Tag: Di Tran

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Leadership Development Self-Improve

Mental Health: An Essential Component of Overall Well-being

Mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, yet it is often overlooked or stigmatized in our society. However, the importance of mental health is becoming increasingly recognized, with more attention being paid to the topic in recent years. In this article, we will explore the significance of mental health, citing the works of various authors to emphasize the relevance of this topic in today’s world.

Focus on your mental health

One of the most influential books on the subject of mental health is “An Unquiet Mind” by Kay Redfield Jamison. In her memoir, Jamison, a clinical psychologist and professor of psychiatry, shares her personal experience of living with bipolar disorder. She describes her struggles with mood swings, manic episodes, and suicidal thoughts, as well as the impact that her illness had on her relationships and career. Jamison’s book highlights the importance of early intervention and treatment for mental health issues, as well as the need for greater understanding and acceptance of people with mental illnesses.

Another significant work on mental health is “Lost Connections” by Johann Hari. In his book, Hari explores the root causes of depression and anxiety, arguing that these conditions are often a response to disconnection from meaningful relationships, work, and community. He emphasizes the need for social and environmental factors to be considered in the treatment of mental health issues, rather than relying solely on medication or therapy.

Meditation

A third important author in the field of mental health is Brené Brown, who has written extensively on the topics of vulnerability, shame, and resilience. In her book “The Gifts of Imperfection,” Brown encourages readers to embrace their imperfections and vulnerabilities, rather than trying to hide or mask them. She argues that self-acceptance and self-compassion are essential for mental health and well-being.

These authors and their works emphasize the importance of mental health in today’s world. Mental health issues affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, and can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. Moreover, mental health is closely linked to physical health, with the two often influencing each other. For example, chronic stress or anxiety can lead to physical health problems such as heart disease or digestive issues.

Be kind to others

In recent years, there has been a growing movement towards promoting mental health and well-being, with increased awareness and understanding of mental health issues, reducing the stigma associated with mental illness, and providing better access to mental health services and support. This movement has been driven in part by the work of authors and advocates who have brought attention to the importance of mental health.

Mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, and its significance is increasingly recognized in our society. The works of authors such as Kay Redfield Jamison, Johann Hari, and Brené Brown highlight the importance of early intervention, social and environmental factors, and self-acceptance in promoting mental health and well-being. As a society, we must continue to prioritize mental health and work towards reducing the stigma associated with mental illness, providing better access to treatment and support, and promoting greater understanding and compassion for those who are struggling with mental health issues.

In conclusion, the importance of mental health cannot be overstated, and the works of authors like Di Tran serve as a powerful reminder of this fact. Tran’s books, “Drop the ME and Focus on the OTHERS” and “Drop the FEAR and focus on the FAITH,” highlight the need for a shift in focus away from ourselves and towards others and faith.

By focusing on others and cultivating empathy and understanding, we can improve our mental health and well-being, as well as build stronger relationships with those around us. Moreover, by dropping our fears and focusing on faith, we can develop greater resilience and courage, and overcome the obstacles and challenges that we face in life.

Tran’s message aligns with the growing movement towards promoting mental health and well-being, with a greater understanding of the impact that mental health issues have on individuals and society as a whole. As a society, we must continue to prioritize mental health and work towards reducing the stigma associated with mental illness, providing better access to treatment and support, and promoting greater understanding and compassion for those who are struggling with mental health issues.

Incorporating the teachings from Di Tran’s books into our daily lives can help us focus on the bigger picture, and recognize the interconnectedness of ourselves with others and the world around us. By doing so, we can create a more positive and supportive environment that promotes mental health and well-being for all.

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Leadership Development Self-Improve

Di Tran’s Son, Jayden: The Meaning of Life Through Progress, Self-Improvement, and Adding Value

The question of the meaning of life has been debated for centuries by philosophers, theologians, and scientists alike. While there is no single answer that satisfies everyone, one perspective is that the purpose of life is to improve and progress, adding value to the world around us.

This perspective was recently brought to light by an eight-year-old boy named Jayden Tran, who asked his father, “Why do we do so much?” referring to the various activities he and his younger brothers are involved in after school. In response, Jayden’s father explained that life is about self-improvement and progress, and that the more we improve ourselves, the more we can contribute to the world.

