An inspiring interview with Sreymey

At PeopleStories, we are constantly inspired by the incredible journeys of the children we support. One such story is that of Sreymey, an 18-year-old girl whose perseverance, passion for education, and resilience in the face of personal challenges exemplify the values we aim to nurture. As she steps into 2025 with clear goals for her future, we are excited to share her journey with you in this newsletter.

Sreymey first joined the PeopleStories community in 2019 as a Grade 9 student.   In 2021, she was awarded the STEM4Girls scholarship, a pivotal moment that not only supported her education but also marked a significant turning point in her life.  At the time, she had recently lost her father, a devastating event that placed immense emotional and financial pressure on her family.  Despite these hardships, Sreymey remained determined to continue her education. 

Over the past years, she has completed high school and started working full-time with PeopleStories, all while balancing her job with personal responsibilities and future aspirations.

Here is her inspiring story in her own words.

"My name is Sreymey, and I am proud to say that I am 18 years old. People often call me hardworking, though I don't always see myself that way. I know there’s always room for improvement. I first received a PeopleStories scholarship in 2019 when I was in Grade 9. My family was going through a really difficult time because we had just lost my father, who was an important figure in our lives. In January 2021, I received the STEM4Girls scholarship, which allowed me to move to Phnom Penh and live on my own. There were many challenges, but despite it all, I always tried to keep a smile on my face."
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"After finishing high school, I felt a bit lost. However, PeopleStories gave me the opportunity to explore myself again. Now, as we head into 2025, I’m excited to continue my journey. I will be starting university soon, supported by scholarships from PeopleStories. I also work for PeopleStories that helps me earn an income to support my family, including my two younger siblings. I’m happy to help them in any way I can, even if I can’t give much yet."

The Interview -

1)How did the STEM4Girls program help you grow personally and professionally?
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"The STEM4Girls program was truly life-changing. It opened up my world and gave me a broader perspective. Before joining, I wasn’t comfortable expressing myself, but that has changed. In January 2021, I moved to Phnom Penh with a friend to start a new chapter in my life. As a girl who had never left home before, it was challenging to adapt to a new environment. For three years, I lived in a dormitory with girls from diverse backgrounds and personalities. That experience shaped me in ways I never imagined."

"While studying at E2STEM Education Cambodia, I gained a lot of knowledge—not just academically, but in terms of life skills. I learned the importance of teamwork, which is crucial when entering the workforce. Being responsible and independent became second nature to me, and I now feel more confident in my abilities. I can see that many young people lack the confidence to take on challenges, but this program helped me build the courage and self-assurance I needed."

2)You’re now working full-time with PeopleStories. How does it feel, and have there been any memorable milestones this year?

"It feels very special to have come this far. I vividly remember a conversation I had with Vic (founder Victoria) when I was unsure about my future. I told her, "I don’t know what to do next. I want to take a gap year to explore myself, but I’m not sure what I’ll do during that year." Vic reassured me, saying, "It’s okay to feel lost sometimes, but you should keep as many options open as possible. Don’t limit yourself!" She also promised that PeopleStories would create a work experience program for me to join, which they did."​

"I started as a trainee in the Elevate Work Experience program for 12 months, but after five months, I was offered a full-time position as a Learning & Administration Officer. The most memorable milestone this year has been that I never considered giving up, even when things got tough. Working full-time requires a lot of energy, and while there were times I felt exhausted, I always found the strength to continue. I completed my year of work experience, and I’m incredibly grateful to PeopleStories for this opportunity."

3)You initially wanted to become a teacher but have since developed a passion for banking and finance. What inspired this change?​

"Growing up, I wanted to be a teacher because my family holds teachers in high regard. In my community, being a teacher is often seen as one of the best career options, so I didn’t really explore other paths. After high school, I even took the teacher training exam several times but didn’t pass."
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"During my work experience with PeopleStories, I coached children and realized that teaching wasn’t the right fit for me. I started taking on various tasks in the office, and what really excited me was finance. I enjoyed solving problems and felt energized by the challenge. I could sit in meetings for hours discussing strategies and was always eager to contribute ideas, even if they weren’t perfect. That’s when I knew I wanted to pursue a career in finance."

4)What advice would you give to other girls in your community?
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"My advice is simple: if you don’t know what to do next, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are so many people who are willing to offer guidance, but you won’t find them unless you reach out. Communication is key, and it used to be a weakness of mine. But now, I understand how important it is. If you have a good idea but don’t know how to express it, it will go to waste. So speak up, and don’t judge yourself too harshly. If others judge you, that’s their issue, not yours."
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5)What are your personal goals for 2025?

"I have a few important goals for 2025:

• University: I’ve received a scholarship from PeopleStories and I want to perform well to prove that I deserve these opportunities.
• Career/Work: I plan to continue working part-time with PeopleStories while studying. I believe in the value of practical experience, so I want to apply what I learn in school to real-life work situations.
• Work Life Balance: I know I’ll be busier, but I aim to maintain a balance between my studies, work, family, friends, and personal time."​

A Final Word from PeopleStories -

We are incredibly proud of Sreymey and all that she has accomplished. Her journey from a young girl facing hardship to a confident, determined young woman serves as a testament to the power of education and resilience. 

At PeopleStories, we believe that education can change lives, and Sreymey’s story is a shining example of that transformation. We look forward to seeing all the wonderful things she will achieve in 2025 and beyond!

​Support children like Sreymey here: https://bit.ly/Donate_PS2024

​Story written by: Volunteer Caroline van ‘t Hoff