'You can be a doctor, a lawyer, or a failure...'

My dad once said…”You have 3 choices. You can either be a doctor, a lawyer, or…a failure.”

I didn’t like any of them. So I wrote in my own answer to that multiple choice question.

I spent 2 days struggling to write my acceptance speech for one of the biggest achievement awards of my life. But…just a couple minutes before I stepped on stage, I ripped it up. I decided to speak from the heart.

To be honored with the Digital Influencer Award in front of so many people I respect and admire – directors, actors, writers, authors, singers, and fellow creators I’ve watched for so many years – my body was shaking, my heart was racing, but my soul was flying.

Choosing to follow my passion was scary. I tried to ignore it, but as the days passed on, my heart became more hollow, more fragile, and more lost. I wanted badly to make my parents happy, but I didn’t know how it would be possible if I wanted to be fulfilled too. There were times I even thought of ending it all…

Eventually, my soul couldn’t take it anymore…so I took a risk…on myself, on my family, and on my future. I dropped out of Organic Chemistry, sabotaged my perfect Pre-Med record, and followed my heart to where I am today.

If you grew up Asian American, you’ve probably heard this story. Maybe you ARE this story. Perhaps you’re still trying to figure out YOUR story.

My parents gave me an extremely rough time growing up, but I owe it to them for igniting this INTENSE fire inside me. Their blockades taught me how to FIGHT HARD for what I wanted. We still have a lot to work through, but I love them so much for helping me become the woman I am today.

Thank you Kore Asian Media for this incredible honor and for bringing together so many inspiring people in our community for a moment to stop, dress up real fancy, and celebrate! Thank you to my fellow creators for your genuine friendship and enthusiastic support. And thank you to YOU GUYS, my POPsters – you are the reason why I’m living my actual dream. THANK YOU.

2018, what a year.

This is my vlog from Unforgettable Gala 2018! People featured in this video:

******

Cassey Ho is an award-winning fitness instructor, entrepreneur and online personality. As the creator behind Blogilates, the #1 female fitness channel on YouTube, she’s transformed millions of lives through helping them achieve their strength and weight-loss goals. She focuses on making fitness fun and the results are evident. Cassey's unique format, POP Pilates©, which launched as a workout video on YouTube in 2009, has become a live fitness class that can be taken at gyms all over the world with over 3,000 POP Pilates classes being taught monthly. Her authenticity continues to shine through, making her one of the most relatable fitness icons online and beyond. She's also the author of the best-selling book, Hot Body Year Round and is the designer of her own activewear line, POPFLEX.

With a wide range of free workout videos available, Cassey's channel focuses on ab exercises, butt & thigh exercises, arm exercises, pilates, cardio routines, fat burning workouts, high intensity interval training workouts (HIIT), stretching and flexibility routines and so much more!

***
DISCLAIMER:

Blogilates and oGorgeous Inc. strongly recommend that you consult with your physician before beginning any exercise program.

You should be in good physical condition and be able to participate in the exercise.

You should understand that when participating in any exercise or exercise program, there is the possibility of physical injury. If you engage in this exercise or exercise program, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself, and agree to release and discharge Blogilates and oGorgeous Inc. from any and all claims or causes of action, known or unknown, arising out of Blogilates' and oGorgeous Inc.'s negligence.

[thaolinh]

Thank you Casey, I knew I picked the right fitness channel among millions out there

[purplepandas]

omg I cried because us, Asian Americans are not represented a lot in many fields and career and it's hard for the young Asian Americans to find inspiration because of that issue. I am so happy to have found you because you literally inspire me

[justmonika]

That dress is amazing and your speech was great, Cassie!!

[karinamatos]

I was feeling like "That's my Cassey!" and like "I am SO proud of her" and like you rock that speech. It was charismatic, inspiring and beautiful! Congrats, Cassey. I am proud of you.

[wendynguyen]

"She can look like this and be Asian American too." My hero. And yes Cassey you nailed the speech. :)

[gomezsa]

Congrats Cassey. You are such an inspiration and deserve all the happiness. You created an amazing community who is supportive and we uplift each other

[angelmarie]

This is so inspiring. I need this in the morning. Thank you Cassey for being upbeat and inspirational to women everywhere. You deserve that award!

[TheLauren]

You look gorgeous in your gown! My parents are Jewish and yeah, same thing. I went to law school and my brother went to med school. I tell my teenager to do what makes her happy because life is too short to be miserable.

[resonation]

Girl, you crushed it! Public speaking can be super intimidating, so way to go on being loud, proud, and strong :) Congratulations!

[saskialane]

Oh my gosh! You deserve that award so much, Cassey. I am so happy that you got it! You are an inspiration to everyone and you looked beautiful in the gown!

[TheMagicCrafter]

Girl!!!! You did *GREAT!* I can't believe you just pulled that speech out of your heart at the last minute like that! Flawless ♥ Congratulations on winning the award. My mom and I watch you ALL OF THE TIME (and die with you) and are hoping to pull my little sister into your world soon as well. You are such an inspiration to us and have helped me personally through some very tough times.

You rock. Oh my word. You have grown so much over the years and it has been an amazing thing to see. Keep it up.
And as Marie Forleo says... "The world needs that special gift that *only* you have." Keep on spreading your magic!

We love you, Cassey!

XOXO~ Phantom

[emileeheffern]

I’ve been struggling so hard with myself, finding the inspiration to actually do what I want. When you said in your speech that you felt like you were dying inside and your creative spark was wanting to come out. That’s exactly how I feel I just have no idea how to actually get myself out there. You’re such an inspiration everyday. I love you.

[JenniferLangen]

thank you for promoting this dialogue!! i’m first gen and a recent college grad who REALLY needed to hear this as i’m figuring out what to do with my life.

[NapQueen]

Almost a decade, you have changed so many lives. Thank you.

[JessicaRyan]

She’s a great public speaker, I love her 💕

[XxXAnimeKissesXxX]

I'll be 20 this upcoming April and I'm terrified because I don't know what I want to be. You're such an inspiration and I hope one day I'll know what I want to be and live for myself and my dreams! Thank you so much, you look breathtaking in your golden dress!

[Fridasjoy]

Made me cry. I am so proud of you! Wish you all the luck of this world. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[melissaj]

You look so fabulous 😘 When you said the part about you dad telling you that you had three choices, the crowd response indicated that so many people there related! May your story inspire other kids of high-pressure parents to follow their passions. ❤️

[MayCR]

Cassey, the speech was amazing and genuine because it came from the bottom of your heart! i love the ballgown dress!!

[arlynjoyangels]

Just turned 21 today and this was the best thing to wake up to!! Soo refreshing and inspiring❤️Love you Cassey!!