A year ago, there were tears after Cambodian Children's Fund student Sokchea missed out on a scholarship to study at Trinity College in Australia.
This week, there were tears of joy after Sokchea made it second time lucky when she was chosen to be a 2024 scholar and finally fulfil her aspiration.
“I never stopped thinking about the opportunity I missed last year. Finally, I did it. I am so happy and excited,” said Sokchea, 19.
“My mum was sad when I did not get a scholarship last year, but she supported me and motivated me to never give up. She is so happy for me.”
Trinity College began offering CCF students a life-changing chance to study overseas in 2017 with a full scholarship for its Foundation Year program, which prepares students for a degree.
Sokchea was chosen with fellow CCF student Phanha, also 19, after a long selection process that included English language and maths ability tests and interviews to meet the rigorous Trinity criteria.
They became the 12th and 13th students from CCF to be awarded Trinity scholarships.
When I told my mum I received the scholarship, she cried
Phanha, a student at CCF’s Neeson Cripps Academy high school, stated that receiving the scholarship honours his mother, who is raising him and his two sisters alone.
“When I told my mum I received the scholarship, she cried. She couldn’t believe it. Her son can achieve everything she could have imagined. I want to make her proud,” said Phanha.
Phanha and Sokchea will depart for Australia in December to begin the next stage of their remarkable journey. At stake is a degree place at the University of Melbourne, the number one university in Australia and Asia, if they pass the Trinity Foundation Year.
Four CCF students have graduated from the University of Melbourne since 2017.
Ben Waymire, Senior Regional Manager at Trinity College, said: “Congratulations to everyone who tried out for the scholarship. We couldn’t be here without the great staff at CCF and the teaching staff; thank you very much.”
Sokchannin Kram, CCF’s Senior Education Manager, said: “It’s a great scholarship program, and I’m really proud to be part of the (CCF Trinity) committee and support team.”
Two of the first CCF Trinity Scholars, Sophy and Sovannry, joined the celebrations for the latest students following in their footsteps.
I am very excited for you to experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
Sovannry, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in International Politics and Media and Communications and recently returned to Cambodia, had some advice for Sokchea and Phanha following in her footsteps.
“Make the most of it. Melbourne is amazing and you are going to have an amazing time there. Make lots of friends, participate in every club that you can, and just try to make the most of this golden opportunity. I am very excited for you to experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for yourself.”