This answer is particularly fitting for Jayden’s question, as it speaks to the importance of hard work, discipline, and personal growth. By engaging in various activities after school, Jayden and his brothers are not only learning new skills and developing their talents, but they are also expanding their perspectives and becoming more well-rounded individuals. This process of self-improvement not only benefits them individually, but also has the potential to positively impact those around them.

In addition to personal growth, this perspective on the meaning of life also emphasizes the importance of adding value to the world. By improving ourselves, we become better equipped to make meaningful contributions to our communities and society as a whole. This can be through our work, our relationships, or even through small acts of kindness and generosity.

Ultimately, the meaning of life is a personal and subjective question that each individual must answer for themselves. However, the perspective of self-improvement and adding value to the world is a powerful one that can inspire us to work hard and make a positive impact. As Jayden’s father wisely explained, “More value creation in self, more you can add.”

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Self-Improve

The Power of Avoiding Negativity: Di Tran’s Reflection on a Life Without Negative News, NO TV and Social Media

Viet Bao Louisville, KY
Viet Bao Louisville, KY

Di Tran’s reflection on avoiding all forms of negative news and media channels is truly inspiring. In a world where media bombardment is constant, and negativity sells, it takes courage and conviction to take control of what we allow into our minds. The benefits of this kind of discipline are immense, and Di Tran’s experience is a testament to that.

Benefit: saved time

One of the most significant benefits of avoiding negative news and media is the amount of time it saves. Time is a precious commodity, and we often do not realize how much we waste on mindless scrolling through social media or watching TV. By avoiding negative media, Di Tran has freed up countless hours that he can devote to self-improvement, reading, and spending quality time with his family.

Benefit: protection of the conscious mind

The second benefit of avoiding negativity is the protection of the conscious mind. Our minds are like sponges, and what we allow into them shapes our thoughts, beliefs, and ultimately our behavior. Negative media feeds our subconscious mind, which is the source of all our stress, anxiety, and depression. By avoiding negativity, Di Tran has cleansed his mind of toxic thoughts and replaced them with positive ones.

Benefit: more memory storage for positive experiences

The third benefit is the ability to reserve our brain’s memory storage for positive experiences. Our brains have limited storage, and every negative experience we allow in takes up valuable space that could be used for positive memories. By avoiding negativity, Di Tran has created more room for positivity, joy, and beauty in his life.

Benefit: find new focus in self-improvement

The fourth benefit is the ability to devote time to self-improvement and personal growth. With all the time he has saved, Di Tran has been able to read more books, attend self-improvement training, and meet people who share his positive mindset. He has also devoted time to serving his community and learning new skills in areas of his expertise.

Benefit: happier life

The fifth benefit is the ability to be happier with family. By avoiding negativity, Di Tran has created a more positive and happy environment for his family. He can spend quality time with them, free from the distractions of negative media.

Benefit: pursue new projects

The sixth benefit is the ability to pursue new projects and opportunities. By freeing up his time and mind from negativity, Di Tran has been able to pursue new projects that he never thought he could. He has also been able to focus more on his work and small business, leading to greater success and fulfillment.

Di Tran’s reflection on avoiding negativity is a lesson for us all. It takes courage and conviction to take control of what we allow into our minds, but the benefits are immense. By avoiding negative news and media, we can free up time, protect our minds, reserve our memory storage, devote time to self-improvement, be happier with our families, and pursue new projects and opportunities. As Di Tran puts it, “Positive thinking is fostered through positive information feed, positive affirmation, and positive environment surrounding, and resources. It is a constant effort daily with mediation and self-talk with self-God from within.”

Di Tran’s Audio book “Drop the ME and Focus on the OTHERS”
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Community

Di Tran’s Reflection on Resilience and Gratitude: A Family’s Experience during the Louisville Power Outage on February 27th, 2023

On February 27th, 2023, Louisville, Kentucky experienced strong winds gusting over 50 miles per hour that caused damage to trees and power lines, leading to power outages for over 7,000 households in the area. Di Tran and his family were among those affected, and they spent a night without electricity in their home.

