Sreytom is on to her Next Journey
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Sreytom Tim, a recent graduate from The University of Minnesota Twin Cities, reflects on her past four years at college and her hopes for the future.
Time really flies. I cannot believe I have graduated from college. May 13th, 2020 marked the completion of my bachelor’s degree and a conclusion to another chapter of my life. It feels like I was just a freshman yesterday when I said goodbye to my friends and family and stepped on an airplane for the first time in my life. I remember asking myself how I was going to handle my new life in the U.S.
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Back then, I didn’t want to sleep because I wanted to see what the earth looked like from up above. Questions kept flying around in my head. What was going to happen to my siblings without me? What would my life look like in the U.S.? Would I survive? Despite all these questions, that plane ride marked the beginning of my journey.
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Throughout my four years of college, I grew from being a girl from a small village in Cambodia to a global citizen and a strong, competent female leader. Going to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities (UMN) not only allowed me to get a great education but the college also gave me access to many opportunities. Outside of class, I spent a lot of time volunteering at student organizations and organizations outside of UMN. These opportunities helped me to sharpen and practice the skills I had learned in the classroom and gave me the chance to practice my leadership skills while serving my community.
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SHE-CAN Revolution 2.0 2019
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In addition, through these organizations, I have made friends from all around the world which has allowed me to see things from a broadened perspective. These friendships were crucial for my achievements and growth. They served as a bridge for me to increase my professional network, gain more knowledge, and make my life better. Plus, they helped me feel like I belonged which grew my self-confidence. Now I can proudly call Minnesota my second home. Even though I graduated, I will never forget UMN.
International Student Advisory Board
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Cambodian Student Association of Minnesota Board
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While some may think graduation is the end of something, I like to think of it as a beginning. It is just the start of the pathway towards my dreams. To me, there is no end to learning.
I decided to decorate my grad cap with: “Look Mom! Your Daughter Totally Did it.” My mom couldn’t be more proud of my accomplishments.
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Now, I am so ready to start my next journey. I am looking forward to having more opportunities to learn and grow. I hope to bring my skills, knowledge, and experience to help those in need throughout my career. I strongly believe that working in an international organization will help me to reach my dream of creating a positive change in society and improving people’s well-being. I will bring my passion, care, and commitment to help create a more peaceful world. I am driven to work on gender equality, economic development, human rights advancement, and education. Wherever I go, I will always carry my mission of helping others.
I am on to the next journey! |