Divine Word Missionaries

Seminarian Lam Tran

Lam is 23 years old and is originally from Vietnam. He immigrated to the United States in April of 2000 and quickly learned of Divine Word College. Having earned his high school diploma in Vietnam, Lam applied and was accepted into the seminary and began his studies in the English as a Second Language (ESL) program. After three semesters, Lam began taking regular college courses to earn his bachelor’s degree. He is a presently a sophomore and plans to graduate in the Spring of 2007 with a major in philosophy.

I came to the United States in 2000. My family settled in New York and worked hard to feel comfortable in the United States. When I came here, I didn’t know English. I remember going to the library to get a library card, and I couldn’t even tell the person my address! I had to go back three times before I could tell the clerk what she needed to know to give me a library card.

I learned of Divine Word College from my uncle who worked in Japan and knew Fr. Paul LaForge, SVD. He introduced me to a recruiter who told me I could learn English there and discern my vocation to become a missionary priest or brother. In the fall of 2001, I started my study in this school as a Level One ESL student. After three semesters of studying in the ESL program, I became a special freshman student. In addition, I made the Dean’s List on my first semester of the regular college program. Looking back at the momentum of my academic journey, I see that I have learned a lot through the educational program at DWC.

Besides growing academically, I also have been growing spiritually along with the formation program at DWC. I have been trying to be an active member in the formation program and I am serving as Student Representative of the Formation Committee. In addition, I have tried to participate with the local Christian organizations such as the C.E.W. (Christian Experience Weekend) and the Catholic Vietnamese community in Davenport, Iowa, as a part-time translator. I am very happy to live in such a diverse cultural community, and I am using this opportunity to learn to cooperate and make new friends in this cross-cultural community.

I have been blessed with opportunities to be a leader at Divine Word College. In my second year of studying here, I served as a contact person for my formation group. From that duty, I learned to organize spiritual activities for my fellow students. I served as president of the Vietnamese Student Association last year when I was a freshman after exiting the ESL program. I continue to enhance my leadership skills as an officer in the Seminarians for Life Club and as a member of the Student Vocation Committee which assists the Vocation Office.

I thank God for leading me to Divine Word College. It is a wonderful place to discern my vocation to missionary life.

*Lam wrote this essay about himself for his application towards a scholarship offered at Divine Word College.

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