ANNA M.
Describe someone in your life you have a particularly wonderful relationship with.
Yes, I have a special person in my life. It’s my son. We are very close because we went though many things together. I always try to support him and help him. We can talk about everything sometimes. I understand hi m better than other people. That’s why our relationship is very strong and important for me.
How would you feel if LUKE were your son?
I think that dropping out of medical school is a very hard decision. It is a good and stable career. But I think Luke did right because he followed his dreams. He became a successful. If Luke were my son, I would be worried. I would think about his future and money, but if I see that he really loves what he does, I would try to support him. I think parents want safety, but also happiness for their children.
Too many questions, not enough eating.
This reminds me of family. Sometimes parents say things like this. It sounds funny, but also caring. Parents always worry.
You never know where you’re going to end up. Only you know what you want.
I agree with this. Life is not predictable. Only you know what you really want. Other people can’t decide for you.
We gave up everything for you. We came here to give you an opportunity and you threw it all away. Do you want to ruin your life?
This is very emotional. Parents sacrifice a lot. I understand this because parents want a better life for children, but sometimes children choose a different way.
I promised myself my children would never go through what I went through.
This is about love. Parents don’t want their children to suffer. I understand this feeling. It is very real.
Maybe I just wanted to be you.
This is deep. Sometimes we want to be like people we love. They inspire us. I think it is normal. 
SERGEI K
A special relationship
I have a friend named Denis. We have known each other for 15 years. When we met, he often helped me in difficult situations. I really appreciate that.
When I arrived in New York, he explained to me how the subway works and how the city is organized. He showed me important places, landmarks. He also helped me with a new work.
Even now, he often helps me with different problems. He is such a wonderful friend – Denis.
How would you feel if LUKE were your son?
I can imagine that Luke left medical school. I think he made the right choice.
When you are young, it is hard to understand what you want to do in life. Sometimes you need to try different things. If I was his father, I would look at it calmly.
It is important to find what you really like. Then life will be easier and more interesting. ANA D.
A special relationship
In my life I have many more people as a guide than my parents. However, my big friend and guide is my brother, he is my mentor and my best friend, always I find in his warm words one way for different circumstances of my life.
How would you feel if LUKE were your son?
I think What happened with my life? I asking me why I’m not a true example for my son’s life.
Aretha’s performance at President Barack Obama’s inauguration
It is fantastic, I really like that performance because it was a Historical day. I think that Swarovski shines more than rhinestones; in her hat it was wonderful.
b) [Martha Jean] I talked about you because I like my hat. I couldn’t keep a good thing to myself!
I think it is a good reaction when you know something, because It is a great way to help people.
c) [professor in Medical school] You’ve got a real future in this. Sometimes I need someone to tell me about my mistakes.
d) [Martha Jean]You never know where you’re gonna end up. Only you know what you want.
I agree with her, because only I know my true and my dreams, inside me it is my support and inspiration.
e) [Luke’s dad] We gave up everything for you. We came here to give you an opportunity. And you throw it all away. Do you want to ruin your life? In my case, my dad never understands my life. He thinks that I should live with them, but I think now it is my opportunity to develop my own dreams.
g) [Luke’s mother] I promised myself my children would never go through what I went through. When I had my first daughter I told myself the same, but now I change my mind, because my children grew and They have freedom, they are learning through mistakes, it is their own lesson.
i) [Luke to his mother] Maybe I just wanted to be you. My son is my support and my true self. When He says, “Mamita” You are my role model, I feel that it is all I need in life. SIDI
How would you feel if LUKE were your son?
I think Luke Song made a mistake when he left medical school, especially because he was only one semester away from graduating. It was a risky decision because he gave up a stable future. He also made another mistake when he left art school because he did not really know what he wanted. He told his mother that maybe he wanted to be like her. In many cases, children try to be like their parents, not what their parents want them to be. If I were his parents, I would feel worried and disappointed, but I would still hope that he finds his own path and becomes successful.
A special relationship
I have a close friend with whom I share a special relationship. We understand each other very well and can talk about anything without judgment. We often discuss important topics and help each other make decisions. This strong understanding makes our relationship different from my other friendships. RUIPING
How would you feel if LUKE were your son? 
Actually, from my perspective, dropping out of Medical School is not a wise choice for Luke because he was in his last semester and his performance was good. If he had graduated from the Medical School, he would have had more choices for his career.
I think it’s really important for us to find our interest and what kind of person we would be.
However our minds are changing over time because of our experience. Maybe one day, he would find that being a doctor is a cool thing and helping people out from their health problems is meaningful. He would like to be a doctor again, but he lost this possibility when he decided to drop out, and at the same time he wasted 3.5 years and lots of money.
