1. Could you tell a bit about yourself?
Hi, My name is Srunhour. Call me Srun. I am currently in my fourth year at American University of Phnom Penh (AUPP), studying American Common Law and Cambodia Civil Code in our Dual Degree Program with the University of Arizona. My journey at AUPP starts off in the business program. Transitioning to Law was a heartfelt decision I had to make, with the support of my family.
Now, I am in the last semester of class, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Law from the University of Arizona and American University of Phnom Penh.
When am not working and studying, I like to meditate or grab a cold drink and put on a good show.
2. Could you tell us about the achievement you are most proud of?
An achievement I can say that launched a part of my life direction would be participating in the SmartStart YIP Season 5 back in 2022. It was a program where university students gather, form a team and pitch their startup/project to many panel of judges. I remember vividly I formed a team of 4, with each of us from different universities and backgrounds. We end up pitching a Runner-up spot, among 20 teams, securing our position, which were also surprising at the time, to visit Malaysia. These 6 months’ experience were very much up and downs. Designing Pitch decks, drafting scripts, finding time to meet with one another, meeting with customers, solving our business problems, making hard decisions to pivot our business. The experience did set me up on the more challenging task moving forward. Our team went on to win $10,000 from the National Incubation Center of Cambodia.
Fast Forward, 2025, I am fortunate to land a spot in our University 2025 Jessup team. An 8 months journey on its own, we went from re-reading our 21 pages problem statement on 4 entirely different issues in international law, to submitting our 57 pages memorial submission and winning our university very spot to represent Cambodia, alongside RUPP, in the International Round in Washington, DC. Special thanks to my team, Coach, and our university’s support.
3. One thing you did that changed your life? (One experience that I encountered that could change my life)
That would be learning to let go. I am taking this in the context of life. The 21st century see itself having many little things to care about, that grabs your attention. Notifications, Comparisons, worries, anxiety. This takes up so much of our time, resources and mental energy. We stressed about the little things, stopping us from the true path we promised we would take.
Emotional attachments weigh us down, preventing us from experiencing true peace. Clinging to past experiences, fears or expectations drains a person. Letting go from these attachments open us to new possibilities and a deeper sense of freedom.
I am still learning to let go, to reclaim focus. Letting go is not about indifference – its about priorities. Its about freeing ourselves from unnecessary burden. It is a lifelong practice.
4. Who is the person you looked up the most?
I would dedicate this question to my parent, family and friends who have supported me and provided advice along the journey. This journey has never been mine alone. Every step I’ve taken, every milestone I’ve reached, has been shaped by the unwavering love and support of my parents, siblings, family, and friends. They have stood beside me—not just as cheerleaders in competitions, but as the quiet strength that carried me through doubt, challenges, and moments of uncertainty.
They understood me, accepted me, and believed in me, even when I struggled to do so myself. From offering guidance to providing the resources that made success possible, they invested in my dreams not because they had to, but because they believed I could make them real.
Who I am today—every lesson learned, every achievement earned—belongs just as much to them as it does to me. Their support has been a foundation, and for that, I will always be grateful.
I did not walk this path alone,
through valleys deep, through winds unknown.
Behind each step, a steady hand,
a voice that whispered, “You can stand.”
5. What are the steps you take that took you where you are right now?
This might be the least exciting section for some. My Daily Rhythm is boring. Work, Run, Study, Rest.
I thought about this question for a while. I thought I must hammer this home, that a routine is an integral part of me and for you. This is just what works for me. Find the tune to your guitar. What started as a routine has evolved in something I learned to genuinely enjoy – an essential part of growth.
Living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder means that my mind is very often entangled in exhausting internal struggle, for who gets to talk. The moments that I am free from that battle are spent in work and study. Overtime, it has provided a space where thoughts aligns with actions.
One other thing I’ve come to realized is personal connection with surroundings and alone time. I am grateful for the people around me – the conversations, the support, the chance to just be understood. Socializing in its simplest form, reminds me that we all are the same, on the same path. Alone time, mostly revolving around that commute time, 1 hour and 30 minutes back and forth, definitely gives a person that clarity, to organize one’s thoughts and meditate. Yes, meditation does not involve only sitting in one spot!
6. What are the happiest moment of your life?
I would like to recall many small happy moments instead.
- The Gratitude of 5am Wake, feeling the quietness while you’re getting ready for a run.
- The after run cold-shower, the dopamine rushing while you know you’re ready for the day ahead.
- A cold drink after a run, something sweet or just plain cold water.
- The happiness when you got accepted for an event you applied for.
- The happiness seeing babies.
- The happiness seeing close ones.
- The contentment of a productive day
- Good Food, Good Show.
- The Excitement of getting ready for a trip
- The happiness when your effort pays off.
The small moments make up for the journey. The Present Moment, a gift.
7. Any advice to the people that look up to you?
We all procrastinate. A little bit of scrolling, a little bit of YouTube, Instagram, Facebook. The body procrastinates because its easier to do, to run away.
Your Journey begins with taking the right step. 100% of that involves making that decision to do the uncomfortable.
Find a goal, find something you believe in.
Feel the morning air, breath in that first deep breath of the day. Grateful.
Lastly, remember that in all circumstances, socializing, work or personal endeavors, authenticity is a power thing. People come to you, for you.
For people who struggles with OCD, not the “keeping things clean” kind, I am more than happy to chat. +855 81 883333.