Volunteerism Paves the Way to Success
Volunteering has helped me find my true passion and guided me to the right major at university, says Pech Lida.
- By Po Sakun
- February 9, 2024 7:10 PM
PHNOM PENH – Volunteering has helped me find my true passion and guided me to the right major at university, says Pech Lida.
Lida, 22, from Battambang province, works in a non-governmental organization based in her province.
“Choosing a major based on interests is quite difficult for high school students. Being able to discover myself while studying in high school is a great blessing as I can choose the right major in line with my preferences,” she said.
“I have been volunteering in school projects, libraries in the village, interning at NGO, yet only working in the library has had a significant impact in finding my passion.
“My past experience in volunteering helps strengthen my knowledge, soft skills, ability, confidence and especially opening up more job opportunities,” she said.
Born in Kampov village, Lida has just graduated with a bachelor's degree in community development from a university in the province.
“When I was in grade 11, I always allocated some of my spare time to volunteer in Soun Panha Library. My experience working in the library helps strengthen my ability in community work and I found myself enjoying working with the community,” Lida said.
“Most notably, it helped me in finding a good job opportunity in one NGO based in my province when I was in my third year.
“Thanks to Soun Panha Library, I have learnt a lot from reading. In addition to reading, I was able to listen to guest speakers every time the library conducted sessions on future careers,” said.
Lida said she used to be introverted and rarely made networks with people outside. When she first volunteered, she did not speak much.
After encouragement from the founder of the library, Lida could fight against her weaknesses and was now able to meet more people and attend events alone.
Although she is quite overwhelmed with her daily work with the NGO, she still finds time to help the library.
She also encourages students to spend time volunteering as it will help them in explore society, find themselves and open up job opportunities.
“Studying in high school is the right time to volunteer as we can learn while volunteering,” Lida said.
“If there is a library in our village, we can come and read, volunteer and communicate with new people.
“When we pursue education in the university, we can be more capable than those who never did any volunteer work.
Originally written in Khmer for ThmeyThmey, this story was translated by Rin Ousa for Cambodianess.
