On a summer night in 1978, my father led our escape from Vietnam...

Dr Roger Tran

Tran Family | San Juan Capistrano CA

On a warm summer night in 1978, I was suddenly awakened in my father’s arms by cold splashes of water. When I opened my eyes and realized we were in the ocean, I tried to scream. My father was faster. He covered my mouth and whispered that we needed to be quiet as he waded us toward a nearby fishing boat. Once inside, he placed me in the bottom cabin near the engine and told me not to make a sound.

To this day, I can still remember the smell of oil and gasoline burning together, a nauseating scent like fresh asphalt. That night was our escape from communist Vietnam. The trauma of that journey, alongside my father, left a permanent mark on my childhood and on the bond we shared. By the grace of the Lord, we survived that perilous trip. From that moment on, my father was my hero.

He was the only parent I had during my formative years. Our relationship was close, but it was no-nonsense and one-directional. I don’t remember playing games together, going to amusement parks, or even watching movies. Our time was focused on building character, developing perseverance, and envisioning future success. That was his way of loving me.

Becoming a father has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. When I held my daughter for the first time, I knew I wanted my kids to look up to me the way I looked up to my father. At the same time, I also knew I wanted to be a different kind of dad. But the reality of everyday life makes fatherhood complex. Life doesn’t slow down so you can learn, and it doesn’t offer do-overs. The impact of a father is generational. One moment you have a vision of the kind of dad you want to be, and in the blink of an eye your kids are grown and the world has their attention. Suddenly, you’re playing catch-up.

The challenges are endless: communication, discipline, teaching style, self-control, showing love and affection, passing on values and virtues. That’s why Dad Academy has been such a gift to me. Right from the cover, the message is clear: helping fathers parent on purpose. Life moves fast, and without intentionality, fatherhood can pass us by.

Dad Academy helped me slow down, reflect, plan, and be deliberate. The masterclass organized the roles, values, and principles of fatherhood in a practical way, and learning alongside other fathers was priceless. One tool that’s meant a lot to me is “Creating Competency.” Working through tasks with my two kids, planning and learning together, has been the real treasure. I’m excited to continue this journey as my children grow into adulthood.