Sokhim is a senior pursuing a dual degree in Law at AUPP and the University of Arizona as a fully funded student. Her academic journey is marked by leadership roles in Model United Nations and Model ASEAN Meeting, and co-founding the Law Society Club, where she excelled in moot court competitions. She gained invaluable experience through her participation in the National Commercial Arbitration Moot Court and an internship at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia.
Read Sokhim’s interview below:
1. Could you tell us about yourself?
My name is Sokhim Suy, and I am currently a senior student majoring in a dual degree of law at AUPP (American University of Phnom Penh) and the University of Arizona, where I am a fully funded student. Coming from a large family of nine siblings, I am the youngest, which has shaped much of my personal outlook on life. Growing up in a big family has helped me develop patience, understanding, and a strong sense of responsibility. When I’m not immersed in my studies, I spend my leisure time reading, watching documentaries, cooking, running, and walking my dog. These activities help me stay grounded and balanced in my daily life. My love for learning also extends beyond the classroom, where I’ve taken part in various clubs and activities such as the Music Club and The Green Aid Club. During the pandemic, our club raised funds to support victims, which taught me a lot about the value of community efforts.
At AUPP, I was actively involved in Model United Nations and Model ASEAN Meeting, serving as the Chair of the Indonesia delegation. In addition, my friends and I formed the Law Society Club, focusing on moot court competitions. One of my proudest achievements was participating in the National Commercial Arbitration Moot Court, where I gained deep insights into Cambodian civil law.
Outside of academia, I enjoy interacting with various sectors. I’ve volunteered in the Digital Government Forum 2024, taught English to rural Cambodian children through NGOs, and worked as a freelance MC. Additionally, I had the opportunity to participate in an exchange program in Korea, where I learned about digital transformation and leadership. I also interned at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, which was a deeply enriching experience.
2. Could you tell us about the achievements you are most proud of?
One of the achievements I am most proud of is participating in the National Commercial Arbitration Moot Court competition. This experience was transformative for me both academically and personally. Moot court is not just about legal knowledge; it’s about
teamwork, communication, research, and leadership. Our team spent six months in preparation, which involved long hours of legal research, drafting memos, and refining our arguments. Initially, we faced many challenges like differences in opinions, contradictions in ideas, and struggles with leadership. However, these obstacles forced us to grow, both as individuals and as a team.
Through countless debates and practice sessions, we developed resilience, learned how to manage disagreements, and built a strong sense of collaboration. The experience helped me develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of Cambodian contract law and civil code. On the day of the competition, seeing everything come together was immensely rewarding. It was not only about winning or losing but about the process that led us to that moment.
Apart from moot court, I also won the Best Position Paper award at a Model ASEAN Meeting on the topic of “Combating Drug Trafficking in ASEAN.” This achievement is significant to me because it reflects my dedication to understanding complex regional issues and presenting well-researched solutions. Both accomplishments have reinforced my passion for law and advocacy and have given me valuable skills that I will carry forward in my future legal career.
3. Could you tell us about one experience that changed your life?
One experience that profoundly changed my life was learning to be brave enough to speak up. Growing up, I struggled with anxiety, self-doubt, and shyness. I often found it difficult to voice my opinions or stand up for myself, especially in public or competitive environments. These feelings became barriers that kept me from reaching my full potential.
However, I realized that remaining in my comfort zone would never help me achieve my goals. This realization came during one of the early stages of my academic journey when I had to present in front of a large audience. My fear almost overwhelmed me, but I decided to face it head-on. I remember telling myself, “Be brave, everything starts with that.” It was that first step of pushing myself to speak, despite my fears, that initiated a turning point in my life.
From that moment, I started actively participating in debates, presentations, and public speaking opportunities. Each time I faced my fear, I felt it diminish, and I grew more confident in my abilities. This transformation didn’t happen overnight, but the process helped me become more self-assured, which has been instrumental in shaping who I am today. I now embrace challenges with courage and view public speaking and leadership roles as opportunities for growth rather than sources of anxiety.
4. Who is the person you look up to the most?
The people I look up to the most are my mother and my aunt. Both have been incredible role models for me, especially in their resilience, hard work, and kindness. Growing up, I witnessed how much they sacrificed for our family and how they always put others’ needs before their own.
My mom has been the backbone of our family, managing to provide us with love, support, and opportunities for education, despite facing numerous challenges. Her strength and determination are qualities I admire deeply, and she has taught me the importance of perseverance and staying true to your values. My aunt, on the other hand, has been a pillar of emotional support for me. She has always encouraged me to pursue my dreams and be
unapologetically myself. Both embody the virtues of compassion, hard work, and determination, which I strive to incorporate into my own life.
5. What are the steps you took that led you to where you are right now?
The first step I took to get to where I am today was self-awareness. I asked myself critical questions: “Who am I? What do I want to achieve? What do I need to get there?” Understanding my strengths, weaknesses, and ambitions was the foundation for creating a path forward. Once I had clarity on my goals, I began actively seeking opportunities that aligned with my aspirations.
Next, I made sure to surround myself with positive influences—mentors, friends, and colleagues who supported my vision and challenged me to improve. In school, I took advantage of extracurricular activities, internships, and competitions to sharpen my skills. I also learned the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone, which is why I embraced opportunities like moot court, the Digital Government Forum, and teaching in rural areas.
Continuous learning is another vital step. I actively pursued opportunities for growth, whether it was through formal education, online courses, or real-world experiences like my internship at the Extraordinary Chambers. Along the way, I stayed flexible, knowing that achieving long-term goals requires adaptation and resilience. Setting clear objectives, seeking out mentors, embracing challenges, and constantly learning have been the key steps that have led me to where I am now.
6. What are the happiest moments of your life?
The happiest moments of my life are the times spent with my family and my dog. Quality time with loved ones is irreplaceable, and I cherish every moment I get to be with them. Being the youngest of nine siblings, I’ve always had a deep connection with my family. The times when we gather, share stories, laugh, and simply enjoy each other’s company are some of the most joyful experiences I have.
My dog is also a source of happiness for me. Taking my dog for a walk or playing with him in the park brings a sense of calm and fulfillment. These simple, yet meaningful moments allow me to step back from the hustle and busyness of life and appreciate the small things.
7. Is there any advice for people who look up to you?
My advice to anyone who looks up to me is simple: “Do it today, don’t wait until tomorrow.” Procrastination can be a significant barrier to achieving your goals, and delaying action often leads to laziness, which can cause us to miss out on important opportunities.
If you have a dream or a goal, start working towards it now. Break it down into small, manageable steps and take consistent action. You don’t have to know everything or be perfect; you just need to begin. Taking initiative is what sets achievers apart from dreamers. It’s better to make mistakes along the way than to never start at all. Trust the process, and stay committed to your journey, no matter how tough it may seem.