After that, Luke got to Art school very quickly and dropped out quickly. I feel like he lived a very adventurous life, and I feel happy for him this time, because he found another thing he didn’t like and quit school determinedly.
If Luke were my son, I would feel angry and worry about his future first, like many of the other parents. And then I would like to think how I can help Luke find his passion, doing the things he enjoys and become the person he wants to be. Even though he is not a doctor and not an artist, he is still my son.
Luke and his mom go to Martha Jean’s church and look around to see so many hats that he and his mother designed. How do you think he felt in this strange place?
I think he was proud of himself, his design is really popular and everyone liked it. Maybe, at that time, he thought he would be the best hat designer one day and made his design well-known around the US. He felt like doing the thing he loved and doing it well, giving him a deep fulfillment. NAN
A warm relationship in your life! 
I have a beautiful aunt who is almost 12 years younger than my mother.
When I was a child, my aunt always took me outside to play. We went to a skating rink and drank soda, that my mother would never allow me to do. I really hoped my aunt could come to my home very often and take me out for fun. My aunt was also a woman who was fond of dressing up and she has a lot of cosmetics and beautiful dresses. That made me very excited. I always used her cosmetics to scribble on my face and walked around the room in her high heels. She didn’t get angry at all. Instead, she would help me make up and braid my hair.
My aunt was just like my friend and we could talk about any topics. During my teenage years, I shared with her the story of the boy I liked, which I always was ashamed to discuss with my parents.
Even though my aunt is no longer young now, I still enjoy communicating with her. She always exudes a cheerful and relaxed demeanor.
Aretha Franklin’s music
This was my first time to listen to Aretha Franklin’s music. I almost listened to the whole 20 songs in the link. To be honest. I really like the style of the music. It makes me feel like I am sitting in a small old coffee shop and drinking a thick cup of coffee in the afternoon. The sun is warming me up gently on my body and time seems to slow down at that moment. VASILII
A special relationship
I have a very close and strong relationship with my mother. She has always given me the freedom to make my own choices and has supported my personal development.
At the same time, she always gives me good advice when I need it. She has always supported me during difficult moments in my life, and that is why our relationship is very special to me.
Dropping out of college
Yes, I can imagine dropping out because I had a similar experience. When I lived in Moscow, I dropped out of university where I was studying banking because I realized it was not the right path for me. Then I chose a different direction that I really liked — I studied to become a food technologist, similar to a chef.
After that, I changed my path several times while trying to understand myself and find the right profession. Now I feel that I have finally found myself, and I really enjoy working as a product designer.
I think Luke did the right thing because sometimes you need to take risks and follow your passion. LORENA
Dropping out of college
From a parents perspective it must be frustrating and I completely understand why. His parents invested so much time, effort and money into what they believed was the best future for him. However, when looking at the bigger picture and everything Luke has accomplished by pursuing his dream, he proved to his parents what he is truly capable of.
Luke and his mom visit the Black Church
Luke and his mom were amazed not only by how important a hat can make you feel, especially going to church, but also by how far they had come. They could not believe how many hats they had created, each with a unique design and the impact they had made on Martha’s Jean community!!
Inspirational quotes
c) [professor in Medical school] You’ve got a real future in this. This is a constant reminder to believe in myself, to recognize what I am capable of, and to keep working toward my dreams, especially when others see abilities in me that I don’t see in myself.
i) [Luke to his mother] Maybe I just wanted to be you. Sometimes the inspiration is right next to you and you just don’t see it.
d) [Martha Jean]You never know where you’re gonna end up. Only you know what you want. In life we don’t always know where we are going to end up, we only know what we want. There is something deep inside that keeps the fire burning and pushes us forward.
b) [Martha Jean] I talked about you because I like my hat. I couldn’t keep a good thing to myself! When your work, products, and creations don’t need words. When people naturally love them and talk about them, that’s the most powerful form of advertising.
h) [Luke to his father] I’m sorry you never got to do what you wanted in your life. Not all parents had the opportunity to follow their dreams. Instead, they worked hard to give that chance to future generations. We are fortunate to have that opportunity to choose our path and pursue what we truly love. BRUNO
Aretha Franklin’s music
Well, speaking for myself, watching Aretha Franklin’s performance at President Barack Obama’s inauguration evokes within me a profound sense of emotion and inspiration. This performance marks a milestone in Luke Song’s career, as the hat she wore – conceived, designed, and created by him – was featured on the foremost female figure in American popular music: Aretha Franklin. To observe that hat – and to reflect on the entire journey of that young boy who once helped his mother, leading up to this crowning moment where his effort, vision, and creativity reached the very pinnacle of success – is something that instills in me a deep sense of inspiration and motivation to pursue my own dreams as well.