Despite the hardship of the situation, Di Tran reflected on his gratitude for living in the United States, where he and his family could enjoy freedom and opportunity. He also remembered his past experiences in Vietnam, where he lived in a rural countryside without electricity, and taught his children to appreciate the simple things in life.

As the family sat in candlelight, they talked about their blessings and how they could help those less fortunate. The power outage brought them closer as a family and reminded them of the importance of resilience, gratitude, and community.

The following day, the power was restored, and life returned to normal. The experience left a lasting impression on Di Tran and his family, reminding them of the value of simple things and the power of human resilience in the face of adversity. The incident also highlighted the importance of preparedness for severe weather events and the need for community support during times of crisis.

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Leadership Development Self-Improve

Embracing Learning: Di Tran’s Journey to a Growth Mindset

Learning is an ongoing process that never stops. We are constantly seeking knowledge, and we do so in different ways. However, the importance of being receptive to learning cannot be overemphasized. It’s crucial to acknowledge that no one can be taught something they are not ready or willing to learn.

Di Tran, the author of “Drop the ME and Focus on the OTHERS” and soon-to-be-released “Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH,” knows this concept well. He was taught about the growth mindset, the importance of serving others, and thinking rich by his mother for years. However, it wasn’t until Di had read over 200 books on mindfulness that he fully understood and embraced these teachings. This serves as a powerful reminder that we must have a foundation and an open heart to be able to accept knowledge and apply it in our lives.

Di Tran’s story is one of perseverance and self-discovery. For 41 years, he searched for the key to unlock his potential and embrace a growth mindset. His mother’s teachings were valuable, but it took time for him to internalize them fully.

Di Tran’s journey of learning and growth is highlighted by his lunch with his family for the weekend. Di’s mother once again reminded him to focus on others, think rich, and live rich. However, for the first time, her words “rang the bell” with him. He realized that all the mindfulness books he had read emphasized the same ideas his mother had been teaching him for years. This realization gave him a newfound appreciation for his mother’s teachings and a deeper understanding of the power of mindfulness.

Di Tran’s story emphasizes the importance of being receptive to learning and having an open heart. We must set a solid foundation for ourselves before we can expect to learn effectively. This involves developing a positive mindset, being receptive to change, and having a growth-oriented attitude. We must take ownership of our learning journey and lay the groundwork for our personal and professional growth.

Di Tran’s story serves as an inspiration to all of us that with the right mindset and a willingness to learn, we can achieve great things and make a positive impact in the world. We must actively seek knowledge with an open heart and an eagerness to grow. Learning is a lifelong process, and it is never too late to start or too early to embrace the idea of learning actively.

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Leadership Development Self-Improve

Finding Happiness: The Foundation of Life is Purpose and Appreciation

The foundation of life can be summarized in two simple words: purpose and appreciation. Purpose in life is the driving force that keeps us motivated and focused, while appreciation of life allows us to enjoy the journey and find meaning in our experiences. When these two elements are combined, they form a powerful recipe for true happiness and joy in life.

Purpose in life can be different for each individual. It can be a career, a hobby, a personal goal, or even a simple act of kindness. Whatever the purpose may be, it is important to have a clear understanding of what it is and why it matters to you. When you have a purpose in life, you have a reason to wake up every day and work towards something that you find meaningful and fulfilling.

However, purpose alone is not enough to achieve true happiness and joy in life. Appreciation of life is equally important. This means taking the time to recognize and be grateful for the blessings in our lives, no matter how big or small they may be. It means finding joy in the present moment and cherishing the memories that we create along the way.

Here are five quotes and books that further illustrate the importance of purpose and appreciation in life:

  1. “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

This quote emphasizes the importance of having a purpose that goes beyond personal happiness. It encourages us to strive for something that will make a positive impact on the world around us.

  1. “The happiest people don’t have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything they have.” – Unknown

This quote highlights the importance of appreciation in finding happiness. It reminds us that true happiness comes from within, and that it is possible to find joy in even the most challenging circumstances.

  1. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl

This book is a powerful testament to the importance of purpose in life. It tells the story of the author’s experiences as a prisoner in a Nazi concentration camp, and how he was able to find meaning and purpose in the midst of unimaginable suffering.

