Ms. Saroeun Vichheka is a 21-year-old second-year student majoring in Horticulture and Agribusiness at the National University of Battambang (NUBB). She comes from Russei Toteung Village, Preah Sdach Commune, Preah Sdach District, Prey Veng Province. Like many students from rural Cambodia, her family has faced financial hardship. In recent years, border-related conflicts and their impact on local economic activities further reduced her family's income, making it increasingly difficult to support her university education.

Although she remained committed to her studies, her family's financial situation limited her opportunities to develop additional skills outside the university. More recently, she also faced the challenge of balancing her internship with her classes at FLC, as both schedules occasionally overlapped. Despite these obstacles, she remained determined to continue learning and preparing herself for future employment.

Through the Future Leaders Center (FLC) Program, she received comprehensive support that went far beyond financial assistance. The program provided learning materials, computer and soft skills training, and experienced instructors who offered continuous guidance and encouragement. FLC also created a safe environment where she could overcome her fear of public speaking, strengthen her confidence, and prepare for employment through career orientation, CV writing, job application support, and interview preparation. With the guidance of FLC staff, she successfully prepared for recruitment opportunities and achieved positive results.

Participating in the FLC Scholarship Program brought significant changes to her life. She developed greater self-confidence, became more financially responsible by learning how to manage and save money, and established clear personal and career goals. The program also helped her improve essential workplace skills that are rarely taught in university, enabling her to become more prepared for professional life. Today, she approaches new opportunities with confidence and has a clearer vision for her future.

Remaining challenges: While she has grown significantly through the program, balancing her internship responsibilities with the FLC class schedule remains a challenge. Nevertheless, she continues to manage both commitments because she recognizes that each experience contributes to her personal and professional development.