My name is Chueng Sievji. I’m 18 years old. I was born in Siem Reap province. I have been with my parents and my older brother and my sister since I was born. I’m the middle child. My father is a security guard, and my mother is a tailor at the market. My brother finished grade 12 in 2024, and my sister is still in secondary school.

I was a very scared and timid child from a young age, which made it difficult for me to communicate with others. Because of my fear, I was looked down upon by those around me as being gay even though I’m straight.

I am very lucky to have studied at REACH Siem Reap. The organisation has helped me a lot and has also helped my family during the Covid-19 pandemic. And studying at REACH has made me very happy.

I am a quick learner who can easily adapt to circumstances, but the only exception is English, which I tried to learn but couldn’t understand well yet. Even though my English isn’t good enough, I won’t give up on trying to learn. I will try to improve it day by day.

Even though my parents didn’t study much, they still tried to encourage us to study well, not wanting us to experience difficulties like they did. I’m grateful for their support.

REACH offered the students who had finished grade 12 to work in some junior roles so that they could gain some work experience. I’m one of the lucky students who was selected. I’m able to take on the role of a Media Assistant.  I’m glad to work here at the organisation that helped me shape my future. I will commit to work hard and learn as much as I can.