Listening to Aretha Franklin’s music sparked my curiosity to learn more about this singer – even though her musical style was new to me, as I typically listen to a different genre. She was captivating due to her great sense of style; despite being a diva, Aretha Franklin was down-to-earth in real life, and I feel very fortunate to have learned more about her. CELI
Can you imagine dropping out of Medical School? Did Luke do the right thing?
It may sound difficult to leave a degree program, especially when it’s medicine (a very expensive and challenging field), but often, we must follow our hearts and do what is best for us. In my opinion, he was right, because he wouldn’t have been happy, nor would he have been working in a field he was passionate about. And there is nothing more wonderful than being able to work at what you love.
Luke and his mom go to Martha Jean’s church and look around to see so many hats that he and his mother designed. How do you think he felt in this strange place?
They felt very proud, especially considering they came from vastly different countries and cultures, that they were able to design those types of hats, and that everyone wore them simply because they liked them; that must have felt wonderful. ABDOU
A special relationship
Luke maintained an exceptional relationship with Martha-Jean “The Queen” Steinberg, a local radio personality. Here is why their bond was so strong: She was a trusted confidant: Often while growing up, we look for someone we can tell everything to, and sometimes we find that person outside our family circle. This is exactly what Luke found in Martha-Jean.
It was Martha-Jean who encouraged Luke to follow his creative path. When he had the epiphany to drop out of medical school for art school, she was the one he turned to for advice. She told him to “go for it,” giving him the blessing he needed to change his life. A Deep Human Connection: Martha-Jean was very close to Luke’s family. She came to the shop for lunch almost every day, swapping culinary specialties with Luke’s mother. She took a genuine interest in his life, his studies, and his family.
Reading Luke’s story allows me to draw a parallel with my own life. In my life, I have never had a more personal and private relationship with anyone than the one I had with my father. I used to confide in my father. Unfortunately, he passed away in August 2021, and it was the most painful loss I have ever experienced. Just as Martha-Jean was a pillar for Luke, my father was my closest confidant.
Dropping out of Medical School and the Parents’ Perspective
Luke’s Choice: Luke did indeed drop out of his “pre-med” (biochemistry) program to pursue Fine Arts at the Parsons School of Design. This choice seems to have been the right one for him, as he describes his career as a milliner not as a job, but as a “career filled with pleasure” that allows him to travel the world.
The Parents’ Perspective: Although the documents do not detail a direct confrontation, it is clear that the weight of parental expectations was immense. His father had himself sacrificed his dream of becoming an opera singer out of a sense of responsibility toward his family. His parents had immigrated from Seoul to the United States specifically to provide opportunities for success for their children. GIGI
A special relationship
I don’t tell my parents everything, but I always tell this friend I have something. We have known each other for a long time; we’re childhood friends. We went to the same school from third grade to high school, but we were in different classes. He tells me a lot of secrets.
Luke at the Black Church
I think Luke feels very proud to see so many people wearing hats designed by his family.
Aretha Franklin
I listened to the music sung by Aretha Franklin. I think her voice is very powerful. Her music is not completely new to me, because I have also heard her songs at Riverside and read some of her biography. I think she appealed to Luke is that her music is honest and powerful. It makes people feel strong emotions and connects with them personally. YEN TING
How would you feel if LUKE were your son?
If I were Luke’s parent, maybe I might be angry in my mind, but I would not tell him I’m angry with him, because I knew I need to stand on his side to think about his career and decision. In general parent thinking, they think their children need to stick to their plan until they succeed. If they don’t, they will worry about whether he will have success in anything.
If Luke were my son, I would believe in him and support him, even though he dropped out out two programs, but I can saw he actually doing well in these two programs (like he received scholarship to Parsons School), so I think he just continuing to explore his life. Everyone has their speed in their life; it is quick or slow. I don’t want my son’s career to be limited by society values, because everyone has their own speed. Just keeping trying (but you must be financially independent) and find what your passion is for you do in your whole life.
The newspaper article about Luke Song
When I read this article, I can saw Luke worked hard on his work, even though he faces stress from his work, but he never gave up and tried to do his best on designing a hat for a famous person. I think everything you learn in your life is meaningful. Luke learned from studying medicine and art; it looks not very useful on your job, but if you learned a lot, that will become part of nourishment in your life. One more thing I learned from Luke – he always prepared himself well, and just waited for the right opportunity to become successful. JOSÉ
A special relationship
Yes I had a similar relationship long time ago. My ex-boss in Ecuador took care of me all the time. We had long and deep conversations. She could count on me, and I could count on her.
How would you feel if LUKE were your son?
At first, I was disappointed, but then I could understand him. I was unhappy with my life in my country when I was studying accounting. So I can understand his feelings EVGENY
Being a drop out?
At one point, I dropped out of graduate school after my bachelor’s degree at the last moment, which I still regret to this day. That’s why I can’t support his decision to quit medical school and then art school.
