Do You Still Believe in the American Dream?

Julie Bos of the Toastmasters International magazine Toastmaster interviewed Jimmy Thai, DTM in the July 2014 issue.  After three decades of struggling to learn a new language, to adapt a new culture, and to start a new life, Jimmy candidly shared his stories and passion for helping others with Julie and 300,000 members around the world...

URL to "From Nightmare to American Dream" (click here for a full article)

“I used to live with the guilt of a survivor, and nothing I accomplished was good enough for the price of freedom that my brother dearly paid.”

How do you describe the American dream?
To me, it is the ideology of a free society where any hard-working individual can be whatever he or she wants to be. I think people can accomplish everything they want in America with their brain, and help the less-fortunate people in the world with their heart.

The topic of the American dream is near and dear to my heart, and I’ve proudly spoken about it during my 14 years as a Toastmaster. I’m also collecting stories and writing a book called Who Killed the American Dream—Stories of the Firm Believers.

How did it feel to reach the semifinals of the International Speech Contest?
When I first came to America, with no ability to speak or understand English, if you had told me that I would someday speak in a 2,000-seat arena, I would have asked for whatever you were drinking (smile). I truly am living the American dream.

What advice can you give about overcoming adversity and maintaining a positive attitude?
Think about the less fortunate more, and think about your own happiness less. As a Toastmaster, you can be a voice for the voiceless. If you are unclear about your life’s goal or purpose, remember this: Have fun, have faith and make a difference in the future.

Blogger Bio

Jimmy Thai, DTM founded the Leadership Foundation Academy to develop future leaders with passion and compassion.  He speaks and coaches Fortune500 companies to re-infuse the American Pride in corporate America and the American Dream to the world.  He went to prison twice before turning 17, and today lives in American Finest City – San Diego, California.  Jimmy earned 2 Master’s degrees MBA and MSEE from California State University, and BSEE degree from the 20^th best university in the world - University of California San Diego.  He welcomes your comments and loves to collaborate with you on Change Leadership, Motivational Management, Decision Analysis, the ABC Secrets of Appearance - Body language - Conversation, and Asian Business Development. 

In 2015, Leadership Foundation Academy has donated over $10K USD to its Build a School – Leave a Legacy program, which built 2 kindergarten schools in Ha Giang and Yen Bai provinces.  Our 3^rd project is to construct a 30-m bridge in Tran Van Thoi district, Ca Mau to save little students from drowning on their way to school.