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Today, August 9th, 2023, marks the inaugural day of the academic year for Jefferson County Public School (JCPS). As the dawn breaks and the school bells chime, hundreds of parents, children, teachers, and staff embark on yet another educational journey.

Among these early risers is Mr. Di Tran. With the sunrise barely piercing the horizon, Tran manages to drop off his two boys at school by 7 a.m. For many parents, the morning hustle can feel like a challenging maze—navigating different drop-off schedules, adjusting to new work timings, and managing their children’s myriad needs. Di Tran’s experience mirrors that of countless parents in the district. His morning, albeit hectic, offers a glimpse into the greater challenges that JCPS teachers and staff confront daily.

Imagine this: a teacher who, like Tran, is a parent. This educator not only has to orchestrate their own children’s morning routines but also has to reach school well before the students to prepare for the day. Their dedication isn’t just about imparting lessons but about ensuring that the learning environment is welcoming and conducive for each child. And all this often before they’ve had their first cup of coffee!

As parents, the instinct is often to focus on our immediate challenges. But taking a step back, we recognize that educators and school staff are balancing professional commitments with personal responsibilities, just as we are. It is crucial, now more than ever, to cultivate empathy, understanding, and patience. By doing so, we create a supportive community that thrives on mutual respect.

Teachers play a pivotal role in shaping our children’s futures. Their mornings, as chaotic as ours, are a testament to their commitment to our kids. It’s not just about arriving early; it’s about arriving with a mindset to inspire, guide, and nurture young minds.

As the new academic year unfolds, let’s remember that behind every lesson plan, school event, or classroom activity, there’s an army of dedicated staff making it all possible. It is the teachers who lay down the foundations, the administrative staff who ensure smooth operations, and the support staff who maintain a safe and clean environment. Each one deserves our gratitude.

Let’s start this school year with a renewed promise: to be more empathetic, patient, and appreciative of those who work tirelessly for our children’s futures. After all, as the saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.” In our case, the JCPS community is that village. Let’s make sure we support every member with love, empathy, and understanding.

Di Tran’s exploration of humility is not just a philosophical undertaking but a deeply personal journey that spans over three decades. His recently published book, “Drop the ME and focus on the OTHERS,” elucidates his insights and the profound understanding that life is multi-faceted and that each facet involves elements that are intricately connected to other people.

Early Influences

Di Tran’s mother’s words, “shut up and listen,” were more than just a stern command to a young child. They were an echo of wisdom that would take Di Tran more than 30 years to truly comprehend, internalize, and practice. These words encapsulate the idea that listening and understanding others’ perspectives is more valuable than one’s own voice.

Humility in Action

For Di Tran, the adage “actions speak louder than words” is more than a cliché; it’s a living philosophy. Through years of observing and acting, he recognized that deeds often have a more profound impact than mere words. People’s actions, including his own, showed him that meaningful change is often initiated and propagated through what we do rather than what we say.

In “Drop the ME and focus on the OTHERS,” Di Tran emphasizes that true humility is not just about self-reduction but focusing on others, understanding their needs, and acting accordingly. It’s a layer upon a layer, like a well-crafted cake, where each stratum adds depth and flavor to the entire understanding of life.

The Multi-Faceted Nature of Life

Di Tran’s writings reflect a realization that life is multi-faceted and that each facet involves other elements of life, more importantly, other people. This interconnectedness reveals that our individuality is not isolated but part of a more extensive network of relationships and interactions.

His belief that focusing on others rather than self is an essential aspect of humility, and his philosophy is rooted in recognizing the shared human experience. By concentrating on the “OTHERS,” Di Tran highlights how individuals can forge deeper connections, encourage empathy, and foster a community-driven approach to life.

Conclusion

Di Tran’s journey to understanding humility is a poignant reminder that personal growth and wisdom often come through listening, observing, and recognizing our connections to others. His book “Drop the ME and focus on the OTHERS” is a testament to his journey and a guide for those seeking to embrace a life where actions resonate, and empathy and community thrive.

His words and actions create a compelling narrative that encourages us to reflect on our own lives and how we may better connect with others. It’s an invitation to drop the self-centered view and embrace a philosophy that values the shared human experience, recognizing that in doing so, we enrich not just ourselves but the world around us.