My name is Phon Sreymom, and I am 21 years old. I live in Beong village, Chreave commune, Siem Reap Province. I have two sisters and three brothers, and I am the youngest child in my family. All my brothers and sisters are married, except for myself and my fourth brother, who is currently in his third year at Panhasastra University, studying TESOL.
My parents passed away when we were very young, so we didn’t have financial support for our studies and living. It was only my fourth brother and I who were able to receive higher education. Even though I didn’t have someone to support my studies after my parents’ passing, I never gave up. I believed that education is crucial for children like my siblings who come from a poor background. In my free time, I would cut grass for my cousin, collect snails to sell, and help my aunt with her housework to earn money for my studies at the public school. I also studied English near my home without paying.
After graduating from high school, I didn’t have the necessary skills to start university. However, I started working as a volunteer at my English school to gain experience. In March 2022, I registered for the Better Future Program at JWOC. This program taught me English, computer skills, leadership, life skills, and how to write a CV and cover letter for job applications. After three months at JWOC, I became a more confident, responsible, and community-oriented person, which helped me to get more opportunities.
In July 2022, I started an internship at REACH. There, I learned how to work with and protect children, as well as how to share knowledge with them and collaborate in a team. I developed an interest in cycling and fixing bikes, which I donated to students and their families. I also learned about REACH’s programs, and now I am a full-time staff member, working as an Assistant Mechanic and Cycling Assistant. I am thrilled to be part of the REACH team, and I can share my experiences and gain more knowledge.
During my time at REACH, I was awarded the S.E. Found Scholarship to study at the university. My major is TESOL at Panhasastra University in Siem Reap. In the future, I want to become an English teacher for several reasons. Firstly, I want to share the knowledge I have gained with the poor children and villagers in my community. Secondly, I aim to help them secure better jobs, which is crucial for improving their family’s financial situation and overcoming poverty. Thirdly, I want to develop my village, which is currently weaker compared to the surrounding villages, as many people here are uneducated, and the village leadership does not prioritize education. Lastly, my dream is to open a school in my village, which would be the key to achieving all the reasons mentioned above. If the villagers in my community become educated, especially in English, their future will be brighter.
In conclusion, my reasons for wanting to become an English teacher are to share knowledge, help people secure better jobs, develop my village, and open a school in my village for the benefit of my community. This goal can be achieved if I can successfully complete my bachelor’s degree at the university.
