Journal Entry: Trung Nguyen-04/25/2025-Journal Entry #9 April 9 2023: Learning to Leverage Digital Tools for a Better Future

Journal Entry

I’ve always believed that self-reinvention starts with skill-building.

After everything I had been through—emotionally, legally, professionally—I knew that to rebuild my future, I had to reinvest in my mind. And in today’s world, there’s no more valuable skill set than the digital economy.

In April 2023, I earned two certifications from Google:

Google Ads – Measurement Certification
Google My Business Certification
These were not just check-the-box credentials. They were stepping stones in my larger mission to understand how modern business and online ecosystems actually work. I wanted to learn how to build digital assets, create value, and help others grow their presence online—all through strategy, content, and visibility.

Studying for these certifications required discipline. I had to grasp concepts like:

How to track meaningful marketing performance metrics
How local businesses can use Google tools to enhance visibility
What it means to create campaigns that not only reach people, but convert and build trust
But this was more than technical knowledge. It was a mindset shift.

In the past, I used to think marketing was flashy or superficial. Now I see it as impactful storytelling with intent—a bridge between purpose and people.

This knowledge has become a core pillar of what I teach others. Whether it’s helping people rebuild after justice system involvement or guiding entrepreneurs on digital strategy, I now have the tools—and the certified understanding—to lead others forward.

Key lessons I took from this journey:

In a digital world, your ability to market your value is as important as the value itself.
Building digital assets is a form of modern sovereignty.
Learning never stops. Every new skill is a seed for future freedom.
No matter what adversity you face, you can always learn. And learning is how you start over on your terms.