FULFILLING A PROMISE
Why did I write this book?
This book is dedicated to my father, Peng Pen, who was a Khmer Rouge survivor and a person who believed in the value of education. My father loved me dearly and always wanted the best for me. He was the source of light to guide me in the right direction. I am forever thankful to have had him as a part of my life. My love for him is immeasurable.
I also wrote this book to honor the two million men, women, and children who perished during the Khmer Rouge Genocide (1975-1979). May their souls rest in peace. I may not know the victims’ names, but I will never forget what the genocidal, under Pol Pot, did to my country. I believe that killing is not the answer to solving a problem, and good will always defeat evil.
This book is symbolic of me keeping the promise I made with the US Embassy in 2008. When I was granted the opportunity to come study in America, I made a promise to the U.S. Embassy that I would do whatever I could to make a difference in my community. I am hoping that this book is the beginning of my new journey to fulfill my promise. My intention is to share my story to help keep children in school, not only in my country, but also in other places around the world. Donating a portion of the proceeds to buy school supplies for impoverished children in Cambodia is my plan to give them a chance to pursue knowledge, especially those who are incapable of staying in school due to their family’s financial struggle.
Ever since I was young, I have always had a passion for wanting to help my community. Living in an impoverished village, I realized that many people, including my siblings, didn’t have an opportunity to finish school due to their family’s financial situation. It breaks my heart knowing that education is so important, and yet many children are dropping out because their families couldn’t afford school supplies. This has motivated me to help and has led me to making a promise with the U.S. Embassy. Studying in America made me feel guilty knowing that I’ve been so lucky while many students in Cambodia are suffering. I knew that I had to fulfill my promise once I graduated from college. Furthermore, I knew that I had to do something to give back to my community.
I want to caution struggling students to not take anything for granted and appreciate the value of education the way I do. I am also hoping that my story could help open doors for more international students to earn an opportunity to continue their education, not just in America, but in other countries around the world. I want people to understand how an opportunity can mean so much to a kid like me who came from a poor family in one of the poorest countries in the world.
My message to children living in extreme poverty, desparately searching for an opportunity, is don’t ever lose hope and keep pursuing your dreams. If you’re committed, if you work hard, and if you’re willing to do whatever it takes, you will achieve your goals. Let my experience show you that anything is possible, as long as a person has the will.
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to buy school supplies for impoverished children in Cambodia.
Meet the characters
Acknowledgements
Thank you so much to the people, who have contributed to my journey. Without them, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. I am incredibly blessed and lucky to have all of these people apart of my life. However, not all of the heroes’ names are mentioned above. I have to keep their identities hidden for their safety. Regardless, I thank them from the bottom of my heart. I will always have tremendous love for them.
The Promise Foundation
It has always been my plan to return to Cambodia to use my education for the good of my community. Although I can’t return home due to Covid-19, this won’t stop me from fulfilling my promise. After publishing “Fulfilling A Promise,” I am motivated to start The Promise Foundation which allowed me to continue giving back to my community. My sister, Chai and I had an opportunity to volunteer at Food Lifeline, where we helped pack food for thousands of families who are facing hunger throughout Washington State. I was also able to volunteer at Roots Young Adult Shelter, where I helped serve breakfasts to many young adults who were homeless.
Additionally, my book’s proceeds had allowed me to provide school supplies, including snacks, to 200 impoverished students in Cambodia in 2020, and another 230 children in 2022. A total of 430 students from the age of 8 years old to 14 years old.
I know with this donation, they won’t have to worry about lack of school supplies for the rest of their school year. I hope that the things that I’ve done in Seattle and the items that I’ve sent to Cambodia will positively impact those people’s lives. Ultimately, I hope my action will help improve my communities both in Seattle and in Cambodia. Seeing the smiles on those people’s faces makes me want to keep on going. I hope you will join me on this journey to impact the lives in our community.