  1. The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World by Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu
Happiness in the moment and now

This book offers insights and wisdom from two of the world’s most respected spiritual leaders. It emphasizes the importance of finding joy in the present moment and cultivating a sense of gratitude and appreciation for all that life has to offer.

  1. The Power of Purpose: Find Meaning, Live Longer, Better by Richard Leider

This book explores the connection between purpose and longevity, and how having a clear sense of purpose can lead to a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life. It offers practical strategies for discovering your own purpose and living a life of meaning and significance.

Purpose and appreciation are the foundation of a truly happy and fulfilling life. By identifying our purpose and cultivating a sense of appreciation for all that life has to offer, we can find joy and meaning in even the most challenging circumstances. With the help of these quotes and books, we can gain a deeper understanding of the importance of purpose and appreciation, and learn practical strategies for living a life that is both meaningful and fulfilling.

In conclusion, we have explored the importance of purpose and appreciation as the foundation of a fulfilling life. However, achieving this state of mind can be challenging, especially when we are plagued by negative thoughts and feelings. That is why I would like to encourage you to check out Di Tran’s books: “Drop the ME and Focus on the OTHERs” and “Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH”. These books offer practical strategies and insights for overcoming negative thoughts and focusing on what really matters in life – our relationships with others and our faith in ourselves and the world around us. By taking the time to read or listen to these books, you can gain valuable insights into how to live a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life. So, I invite you to take action today and invest in your personal growth by exploring these powerful resources.

Categories
Leadership Development Self-Improve Small Businesses Workforce Development

Empowering Young Leaders at JusticeFest: Reflections from Di Tran

Viet Bao - Di Tran CEO - JusticeFest Panelist
Viet Bao - Di Tran CEO - JusticeFest Panelist

JusticeFest is an annual event presented by Churchill Downs, Humana, and Park Community Credit Union that brings together Jefferson County students from grades 3-12 to pitch solutions to community-wide issues. This year, JusticeFest was produced as part of the Derby Equity and Community Initiative, with Kentucky Derby Festival, Churchill Downs, and Humana.

Style ‘N Go – Braiding for Student

Among the panelists at JusticeFest was Di Tran, the author of “Drop the ME and Focus on the OTHERS” and the soon-to-be-released book “Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH”. As a business owner and a leader in the community, Di Tran understands the importance of empowering young people to create positive change.

Di Tran shared his story and experiences as a business owner with the young leaders at JusticeFest. He is the owner of Louisville Beauty Academy, a beauty school that has graduated over 1000 students, and Louisville Institute of Technology, an IT apprenticeship program that prepares students for the workforce from day one.

NewComer Academy – JCPS Students

Di Tran was impressed by the creativity, intelligence, and passion of the young leaders at JusticeFest. He was honored to be a panelist and learn from them. In his upcoming book, “Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH,” Di Tran emphasizes the importance of having faith in oneself and in God. He believes that with faith, anything is possible, and one can overcome any obstacle. The young leaders showcased at JusticeFest embody this message, as they tackle community-wide issues with confidence and conviction.

JusticeFest is an event that provides opportunities for young people to showcase their talents and ideas. It allows them to learn from business and community leaders, mentors, advisers, teachers, and other professionals. Di Tran is grateful for events like JusticeFest that empower young people and inspire positive change in the community.

JusticeFest is an important event that showcases the creativity and passion of young leaders in the community. Di Tran’s participation in JusticeFest and his appreciation for the young leaders highlight the importance of empowering young people to create positive change in their communities.

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Leadership Development Self-Improve

Mom and I Walked to the Dumpster – A Pivotal Moment That Shaped Who I Am Today – Di Tran

Viet Bao Louisville - Di Tran - Drop the ME and Focus on the OTHERS - BOOK by Di Tran
Viet Bao Louisville - Di Tran - Drop the ME and Focus on the OTHERS - BOOK by Di Tran

SUMMARY

In this section of Chapter one of “Drop the ME and Focus on the OTHERS” by Di Tran, the author recounts a childhood experience that shaped his self-determination and will to protect his family. His mother insisted they retrieve a dirty mattress from a dumpster despite his initial hesitation. He learned the value of determination and the importance of family from his mother’s actions. Later, their good fortune continued when Catholic Charities offered to provide movers to help them transport any items they needed to their new location. The author reflects on the lessons he learned from his mother about the will of God and the importance of effort in achieving success.

