PHORN SREYLAK

My name is Phorn Sreylak, and I am 20 years old. I am currently studying Nursing, in my second year. I have three siblings, and I am the second child. I am from Prey Veng province. I became motherless at a young age; my mother passed away when I was five years old. After my mother died, my father abandoned us to work in Thailand. He left me to stay with others who did not allow me to study, only their children were. We never had a full meal; they gave three siblings one bowl of rice to share, sometimes with fish sauce, sometimes with fermented fish paste. Eventually, they left us at my aunt’s and uncle’s house. They were very poor. My uncle was blind in one eye, and my aunt worked as a cleaner. I barely dared to dream of getting a high education because I had to study and sell things on my bicycle. During the season for limes, I would pick and sell them just to earn money for food. I struggled tirelessly just to get money for food, sometimes barely having enough money for a meal.
Whenever it rained, I couldn’t sleep because the roof leaked. My uncle kept causing trouble at home. Finally, my aunt asked a youth training center to take me in so I could study.
When I reached Grade 7, I was admitted to live at the youth training center. I studied diligently and was able to pass the Grade 12 national exam with a C grade. However, after finishing Grade 12, I felt lost again, afraid I wouldn’t be able to continue my studies and achieve my dream. But the center’s director introduced me to the Global Children organization. I applied and was accepted! The organization genuinely provided an opportunity for this orphan. I passed the entrance exam and became a nursing student. In the future, I will be an excellent nurse who helps the nation without discrimination.