponsorship of the Miss LA Chinatown business tour of China enriched my year with the cultural immersion I desired upon first entering this competition. I am so thankful to have been able to have travel companions and trip sponsors as thoughtful and adventurous as you both. I am forever grateful for your mentorship and inspiration.
To my Southern California family—Leonard and Marsha Young. No words can encompass the extent of my gratitude for the love and support you have shown me throughout this entire year. From the very first coffee meeting to our adventures all over Los Angeles and China, I could not have been more blessed than to have two people with heart of pure gold as my Miss LA Chinatown sponsors. But beyond funding this pageant dream, you have supported my endeavors in my academics, career, and personal ambitions. It is the compassion of individuals like yourselves that have made Los Angeles a city and family that I cherish and love.
Most importantly, Mom, Dad, and Richard, this journey would be incomplete without the love of my family who has been my greatest support team. Whether it was making the six-hour drive down to Southern California, taking care of me on the night of the pageant when I had food poisoning, or helping me design my qipao, I am so grateful for a family who has taught me to always have an open-mind and open-heart. I hope that I have grown into someone who has made you proud of.
To the Miss LA Chinatown Queen and Court 2019, I hope that your year is filled with as many precious moments as I have had with my Court this past year. Throughout your journey, you will have the privilege of befriending people will touch your heart and make you proud to serve this Asian community. Cherish every appearance as an opportunity to be a Chinese-American cultural ambassador and a spearhead for young women making a difference in the world. Embrace your responsibility; embrace our culture; and embrace this global community.
With love and gratitude,
Your 2018 Miss Los Angeles Chinatown Queen—Catherine Liang