Hi, my name is Tal Sopheak, and I’m 19 years old. I’m from Kampong Pluk commune, Bakong Temple district, Siem Reap province. Currently, I live in Thlok Andoung village with my family of five. My father is a tuk-tuk driver, and my mother is a housewife and seller. My older sister is studying at BBU University and works as an English teacher at an organisation in Siem Reap, while my younger brother is in grade 12 at a public high school. 

I began studying English in kindergarten at a private school. Unfortunately, the school didn’t offer advanced levels, so I transferred to a public school, Wat Bo Primary School, for grade 1. In 2012, due to my family’s financial situation, my parents enrolled all of us in an organisation that provided free English education, meals, and strong support. This was a long and beneficial journey. After graduating from grade 6, I continued my studies through high school, graduating in 2023 with a D on the national baccalaureate exam. 

After high school, I spent three months at home, applying for jobs and college scholarships. In February 2024, I started a nine-month internship at REACH. This experience allowed me to get to know REACH better and meet many amazing, smart, and friendly children. Through this internship, I developed valuable soft skills, including teaching methods, communication, and bike mechanics. In November 2024, I was promoted to English Teacher at REACH. 

I’m incredibly grateful for these opportunities and have learned a great deal from both roles. I am determined to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to overcome the challenges of poverty. My goal is to guide them toward a brighter future, and their strong commitment is essential to achieving their goals. 

My experience in the education field has also inspired me to become a social worker trainee, driven by a passion for helping communities fight poverty. By joining this team, I can work more closely with high-risk families who need our support. We’ve been exploring ways to create positive change for their children and families, and I am here to stand with them and assist them in building better lives.