Thank You For Being Such A Vital Part Of Our Team, Anh Tran! We Look Forward To Sharing More About You So Others Can Get To Know You Better!
Tell us a bit about your backstory and what lead you down your current life path.
I am an immigrant from Vietnam. I used to live in Hochiminh City, also known as Saigon, where the population is about 10 million. When I was fifteen years old, I left the country to study abroad as a foreign exchange student at St. Mary’s Springs High School in a little town called Fond du Lac, WI–the population is approximately 45,000 people. Throughout my academic, personal, and professional journey, I was blessed to meet many good people who support and guide me to be who I am today.
What or who inspired you to pursue your career?
I am teaching theology to high school students at Loyola Academy as of Fall 2023. As I am embarking on a new career path, I remember my mentors at the Institute of Pastoral Studies at Loyola University Chicago, Norbertine priests at St. Norbert Abbey, Tom Thibodeau at A Place of Grace, and my parents because of their inspirations to Love and service to others.
What is one thing you are proud of achieving in your life?
I completed my dual degree in Master of Divinity and MA in Pastoral Counseling at the Institute of Pastoral Studies at Loyola University Chicago in December 2022. After switching from business to ministry toward a whole-person integration, I am proud of achieving this milestone in my life!
What keeps you motivated? What maintains your passion for and commitment to the work you are doing?
Living life with grace and purpose keeps me motivated. In my work with young adults, I aspire to be the best version of myself and stay open to the process whether it is a developmental process or a breakthrough. In addition, collaboration with others in authenticity, connection, and generosity allow me to SLOW things down and keep life in perspective.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love playing tennis, going out to nature, or enjoying mini food adventures once in a while.
If you were granted three wishes, what would they be and why?
First, I wish to win a Powerball lottery because I want to feel what it is like to defy the negative trajectory and popular opinion that most lottery winners have a tough life afterward. Second, I wish that Aaron Rodgers would just retire from the Green Bay Packers. And lastly, I wish to stay healthy.
Share one professional development goal and one personal goal you have for the upcoming year.
This year, I plan to take the National Counselor Exam (NCE) in pursuit of Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential in Illinois
Please share your favorite Life Lesson quote. How is it relevant to your life?
“If you are going to do something, you have to do it for yourself, and that’s what I try to do. I try to be authentic and try to be original, so that’s what I try to be. A lot of people try to build big brands but have received bad advice, and they don’t try to be authentic and real with themselves.” Giannis Antetokounmpo, a Greek-Nigerian professional basketball player for Milwaukee Bucks. I think it is important that each of us live as our authentic selves so the world will be a better place.
Why did you choose to be a Committee Member of Educate. Radiate. Elevate.?
I choose to be a Fundraising Committee Member of E.R.E. because I believe in the mission and the amazing work that E.R.E. provides to underserved students with high-quality tutoring services and, more importantly, opportunities to thrive as healthy, competent individuals. As English is my non-native language, I’ve personally learned about the unique challenges and opportunities that without getting support from additional tutoring or outside the classroom, hadn’t I got to where I am today. Thus, I am grateful and value the mission of E.R.E.!
What about the Educate. Radiate. Elevate.’s Purpose, Mission, and Core Values speaks most to you and why?
I am impressed with E.R.E.’sProgram Results. It shows that from working with E.R.E. tutors, students have shown improvements of up to the equivalent of 3 years of schooling with just 4 months of our tutoring program. Moreover, seeing our students improve in their self-esteem, executive functioning, interpersonal relations, and leadership speaks most to why I choose to be a part of E.R.E.