Di Tran - Drop the ME and Focus on the OTHERS
Di Tran – Drop the ME and Focus on the OTHERS – BOOK

MOM AND I WALKED TO THE DUMPSTER – THE #1 REASON I AM WHO I AM TODAY

“Mom, it’s not like we never slept on a dirt floor before. We were dirt poor, and I used to sleep on the ground in our mud hut. How hard can it get? We can handle this and sleep on the floor without a mattress.” I tried to comfort Mom about not having a mattress for us to sleep on, but more importantly, I was trying to avoid the activity of digging through the dumpsters. I realize that poor was not the point, now that I reflect on and understand why I hesitated. I meant what I said about being poor, and it was truthful, and it would have been totally fine. However, I was uncomfortable digging through trash. As poor as we had been in the past, there was never a time that we dug through trash hunting for items. First, Vietnam was and still is a third-world country, and especially in a poor village like ours, there was no government agency that picked up trash, nor did the people pile their trash in one place. Second, poor people’s trash in Vietnam would never have generated anything worth taking. Third, the idea of digging through trash is the lowest of the low in our mindset, and it is hard to fathom. At the age of 12, I already knew how this would affect me in terms of my self-esteem and perceived status in life. There could have been nothing worse for me at that moment in time. This was the pivotal point that made me who I am today.

Firmly and carefully, Mom stated, “No, Son. At the least, my children will have what other children have, even if it is of the worst quality, “ in this case, a mattress. “I will not settle for less than this,” she responded to my hesitation. Today, as I write this book, I now have three children of my own, ages five, six, and seven. As a parent, I strongly feel what my mom meant at that moment. Her love for her children and family has always surpassed her fear of self-doubt, public criticism, and people’s thoughts of her. Most importantly, she was determined to make the best out of a bad situation, and she knew what that minimum was: a mattress.  That was her driving force, her only thought, and nothing could stop her from achieving that goal. I learned self-determination from Mom, and the level of this became explosive when her children’s interests were concerned in comparison to the norm. Not having a mattress was not an option, and so I tagged along with Mom to the dumpster.

Di Tran and His Mom – Dig the Dumpster for their first mattress in USA

The dumpster was a few blocks from our house, and Mom and I walked there in the cold weather; there was even light snow falling. We were both lightly dressed, wearing our tropical layered clothes, but we did not feel physical discomfort, only the mental heaviness of what we were about to do, dig in the dumpster. For the first time in my life, I felt like an adult man at this age of 12. I was on a mission with Mom, for something that we would hopefully only have to do only once in our lifetime. I felt a strong sense of determination that I inherited from her, and this made me happy. I also began to recognize at this exact moment who I must become, a man of the family with a strong level of determination and will to protect my family at all levels. There was no shame, no hardship, and no criticism that would interfere with the focus we had on our family, as Mom and I walked to the dumpster. “There it is, Son. Get in there and pull it out for me. I will pull it and you push from inside.” Mom directed me to the dumpster where the dirty mattress was. It was wet, heavy, dirty, and stained gray. It smelled of trash and urine. I no longer hesitated and put forth all my effort to get the mattress out from the dumpster and drag it to the temporary home, which we would soon have to exit and move into the Americana apartments. I accomplished something significant for myself, my mom and my family, and I felt quite satisfied. “We did it! Our family now has a mattress!” Mom exhaled with a smile, and seemingly lightened heart.

THE WILL OF GOD

Unexpectedly, our Vietnamese translator from Catholic Charities came over to the house where my mom and I stood after our accomplished mission. The translator looked at us and glanced at the dirty mattress and spoke, “Catholic Charities has decided that this temporary house that you are staying in now, will no longer be used for this purpose after your family leaves. Therefore, they will throw away everything in this house after you leave. You are free to take anything you need to the Americana Apartments.” “Anything and everything we can use?” Mom asked the translator. “Yes, but not only that. Catholic Charities will provide the movers with trucks to help you move them into your new location, since they would have to throw all these away anyway.” “Isn’t this the will of God, Son?” Mom asked me when retelling this story. “Son, remember God will never give you more than what you can handle.” She taught us about faith in God. “But also know that life is about giving all the effort you can by maximizing your brain and physical strength for good; then God will take on the rest.” I gain greater comprehension of Mom’s teachings as I grow and live through life’s challenges. I can only recognize God through doing, not sitting, praying, or waiting for things to happen. Only when I maximize my God-given capability, can I say: “God, now you do your magic based on what I did.” God never seems to never fail me and my family.

