Today we’d like to introduce you to Tran Bui Smith.
Hi Tran, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Vietnam and at the age of three, my parents Thu and Bich Bui made the courageous decision to flee their country during the Vietnam War with three little girls. It was April 30, 1975, the day known as the Fall of Saigon. We escaped with nothing and left everything behind in order to find freedom. The journey started on a cramped boat. After being rescued by the U.S.. Coast Guard, we were taken to refugee camps in the Philippines, Guam, Wake Island and Fort Chaffee, Arkansas. We would find our new home in nearby Fort Smith. There were hardships, struggles, challenges and fears as my parents tried to contribute and thrive in America. Our family would grow to include my brother, born in 1979.
I didn’t realize it at the time, but service and volunteerism became a part of my life the moment we left Vietnam. All around us from the refugee camps to churches and schools, strangers and new friends were volunteering and donating in order to help us. I would also see my parents go out of their way to give back.
My introduction to service came in my 20’s when I was working in local television news as an anchor, reporter and producer. I covered many stories on nonprofits and emceed fundraisers. Soon, I was signing up to serve. When I became a mom, there was no doubt my children would also know what it’s like to give back so I co-founded a volunteer group called Little Helpers in Memphis and today, we have 20 chapters across the country including Atlanta. Each month we make a commitment to help others whether it’s visiting a nursing home, reading to shelter dogs, picking up trash, giving gifts to veterans, writing thank you notes to first responders or doing a simple act of kindness like checking on a neighbor. I have also been a volunteer coach for Girls on the Run at Sawyer Road Elementary and our family fosters dogs at Mostly Mutts. We have even received honors including the George H. W. Bush Points of Light Award, Kohl’s Cares, the Crabapple Middle School MLK Humanitarian Award and AJC Hometown Hero recognition plus proclamations from local and state leaders.
The funny thing about volunteering is that you often go in thinking you are doing someone a favor with your good deeds, but it’s humbling when you realize how much they have blessed you.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
This often winding bumpy road with potholes and detours has brought me to a place in my life where I seek out the good and appreciate the blessings. My struggles included everything from dealing with financial hardships, adjusting to a new culture, learning to embrace my heritage and realizing my worth.
Volunteering allows me to focus on others and hopefully make a difference. I often tell my children there are people who wish they had your bad days.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Little Helpers?
I’m a former television news anchor, reporter and producer. I have earned awards including an Emmy, Telly, Associated Press and more. Today I own a video production and marketing company called Tran Bui Productions. Storytelling is my passion and inspiring others to volunteer is my purpose.
Little Helpers has been helping children help others since December 2010. The program is designed to help young people understand the value of volunteering, recognize the blessings in their lives, broaden their community perspective and feel the sense of accomplishment received from lending a helping hand. The ultimate goal of the program is to raise confident children who see giving back to the community as a normal aspect of their lives.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
At the end of the day, what matters the most to me is knowing I have done my part to make this world a kinder place and teaching others, especially my children Jackson and Ava to do the same.
It’s not possible to come out of the rubble without seeing the gifts that come from the grace of God, the bravery of my parents, the love of my husband Scott and the kindness of others. How do you not show gratitude?
Contact Info:
- Email: tran@tranbuiproductions.com
- Instagram: tranbuiproductions
- Facebook: Tran Bui Productions & Little Helpers & Little Helpers of Atlanta
- Twitter: tranbuismith
- Other: tranbuitv@gmail.com
