Introducing Sopheak Chheng of Middlebury

Tue, Aug 2, 2011
Originally posted at: http://blog.khmerican.com/post/8405795678/introducing-sopheak-chheng

When was the last time you felt inspired after reading a story on an individual? The type of inspiration that draws you to immediate action: to reach out, connect, and begin building a friendship with them. That was how powerful co-founder Phatry Derek Pan reacted upon learning the story of Sopheak Chheng three weeks ago via YouTube.

Published under a college magazine, Chheng shares his story of how a refugee born Sisophon native got the opportunity to study in America. In the video he references his Buddhist education in fifth grade - an experience that taught him about the humility of a simple life. But a couple years later, he realized the weight of responsibility - learning that his younger sister had sacrifice herself to provide Chheng’s family enough money to further his studies.

Chheng did not disappoint his family.

In 2005-2006, he became the first scholarship recipient from Cambodia to attend United World College in Norway. “To be honest I thought it was a scam, but I tried,” said the freshie faced 25-years-old Chheng. “I came from hi my name is Sopheak, I’m from Cambodia nice to meet you to making jokes to conversation.”

But it was his second year at UWC where his confidence and optimism grew to challenge himself even further. That year he applied to one of America’s oldest private liberal arts college called Middlebury College – where he is currently finishing up his last semester. A philosophy major and social media addict, Chheng learned about Khmerican through his social network when he first stumbled upon the press release on launch day July 25th.

“When I read the press release I was completely drawn to it,” said Chheng. “I had to observe things first, then follow-up by learning more about the company and its people, but I knew my instinct was to get involved. I am excited to be part of a young team of builders who has the drive and courage to do something wonderfully different.”

Chheng joins Team Khmerican as a photojournalist and Khmer language reporter. Upon graduation in December 2011, Chheng hopes to relocate to Los Angeles or New York.