My first year at ITC was a battle. I struggled to communicate with classmates and lecturers, and my academic performance suffered. There were moments I wanted to quit. Yet, every time I called my mother, she reminded me of my strength, saying,

“Do not let your happiness depend on anyone. Keep going.”

Her words gave me the push I needed. I worked hard to adapt, slowly breaking through the walls of misunderstanding. I made friends who supported me, who appreciated my differences, and even found my dialect “cute.”

The turning point came when I was awarded the Women in WASH Scholarship, supported by the Center for Sustainable Water (CSW) and funded by WaterAid Cambodia. This scholarship didn’t just cover my tuition and living expenses—it gave me a platform to grow. Through the Young Professional Program in WASH, I gained practical skills, from writing blogs and vlogs to facilitating meetings and designing water and sanitation projects.

One of the most life-changing moments was visiting Toul Chan village in Kampong Cham province, where I witnessed firsthand the struggles of rural communities without access to clean water. A 70-year-old woman shared her plight, saying,

“This water may not last forever, but it’s enough to save my family for now.”

Her words stayed with me, fueling my determination to make a difference in the WASH sector.

Today, I work as a Water Loss Detection Officer at Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority. It’s a role that aligns perfectly with my dream of contributing to Cambodia’s clean water sector. I’m proud to play my part in ensuring safe water supply, minimizing water loss, and raising awareness about sustainable practices.

As I reflect on my journey, I’m grateful for the scholarship that transformed me from a timid girl into a confident professional. My voice, once a source of ridicule, is now a tool for change.

To all the young women out there: “You are the owner of your life. No matter who you are or where you come from, education is your key to making a difference. Step forward, and become part of the solution for the water and environmental challenges we face today.”

Women have a unique power to influence and lead in water-related issues, and I encourage more women to take part in promoting clean water and sanitation. Together, we can create a healthier, more equitable future.

“Be who you want to be—proudly, be a woman engineer.”