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Self-Improve

Di Tran’s 41st Birthday: Reflections on Life, Faith, and Sharing with Others

Di Tran - Turning 41st
Di Tran - Turning 41st

Di Tran’s 41st birthday marks a new chapter in his life, as he reflects on his past accomplishments and looks forward to new adventures. Having recently authored the book “Drop the ME and Focus on the OTHERs,” and soon releasing “Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH,” Di Tran has gained valuable insights and wisdom that he hopes to share with others.

While there are many cultural and societal beliefs surrounding age 40, Di Tran believes that it’s a time to focus on others and let go of self-centeredness. In “Drop the ME and Focus on the OTHERs,” he encourages readers to shift their perspective and consider the needs and well-being of those around them. This shift in focus can lead to greater empathy, stronger relationships, and a more fulfilling life.

Di Tran’s upcoming book, “Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH,” further explores the idea of letting go of self-doubt and trusting in a higher power. As he approaches his 41st year, Di Tran believes that it’s essential to have faith in oneself and in the universe, even in the face of uncertainty and challenges. This attitude can lead to greater resilience, a more positive outlook, and a deeper sense of purpose.

For Di Tran, turning 41 is not about being “over the hill” or experiencing a midlife crisis. Instead, it’s a time to celebrate all that he has accomplished and to look forward to new opportunities for growth and learning. He believes that everyone’s experience of turning 40 will be different, and he hopes that his books can offer guidance and inspiration to those who are seeking a new perspective on life.

In summary, Di Tran’s 41st birthday is a time of reflection and growth, as he shares his insights and experiences with others through his writing. By focusing on others and letting go of fear, he hopes to inspire others to live a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

Di Tran – Q/A for an Author’s books

When you first moved to the United States, what did the American Dream mean to you?

To me, it meant the freedom to express myself without fear of government suppression. It also meant the ability to share my knowledge and beliefs, as well as pursue economic opportunities. I was grateful for the fact that what I own belongs to me, and not to the government.

For how long have you been living in the USA?

28 years since 1995

What was the biggest challenge you faced when you first arrived in the USA?

The language barrier and the pressure of adjusting to all the new things.

What was your experience like when you first arrived?

Although we knew that the country would offer a better life, it wasn’t exactly as we had imagined in our dreams. Starting with only $400 in our pockets for a family of 5, and without being able to communicate in English with anyone, we were faced with a daunting challenge that was both worrying and challenging. Nonetheless, we remained optimistic and grateful for the opportunities that awaited us in this new country.

Can you describe your journey to the USA?

I came with my cousin who is mixed of an American military personnel. His son was coming home to the USA, and he kindly took us along since our family had helped raise him.

Have you achieved your American Dream?

Absolutely, every day since we first landed here. For example, we ate our first hotdog and burger, even if it was a new experience. We slept on our first mattress, even if it was dirty. We saw snow for the first time walking out of the airport and met people from many other nationalities in the first week. It felt like the whole world was in Louisville, KY, USA.

What challenges did you face to achieve your American Dream?

Although hard work is required everywhere, hard work in America is easier because we knew that good results would come. In Vietnam, effort given did not always lead to good results in a communist country. Therefore, hard work was not a challenge for us to achieve our American Dream.

How did you overcome the challenges you faced in pursuing your American Dream and what surprised you the most?

The key was to constantly learn and take action, always being in survival mode. We anticipated that everything would be new, so nothing was truly surprising, but of course, with every challenge and hard work, there were moments of failure. However, we learned to embrace those failures and use them as opportunities to grow and move forward in life.

What skills did you have to learn to achieve your American Dream?

Education was key to achieving our American Dream. We had to learn new skills and gain knowledge through both life education and formal education. Fortunately, we were able to take advantage of free secondary education and partially free post-secondary education (college) for low-income individuals.

What challenges did you face in becoming a professional in the USA?

