Never Give Up: Sithea San at TEDxSoCal

Рет қаралды 40,589

12 жыл бұрын

Sithea San is a Cambodian genocide survivor having escaped the Killing Fields of the Khmer Rouge as a teenager in 1980. Her story is one of strong determination and perseverance as her journey took her across landmine-riddled Cambodia to Thailand and eventually immigrating to Long Beach, California with her mother and two sisters. With virtually no English language skills, she enrolled in the local public schools, graduated high school and earned her bachelor's degree from California State University, Dominguez Hills in 1991.
After graduation, Sithea and her husband returned to Cambodia where she worked as Director of Commercial Operations for the Cambodian national airline for five years. She is currently a Customer Service Officer with Union Bank and the immediate past Board Chair for Cambodia Town, Inc. For her commitment to preserve and share her Khmer heritage, she has received numerous awards and recognition for community service and leadership at local, state, and national levels.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

Пікірлер: 27

@sammyshimai6948 6 жыл бұрын

I am so moved by your story, and proud of my Cambodian heritage. Your story brought tears to my eyes. If my parents did not escape Cambodia during those times, I would not be here. I am grateful every day for the many blessings I receive. Thank you for sharing your story.

@samphorskhoun5977 6 жыл бұрын

We (Cambodian) need to keep going forward. Tear drop from your speech as my mom ever told.

@ellesocal6121 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing and educating us about Cambodia in 1975. That was such a moving story about your life surviving the terior of the khmer rouge...keep up your great work to educate and inspire others about Cambodia...😚

@The24winter 11 жыл бұрын

Well, she is about the same age as me and her story was so similar to mine except my parents and some bros/sis didn't survive the KR regime. Moreover sadly I didn't end up starting a new life in USA after KR but again have to endure the hardship and poverty and life as an orphan with remaining sibling. Our lives were so tough one regime to another. We have to be strong to survive in those environment. No help no one to complaint at. Thanks Christ I am now in a great place called Australia.

@leangsimchea4918 6 жыл бұрын

Van theman my dad was in the KR when I thought he was 5 because we don't know when he was born we only know he is a dog (not in the wrong way) and the year of the dog is in 1970 and I just watched first they killed my father and TBH I cried like a baby and that was my dad and 5 other siblings and fortunately they all survived and my grandparents too and today I live in Australia and I was born in a free country like my little brother Hayden who is 6 and me who is currently 11 on this day. I am Cambodian and I am proud of that and that will never change.