“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
As a child, I asked questions relentlessly. Why is the sky blue? Why do birds chirp?

My life consisted of a string of questions connected by bouts of limited understanding. One question would lead to another and then another, like a stack of dominos falling uncontrollably. What an annoying kid I must have been!

My questions sought a link between the world my parents fled and the world I called home…the answers I received created texture behind the smooth surface of life. Eventually, my questions uncovered the painful sacrifices of war embedded in my family history and the amazing versatility of the human spirit.

At times, my questions brought my mom to uncontrollable laughter…the kind of laughter only replicated by waving a feather against a toddler's foot. I hope I never forget to find occasions to laugh, and laugh just like my mom.

Recently, my questions have become more technical in nature as I tinker behind facts and figures to determine the right course of action. Yet even in the most technical problems, I seek out the human element of my work.

No matter where life takes me, I will cling to the zeal and excitement of the inquisitive spirit inside me. Questions will be the instrument I use to shape and influence the world. Through my questions, I will create change — but not merely for the sake of change — for progress!

— Jimmy Tran