Hamburger Coke

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

Chapter 6 People 1 Have Met
Introduction
Kate Hanley / Janie Strauss / Mark Emery / Young Sil Lee And Hye Kyung Hahn / Dr. William Dunkum
Gerry Hyland And Earl Flanagan / Bill Gates / Eugene James Coleman / Noah Kim And Grandfather
Jay Pearson / George Towery

Postscript / Index

Ilryong Moon Ilryong Moon
skycastlemoon@gmail.com

PERSONAL
ㆍ Born in 1957 in Seoul, Korea.
ㆍ Immigrated to the U.S. in 1974.

EDUCATION
ㆍ T.C. Williams High School, Alexandria, Virginia, 1977.
ㆍ BA, Harvard University, 1981; JD, William and Mary Law School, 1984.
ㆍ Mandarin Training Center, National Taiwan Normal University, 1979-1980.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
ㆍ Member, Virginia, Maryland, and District of Columbia Bars.
PUBLIC & COMMUNITY SERVICE
ㆍ At-Large Member, Fairfax County School Board, Virginia (07/1995-12/1995 & 01/2004-12/2019); Chairman for 2006 and 2012-2014; Vice Chairman for 2005, 2011-2012 and 2018-2019.
ㆍ Braddock District Member, Fairfax County School Board (1996-1999).
ㆍ At-Large Commissioner, Fairfax County Planning Commission (01/2000-12/2003).
ㆍ Annandale Rotary Club (1998 to Present); Board of Directors, EduTutor of Virginia; Board of Directors, NAKS-Washington Association for Korean Schools (WAKS)
ㆍ Former Member on Board of Trustees, Montessori School of Northern Virginia (1994-1995); Board of Directors, American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras (2000-2010); Virginia Governor Kaine's Urban Policy Task Force (2007- 2009); Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, Fairfax County; Fairfax-Falls Church Regional Council, United Way; and, Virginia State Advisory Committee, U.S. Civil Rights Commission.

HONORS
ㆍ A Moran Medal, Order of Civil Merit, Korean Government, October 2020.