We met this amazingly motivated young lady at a hotel in Siem Reap. She has been on my mind since we left so I have decided to write about her and share the story she told us.She was born in a Phnom Penh, the middle of 7 children. Her mother wanted her to work in a garment factory in Phnom Penh like her sisters and other family members. She did not want to as many people develop reactions to the fabric dust and dyes causing swollen limbs and respiratory illnesses.
She was sent to live with her aunt in Siem Reap at aged 16 years. Her aunt had a street stall selling food to passersby near Angkor Wat. At night they slept on the table after the last customers left. One night it was very cold so her aunt lit a fire under the table and unfortunately it was destroyed in the fire! She remained with her aunt for 6 years.
She got a job at the small hotel and everyday you are greeting with a bubbly "Good morning. What are you plans today?" She is so enthusiastic and speaks very good English. She is the 'trouble shooter' at the reception desk.
She goes to classes between 6 and 7am learning Business Management. At 7.10 she begins work at the hotel and trouble shoots until 6 pm. Then she races off to class again to learn Hotel Administration from 6-7pm. She changes and then works at a restaurant greeting customers and trouble shooting until the last customer leaves at 10 or 11 pm.
She sleeps at the hotel on the floor in the kitchen with the other kitchen staff and has been doing this now for 4 years, 7 days a week!
Her dad left her mum so she does not believe she can meet a faithful man so has no plans for marriage or a family.
We wish her all the luck in the world!
These guys work at the hotel too. One drives a tuk tuk at night.
