Tales of Poverty and Public Service 

One immigrant’s journey through Long Hair,

Mushu Pork, Height, Soccer Coaching, Elections, 

and other important lessons along the way 

This is a lovely book. Ilryong has had a remarkable life, from his early years desperately poor in Korea to his teenage immigrant years learning American English and culture, through to his 20 years of invaluable service on the school board of one of the nation’s largest school divisions. His gift for storytelling enables him to share his experiences and reflections beautifully here. He writes with humility, humor, and a gentle appreciation of the good in others. A joy to read! 

Anne B. Holton, Professor and Former Interim President, George Mason University, and Former Virginia Secretary of Education

Of all the students I have had in my 45 years of teaching, none stands out more than Ilryong Moon. He asked for more vocabulary words than what I had been assigning the class and came up every day after school to have me read forty new words into his tape recorder. His story is the American story of hard work. His journey is an object lesson for all parents and students that grit, determination, and persistence in the face of challenges are the keys to success in school and beyond. 

Patrick Welsh, his essays on education and youth culture have appeared in the Washington Post, the New York Times and USA Today 

Immigrants to the United States often struggle with huge handicaps: a lack of English skills, an education deficit, and unfamiliarity with American customs and institutions. The determination to overcome those obstacles often puts them on a path to extraordinary achievements. Few immigrant stories illustrate that pattern as well as Ilryong Moon’s. ‘Hamburger Coke’ reminds us why our history as a land of immigrants helps explain American greatness. This is an inspiring tale. 

Tom Gjelten, Author, A Nation of Nations: A Great American Immigration Story 

In this modern-day Horatio Alger account that transcends global borders, Ilryong Moon presents captivating and amusing vignettes from his trailblazing life as an immigrant to the United States. Embarking on a unique trans-Pacific journey, Moon recounts how he overcame abject poverty in South Korea to attend Harvard University, become the first Korean-American elected to public office on the East Coast, and chair the school board of America’s 10th largest school system.

Ryan McElveen, Former Member At Large, Fairfax County School Board 

Congratulatory Letter_Bishop Young Jin Cho

Recommendation Letter_Karen K. Garza, PhD

Preface

Chapter 1 Immigrating To The U.S. And Studying 

Introduction

The Day Of Immigration

My Mother

Nurungji (Scorched Rice)

My Second Grade Teacher

Mr. Patrick Welsh And Learning English

Mr. Louis Kokonis

Long Hair

Self-Advocacy

A Guy Who Only Hung Around With American Friends

Part Time Job While In High School

Soccer

Admission To Harvard

Mushu Pork

Insecurity

Shyness

Career Path Decisions

Chapter 2 Raising Two Children 

Introduction

The Two Sons

Aggressive Parents

Palbulchul (A Fool)

Six Weeks

Dad, It’s O.K.!

Bulgogi Deopbap (Rice Bowl)

My Younger Son’s Fingers

Girlfriend

Singing The Star-Spangled Banner

Chapter 3 Serving As A School Board Member 

Introduction

Height

Cheek Kissing Practice

A Word Of Encouragement

Bob Frye, Former School Board Member

Attending Orientation For New Teachers

A Story From Visit To Korea With The Superintendent

Seating Etiquette

Football Awards Ceremony

A Proud Father

Lessons Learned From Election Losses

Chapter 4 American Education Stories 

Introduction 

Sky Castle 

Sex Education

Criteria For Good Schools

Special Education

Importance Of Words

Hiring Process For A New Superintendent

The Superintendent And The Wallet

All Night Graduation Party

Chapter 5 Stories Of American Society 

Introduction

Hamburger Coke

Los Angeles Riots—The Twenty-Fifth Anniversary

At The News Of Arrests Of Undocumented Immigrants

Two Proud Korean Police Officers

Washington House Story 

Role Of Korean Churches

A Cup Of Coffee On Credit

A Conversation With A Homeless Person

Birth Father And Stepfather

Buchangbusu (夫唱婦隨)

Enemy And Ally 

Political Disagreement And Human Relationship

Attorneys And Teachers

Racial Prejudice And Discrimination