After watching the 2000 film “Pay It Forward,” Magnolia teen Nam Tran became inspired to emulate the movie’s message in his own community.

“I thought it would be a really good idea and I want the world to be a better place without violence,” Tran said.

Tran, 14, of Magnolia, is well-known around his school. He is in the school band, where he is the only male flute player, something he shrugs off and says he’s “not embarrassed” about. He also plays guitar and dabbles in other instruments.

In addition to being musically inclined, Tran is also a Parliamentarian in the student council.

The movie’s message is that spreading good deeds to people can create a perpetuating chain of kindness that can help change the world and make it a better place.

Tran conceived the idea of implementing the concept in his own community more than a month ago after the film was shown in his English class as a part of an objective that dealt with the subject of “paying it forward.”

“After watching the movie and my teachers’ inspiration on how to be a good citizen, it got me wondering and thinking what I can do as a person even though the world doesn’t need me,” he said. “I know as a person I can do something to help make it better.”

Since then, Tran has created a website and spread the word to his friends. He said he has received support from teachers, classmates and friends.

“My teachers have signed up and my friends have signed up because they see a lot of potential in this to make the world a better place,” he said.

Tran said since he started, he has helped out some friends, some strangers and his cousin.

When helping others by doing going deeds, Tran said it makes him feel better too.

“It makes me feel a lot lighter, without a lot of burdens on my shoulders,” he said.

As a result of watching the movie and becoming inspired by it to try and make the world a better place, Tran said he has become aware of conflicts and struggles going on in the world.

“It opened up my eyes and I see many different things now; it gave me a lot to think about and changed my mind about everything,” he said.

Although he has shared his passion with many of those around him, he said he hasn’t told his parents yet.

“Once it’s been really, really successful, I’ll show them,” he said. “I know they’re always busy and always trying to protect me and keep me safe.”

Tran will be a freshman at Magnolia High School in August and wants to carry on his mission there by possibly starting an after-school group.

“I know there are some kids in there that want to try to make a difference, but never got a chance to,” he said. “I believe it’s their time.”

As for his post-high school plans, Tran said he aspires to be a marine biologist.

For more information on Tran’s cause, visit www.payingitforwardmovement.webs.com.

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