Heng Limheang, a College of Arts and Humanities student majoring in English Literature, won a Harpswell Scholarship from the Harpswell Foundation to pursue post-graduate studies at Bard College in the United States. In August 2011, she will join the Program in International Education (PIE), which was created to promote democratic thinking, beginning in August 2011.
Residents at the Harpswell Dormitory and Leadership Center are eligible for the scholarship, which covers full tuition, transportation, and living expenses for a one-year academic program with collaborating universities in the United States. Miss Limheang was selected as one of this year’s scholarship recipients based on the following six criteria: English language competency, grades, leadership skills, compatibility with the American culture, commitment to help Cambodia, and participation and citizenship in Harpswell dormitory activities.
To prepare for her departure, she is having to take nine courses in Term II to complete the UC requirements for graduation. Although others may have felt overwhelmed by this daunting task, Miss Limheang has embraced the challenge and committed herself to learning the material and succeeding.
She decided to pursue her post-graduate studies at Bard after hearing that two former Harpswell students, who were also scholarship recipients, had “great experiences” at Bard. She plans on studying international relations and hopes to use her experience and the knowledge she gains there for the benefit of Cambodia when she returns.
“I hope to learn about culture, the style of living, and the reality of society in the U.S.,” she said. “I want to learn about new things and to share my experiences when I return to Cambodia.”
Her dreams include becoming a professor and a life coach because she enjoys motivating people and enriching their lives. She also hopes to work for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to “help bring good relations between Cambodia and other countries,” and believes that people and countries need to respect humanity.
“I love it when people love peacekeeping,” she said. “We are the world nation and everything we do is for us and our next generation.”
She has valuable advice for the younger generation. First, she encourages students to study hard, earn good grades, and pursue their Bachelor’s degrees, for “their lives will be brighter and they can serve themselves, their families, and Cambodian society.” Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, staying in contact with people who love you, and sharing knowledge are also very important, according to Miss Limheang, who added that students should never be afraid to take risks. Moreover, she said she believes it is every Cambodian’s responsibility to know about the country’s history and culture and to share this with others.
“If we value ourselves, others will value us,” said Miss Limheang. “Wherever you are, let others know that Cambodia is great.”
Heng Limheang extends a sincere thank you to all of her instructors at UC and to the staff at the Harpswell Foundation, in particular to Alan Lightman, Peou Vanna, Veasna Chea, Mrs. Phally, and Marya Sen. Without their support, she would not have this amazing opportunity to continue her studies and development.
