1. Could you tell us about yourself?
I am Amra CHAMROEUN. I was born in Kampong Cham and raised by many aspiring people that had been there before me. Coming from a printing business family, I was introduced to technology and machinery at a young age and somehow some part of it stuck with me. Rooted in a background shaped by STEM education in high school to currently pursuing dual degree in Information Technology Management and Computer Science at the American University of Phnom Penh and Fort Hays State University. By growing up in Kampong Cham Province and moving around places, I have seen many different meanings of what “success” means to people, while some picture millions and a life without care, others just want a full plate and someone to share. This brought me to my fascination how differences shape people, hence I am keen to learn more about behavioral studies through Data Analysis, which is a course I am currently completing in my Coursera which provided by AUPP School of Digital Technology which is a privilege for an IT student like me to explore different skills before committing for a career. In the future, I want to pursue a career in research and policy merging my current major of study and a passion of debating and Model Meeting such as Model United Nation and Model ASEAN Meeting which led to my interest in this field.
2. Could you tell us about the achievements you are most proud of?
I viewed success and the feeling proud of the measure of how hard I worked and the time I invested in it along with the impact that it serves. The blood, sweat and tears that make overcoming the journey and the results meaningful. One of my proudest achievements is earning my fully funded dual degree scholarship at a university I once thought was a dream. Although this is a dream of mine, what I am proud of the most is the reduction of the financial burden on my family as well. I go to school in peace every day, knowing that my parents are proud and there is no need to worry about my education.
3. Could you tell us about one thing or experience you encountered that changed your life?
Some people say that the first step is the hardest to take, which I definitely agree with. Moving away from my family at 15 was not easy but it was the experience that changed my life. Earning a scholarship pursuing my high school in Phnom Penh was the first step outside of my comfort zone. From being with my family 24/7 to being rely on myself to navigate through life, however this is the crucial step that proves to me and my family that “I Got This”; to an extent where I moved to study in the US alone at 16, creating another eyes opening journey for me that would not happen if it is not for the first step I took.
4. Who is the person you look up to the most?
The more I grow up, the more right my parents’ words become. This is the lesson that I learned, turning 20. The more I learn, the more I appreciate the one person that has been through my highs and lows, my mother. The blood, sweat and tears that she pours into her children and families makes the devil cry. Although she had not been given the opportunity to pursue high education, she encourages me to be at my best in academics and never once question abilities. Despite some of her traditional mindset, she always supported me and pushed me to be better even in things that she does not understand such as debate and basketball. Her journey may have been different, but through her, I’ve learned that love, resilience, and belief can build dreams she once never had the chance to chase.
5. What are the steps you took that led you to where you are right now?
From participating in a digital education reality show with hundreds of talented students from across Cambodia, to being an only female candidate in the Final 6 and touchdown in the top 3, gaining my dream of a fully funded scholarship. Having my journey broadcast shows as a testimony of how hard I work and the journey that I have to overcome which writes the story to my book today, however, this is just the beginning.
6. What are the happiest moments of your life?
Nothing beats the feeling of making my family proud. Growing up tightly with my family, I have seen and heard all their struggles; all that provides me with the privilege and opportunity I have today. Seeing their smiles which are not often sighted is enough to fuel my motivation to always be the better version of myself and to bring that smile to their faces.
7. Is there any advice to the people that look up to you?
If you want something that you never received, start something that you have never done. This word stuck with me since the first time I read it. Sometimes I get caught in my routine and just expect something good to happen to me. This is like standing still and expecting a butterfly to lay on us, instead of trying to catch it. Although it might happen, not doing something has no results, living based on luck is one far from productive. So, whatever you dream of, start today and take that first step. Additionally, never take things for granted, even mistakes. Success and goals are things that we look forward to, but we live our lives every day. Makes every minute count as a part of our story.