At 19, Chomreoun has never left Cambodia, but she has lofty ambitions to change that.
After graduating from Cambodian Children's Fund (CCF), Chomreoun has started a Tourism degree at a university in Phnom Penh and has her heart set on reaching for the sky.
Her dream? To become a flight attendant, travel the world, and explore new cultures.
“I’ve never been on a plane before, but I want to fly, see the world, and meet new people. It’s an exciting job, and it’s what I’ve dreamed of for a while," says Chomreoun.
When I started at CCF, it made a big difference to my life and my mum's
Chomreoun joined CCF when she was six years old. Her parents had separated, and she moved to Phnom Penh from the province with her mum to get a better education.
“I lived with my mum and aunt, and it was really hard at times,” Chomreoun recalls. “When I started at CCF, it made a big difference because my mum didn’t have to spend so much on my school. We got help with study materials and rice. I could focus on learning.”
Now, 13 years later, Chomreoun, 19, recently graduated from CCF's high school, the Neeson Cripps Academy, and is now working to turn her long-term goal of becoming a cabin crew member into reality.
After earning a B grade on the National Exam, she received a government scholarship to pursue a four-year degree in Tourism at BELTEI International University in Phnom Penh.
“I am excited to be able to go to university,” says Chomreoun.
English has been a key part of Chomreoun’s journey. “I really enjoy English. It gives me opportunities to study and communicate. Speaking English makes me feel confident and ready for the future,” she explains.
Chomreoun had the privilege of meeting the King of Cambodia, His Majesty Norodom Sihamoni, when he toured the NCA as part of CCF's 20th anniversary celebrations in May 2024.
Beyond academics, Chomreoun has developed leadership skills through CCF programs, including distributing food to community members and participating in literacy initiatives with the Grannies. “I like learning with my friends, working as a team, and helping others,” she says.
She has also been involved in CCF youth leadership events, where she has learned about teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
To give her a taste of what life as a flight attendant might be like, Chomreoun joined other CCF students on a visit to Cathay Pacific Airways, the flag carrier of Hong Kong, at the former Phnom Penh International Airport. She was able to go inside an aeroplane cabin for the first time and try out the seats, though the aircraft stayed on the ground this time.
With hard work and dedication, Chomreoun hopes that the sky really is the limit for her future.
