The power of ‘I Believe’

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt Miranda Simmons
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Walking into a brightly lit medical lab office and watching a doctor look into a microscope was not telling of a man who experienced bullying and low self-esteem in childhood, but I would soon learn how his story fuels his passion to motivate children in reaching their full potential.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Cuong Nguyen, pathologist and medical director assigned to the 48th Medical Group, exudes a positive attitude and smile as he describes his “I Believe” campaign – a two-part speaking series – aimed to inspire young children.

He led the initiative for motivational speeches for school-aged children, which began as a Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics presentation. Over the span of his three-year assignment to RAF Lakenheath, Nguyen spoke to students from Liberty Intermediate and Feltwell Middle Schools.

Nguyen was first invited by the LIS principal to be a guest speaker at a student assembly. During his STEM-focused presentation, he talked about blood typing, being a doctor and balloon twisting; he incorporated his passion for his profession with his pursuits. Using balloons, he incorporated analogies to send a positive message to the students – being flexible is key to success.

That was his spark for the “I Believe” campaign. As an involved parent and prior elementary school teacher, it was natural for Nguyen to want to motivate children to achieve their goals.

His childhood was not easy or privileged, but rather a time filled with bullying and low self-esteem. However, that would all change during high school when he realized it was time to recreate himself. He recognized an opportunity to create a better life by changing his attitude and personality.

“Through trial-and-error for more than 25 years, I feel I have figured it out,” said Nguyen. “I promised myself I’d come back and give kids these traits so they don’t have to go through the trial-and-error; to give them a head-start.”

Through the power of confidence and positivity, Nguyen changed his life for the better and aggressively pursued his education, reaching his goal of being a doctor. As a parent, he continues creating the same culture of positivity and encouragement.

Moving his family overseas, he recognized the unique challenges his children would face in school, but it was also an opportunity for Nguyen. The RAF Lakenheath and Feltwell schools’ education programs were able to offer motivational speeches for students.

Nguyen capitalized on his prior teaching experience by using the power of getting the children to feel, rather than just listen, because the students are more likely to remember the message.

The two-part series of the “I Believe” campaign focuses on the inner self and leadership. The first part focuses on the inner self, boosting self-esteem and believing in yourself. The leadership portion describes how to be a good leader.

“Convincing themselves, within, that they are important and they matter,” said Nguyen, of the goal of the “I Believe, I Matter” portion of the presentation. “Whatever they want to become, it starts with themselves.”

With positive energy and confidence, the students learn they can gain the will and passion to succeed. After the “I Believe, I Matter” presentation, Nguyen begins to use those talking points to help the students recognize that anyone can be a leader.

“The Power of One is about how to become a successful leader and achieve their goals,” said Nguyen. “I talk through the eight characteristics of being a good leader."

Identifying and adopting leadership qualities provides early exposure for the children. Partnered with the “Power of One” leadership presentation are examples of well-known individuals who made a difference. Stories of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Alex’s Lemonade Stand, and Rosa Parks, demonstrate anyone can be a leader and make a change, regardless of age, race or religion.

The motivational speeches by Nguyen offered early exposure to leadership and self-esteem development for military dependent children, inspiring and helping to build resilient families.