Rosa Chuon

Hello! My name is Rosa, and I am currently a third-year student at the National University of Battambang. I also teach at Rattinak and joined Tassel in 2023. I have three siblings—two older brothers and myself. Unfortunately, due to financial and family issues, my brothers were unable to finish their 9th grade. I am the only one in my family who was able to continue my education and graduate from high school. 

Currently, I live with my dad and brothers. My mother has suffered from memory loss since I was young, and she no longer recognizes me, my brothers, or my father. It’s a difficult feeling to describe—should I be happy that I still have my mom, or should I be sad because she doesn’t know who I am? I’ve never felt the warmth of a mother, and sometimes I feel like I don’t even have one. After she moved to live with my grandmother, my dad fell into depression and began drinking every day. He started blaming me for everything, especially for my mom moving out. Since then, my life has been difficult , filled with pressure and sadness almost every day. However, I didn’t give up because I believed that things would get better.

Growing up, nothing came easily to me. I remember when I was young, I really wanted to study English, but I couldn’t afford one . It was discouraging to watch my classmates and even kids speaking English fluently while I was in grade 5, who had never had the opportunity to attend English lessons. Then, in 2015, TASSEL teachers came to my school to recruit students for free English lessons. I was extremely excited and registered without hesitation. Then, I continued studying with TASSEL until I graduated from high school.

After high school, I fell into depression again because I couldn’t afford to continue my university studies. University was expensive, and my family had many debts to pay. It felt like walking in the dark without any light. But fortunately, a TASSEL teacher encouraged me to volunteer at TASSEL. At first, I doubted myself, thinking I wasn’t capable enough. However, he continued to support me, telling me that I could do it. After four months of volunteering, I was offered a teaching position at Rattinak. It was a dream come true. Becoming a TASSEL teacher had always been my passion, and I was so happy when it finally happened. Moreover , the salary from teaching allowed me to pay for my university fees without worrying about finances.

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Now, I’ve been with TASSEL since 2015. This is my second year as a teacher with TASSEL. I’m really thankful that TASSEL has not only provided me with an education but also a job that helps me support myself. TASSEL isn’t just a school, it’s like a home and TASSEL teachers are my family. Though my life has not always been easy, and I haven’t received much love from my own family, I am surrounded by unconditional love from both Khmer and foreign teachers at TASSEL. I promise to spread this same love to my students and to those in need in my community. I truly believe that through TASSEL, we have the power to help and change lives.