Language was the biggest challenge for me, and my inherent shyness made it even more difficult.

How did you make professional connections in the USA?

I made a concerted effort to be out and about, and I worked hard to build credibility by serving others. By doing this, I was able to establish relationships and make connections with professionals.

What did you do to connect with the right professionals?

As I moved along, I learned to filter and identify the professionals who could best help me achieve my goals within the limited time I had available.

How did you achieve your American Dream?

I achieved my American Dream through hard work and continuous learning.

How did you become successful?

I became successful by never giving up on working hard and learning constantly. Making progress towards my goals gave me happiness.

In your opinion, what mindset is necessary for someone pursuing the American Dream to learn, survive, connect, grow and succeed in the USA?

The mindset of an American Dreamer is all about taking action. Instead of just thinking about things, you have to learn and apply what you learn.

What advice would you give to someone who is eager to move to the US to experience the American Dream?

I would advise them that the USA is a great country to live in, and it offers many opportunities for success. However, success comes from hard work, and if you’re not willing to put in the effort, then it doesn’t matter where you are in the world.

How would you describe the things in your life that you appreciate and feel thankful for?

To put it simply, I am grateful for life itself. The fact that I am alive is a blessing, and this holds true no matter where you are in the world. However, it is easier to appreciate this in America because basic needs such as food, education, and time are more readily available.

References to Di Tran’s Interview

Rotary Club of Louisville – Di Tran Presenter – The Debt to be Paid: Giving Back and Paying It Forward

I am supporting my good friend Selma Jacinto Dominigos with her current and future books

I am looking forward to Selma Jacinto Domingos’ second book.

Categories
Community Leadership Development Small Businesses Workforce Development

Di Tran’s Encounter with Dr. Price: A Message of Progress and Equity

Dr.Price and Di Tran
Dr.Price and Di Tran

On February 16th, 2023, Di Tran attended a weekly event hosted by the Rotary Club of Louisville where she had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Price. From the start of their conversation, Di Tran was struck by Dr. Price’s opening statement, “I pray that God talk through me, and to you today.” It was an indication of the deep connection that Dr. Price had to her faith and a sign of her sincerity in addressing the issues that affect the community.

Dr. Price introduced herself as a member of the Urban League, a non-profit organization that aims to promote economic empowerment and social justice for people of color. She described how she starts her staff meetings with a reflection on the past, present, and future of the Urban League. She spoke with conviction and confidence that the past is obsolete, the future is obsolete, and the current state of progress is where the focus should be. She emphasized that the community must work together to create a future where there is no need to talk about equity, especially for black and brown people.

Dr. Price’s message was about leaning into discomfort and feeling it for others. It was a call to action for people to step outside their comfort zones and confront the challenges facing the community. She stressed the importance of taking practical steps to address the issues that prevent people from realizing their full potential.

One practical example that Dr. Price shared was the accessibility of Kumon tutoring for underprivileged children. Di Tran was highly aligned with this idea, recognizing that education is one of the keys to breaking the cycle of poverty. Dr. Price’s emphasis on the importance of practical solutions and small steps resonated with Di Tran and many others in the room.

Dr. Price’s message was one of hope and progress. She talked about the future of the city being bright because of people like herself and Di Tran coming together to do small things that add up. It was a reminder that positive change is possible, and it starts with each individual making a difference in their own way. Di Tran left the event feeling inspired and encouraged to continue making a positive impact in the community.

In conclusion, Di Tran’s meeting with Dr. Price at the Rotary Club of Louisville’s weekly event was a reminder of the importance of focusing on others and having faith in the future. As Di Tran writes in his first book, “Drop the ME and Focus on the OTHERs,” the key to personal and professional growth is shifting our attention away from ourselves and towards those around us. Dr. Price’s emphasis on leaning into discomfort and feeling it for others, as well as her commitment to providing resources like Kumon tutoring for underprivileged children, are shining examples of this principle in action.

Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH by Di Tran

As Di Tran prepares to release his second book, “Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH,” we can look forward to further insights and inspiration on how to navigate the challenges of life and work with courage and conviction. With the guidance of leaders like Dr. Price and the example of Di Tran’s own journey, we can all strive to become better, more compassionate, and more effective in our personal and professional lives.