Learning more about LUKE SONG. . .
I’ve read a newspaper article about Luke Song, the hat designer, who made the famous hat for Aretha Franklin at President Obama’s inauguration. While watching the episode “Mr. Song”, I had the impression that there was ONE strong female character who supported his business and later became the singer at inauguration. However, when I reread the story in the handouts, I realized that these were actually two different people.
– The first one was Martha Steinberg, a well-known radio host in Detroit, who helped promote his shop.
– The second one was Aretha Franklin, a famous singer who later became his client and wore his hat at the inauguration, which made him famous worldwide.
After the inauguration, the hat became part of history. It was later displayed at the Smithsonian Institution, while a copy of the hat is shown at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. There was also a fun detail: at Aretha Franklin’s next birthday party, a cake was made in the shape of this famous hat. After the inauguration, the demand for his hats increased dramatically, and at one point he was selling up to 50,000 hats a year.
Another interesting detail is his hats was especially popular during the Kentucky Derby, where wearing elegant and extravagant hats is a long tradition. This creates a connection between different stories in the series, because Kentucky also appears in another episode. The episode is about an immigrant woman who sold her homemade cookies. After she started selling them at the Kentucky Derby, her business grew rapidly. NAY YIN
A close relationship
I have the closest relationship with one of my aunts. She is the eldest sister of my mother. She lived in a different city but she always visited us. I remembered that I felt so happy when she came to our town. She is not only a good storyteller but also a good singer too. I asked her for different bedtime stories when I was young. I shared my little secrets with her and I felt like she understood me very well. Sadly she passed away five years ago and I still miss her so much.
If Luke were my son. . .
I would feel very proud of him because he finally found what he wanted to be.
Quotations from the film:
[Luke’s mother] Too many questions, not enough eating. That’s why you’re so small and skinny.
– As I am from an Asian family, I understand that most of the Asian parents don’t like their kids asking too many questions. They like watching their kids’ each and every behavior and nagging at them.
[professor in Medical school] You’ve got a real future in this.
– In my opinion, having a good grade doesn’t mean you have a real future.
[Luke’s dad] We gave up everything for you. We came here to give you an opportunity. And you throw it all away. Do you want to ruin your life?
– Luke’s dad should not say like this. Of course every parents want to give their child the best but who knows what is the best. Only Luke knows what he wants.
[Luke’s mother] Your father wanted to be an opera singer, but he gave up that silly dream. He knew his responsibility. He cared about his family. You know nothing about suffering!!
– First generation immigrants have to give up their dreams to survive in the US. They wish their child could understand what they had been going through.
[Luke’s mother] I promised myself my children would never go through what I went through.
– This shows the love of a mother towards her child.
MARIIA K.
A special relationship
Yes, I have person with whom I have wonderful relationship. I love my parents, but this person became like new member of my family. He is my spiritual father, a priest in a Russian Orthodox church in Moscow.
When I was 25, I moved alone from a small city in Siberia to Moscow, the capital of Russia, for work. It was very hard time for me. I worked a lot and lived alone, and I didn’t have anyone who can help me there.
One day I came to the church and spoke with him. He was very kind, warm and caring to me. In that moment I felt I could trust him and I wanted to come again and talk with him more.
Now already 13 years have passed. I still come to him every time when I am in Moscow. He always supports me, gives me advice, teaches me good things and charity. He really was like a second father for me, but in spiritual way. I always listen to his advice and now my husband also comes to him for advice, because he is very wise person.
He helped me a lot in my life and I am very grateful to him.
Aretha Franklin’s music
“Respect”, “I Say a Little Prayer”, “You Send Me” – I listened to this songs before in films. They are very popular, real hits! Some other songs were new for me, I listened to them for the first time.
Some songs are energetic (for example Don’t Play That Song), other songs are slow and calm (like Bridge Over Troubled Water, Day Dreaming). Many songs are new for me, but I like them.
Aretha has a very strong voice but also it can be soft and calm, little like jazz. I start to play her popular songs when we have dinner with my husband and it brings something new to our life. Our dinners became more romantic.
Thank you for these songs!
I think Luke liked this music because it was connected with Martha-Jean. Maybe he heard this songs before but with her it got new meaning. For him it was not only music but also feelings of care and support. It reminds him about her and gives him comfort like family. IRENE
A special relationship
I think that the best things in our life are our relationships outside the family. In the family you build relationships on the basis of family ties and often with responsibilities that you don’t choose. But the friendship between two people who build their relationships without any responsibilities, and it is their conscious choice.
I’m a lucky person who has one. She is my best friend, her name is Alyona. We built our friendship for around 13 years. We both treat our relationship with care.
What if Luke were your son and he dropped out of 2 degrees?
I think that if you choose that way, you should finish it!
OLEG