With your two hands, your active mind, and a will that never accepts the word “No,” it is inexcusable not to find a way to succeed. That success is not measured in terms of dollars or material goods, but in fulfillment of your own human potential and in helping others find their way. For not everyone receives the benefits of their attempts. They only need to be led.When I arrived from Hong Kong at a small Catholic girls’ school in Iowa in 1969, I felt the freedom to do what I wanted to do. I sent out hundreds of letters in search of my first summer job. One landed on the desk of Mr. Verb Konvisar, the then-head of Grossinger’s Dining Rooms. So, I traveled to New York and began as a chambermaid, then to bus girl and to head waitress, the first woman ever to have that position. Over my seven summers, I brought my sister and our six friends along on my journey, teaching them to hold the trays (I once had a record 27 plates, with metal covers) and to keep a record of every tip. Today, my sister runs the most recognized Chinese restaurant in Cleveland.
I had no credit, but I borrowed money to buy my first car. I went to law school in Buffalo because it was the only school to offer me a scholarship. After law school, I came to Cleveland as a general lawyer. Being Chinese American, I saw the need to help others who had come here, so I left the general practice to focus on immigration law – not a glamorous field, but one with the immense rewards of helping others. There is no substitute for that.
I don’t have any great philosopher to quote or any sweeping statements, just this: You are who you want to be. Don’t just dream, dare.
Margaret Wong is an immigration lawyer and recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. www.imwong.com
