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
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.