Courageous KongNov

“Taking my final step onto the stage facing hundreds of audiences at an ICT conference, I hold my head high!” student KongNov recalled her recent amazing achievement as part of PeopleStories STEM4Girls scholar.  
 
Student KongNov’s background is not all that different from many other children in rural Cambodia. Her family is poor and has very little. KongNov’s mother, from early on, instilled determination and courage in her children.  KongNov has always been motivated and determined to better her life and better the lives of those who need her help.  Having the role model of her strong mother to look up to, KongNov was destined for great things.  What makes her story different from the many others is just one thing -  an opportunity!  

In 2017, young KongNov (11 years old then) met PeopleStories Founder & CEO Victoria Miloschewsky which led to her opening the many doors many opportunities. She had the courage to request a personal gift from Victoria which was a whiteboard, a simple tool to bring closer to her dreams – to become a teacher! 
 
KongNov recalled her first reaction when a scholarship was given to her, “I was really happy that I could go to school with the scholarship from PeopleStories and I knew I could do anything with an education.”  She continued, “I want to help others. When I was young I would see others with difficulties and struggles and I always wanted to help.” 

Thinking about the first three years of her scholarship journey, KongNov was asked to reflect on how her life changed. She confidently responded and said, “My life has changed 360 degrees. My family didn’t have money for my studies and then PeopleStories helped me; they gave me a bicycle and what I need to get to school.”
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The changes and opportunities didn’t end there.  At the end of Grade 9 another door was about to open for KongNov… STEM For Girls! A trip to the capital city of Phnom Penh was in order.  

Prospective students must take an exam to be accepted into a highly respected STEM high school.  KongNov shared, “When I was told I would move to Phnom Penh for STEM education I was really surprised and wasn’t sure if I could pass the exam.  But I would do it and try my best. My mother said, ‘please go to the exam’ and said it was partly for me and partly for her.”  KongNov passed her STEM exam, “When I passed the exam my mother, father, and Victoria were so happy for me!” ​

KongNov is now 16 years old and works hard to be successful with her education. She’s very proud of her accomplishments with her STEM studies and said, “Many think STEM is for boys and even though I am a girl from a poor family, I and we (girls) can do what the boys can do.  My family and PeopleStories support me and encourage me.  Both girls and boys can do STEM.”   

​A year and a half into STEM, KongNov is still working hard at her STEM classes.  She still has her hopes and dreams to keep her focused.  “I want to be a Professor of Biology. Maybe a doctor, too.”    

Coming from humble beginnings doesn't have to define us.  The willingness to learn, the determination to want better can change lives. Just 5 years ago, KongNov was in her village with her family, not in school. She was given an opportunity to attend school and she took it. One door after another has opened and KongNov has walked through. Sometimes it was exciting, sometimes it was scary, but that brave little girl from the village kept going.  She’s still going and shows no signs of slowing down.

Wrapping up her speech facing hundreds of audiences at an ICT conference, she spoke loud and clear, “I hope in the future a Cambodian child will have a personal skill. I also encourage all students to seize these great opportunities.  Don’t be afraid to fail, but be afraid to not try.” 
 
Why not join us to uplift more girls for their STEM education?  100% of your generous donation helps a child finish school. 
 
Story written by: Volunteer Kathy Aunkst ​