Reflections on Community and Courage: Harpswell Scholar Yarida
June 13, 2025 | written by Teresa Nowalk
Our US scholars for 2024-2025 enjoying winter
Every year, exceptional graduates from the Cambodian Women’s Leadership program are selected for a year of study as US Scholars in Memphis, Tennessee at Harpswell’s partner, Christian Brothers University (CBU). Our four US scholars for 2024-2025 are now starting their next chapter back in Cambodia, eager to apply what they learned abroad. Chhit Yarida ‘24, a graduate in Information Program Management from Paragon University, reflects on her enduring passion for volunteering, and how it helped her build community abroad.
My Early Dreams
My older brother introduced me to English when I was six years old. I remember him driving me to school on his bike and registering me for English class. At that time I didn't know what English was, I only knew my mother tongue Khmer. I still can hear him telling me “You should learn English, it’ll be good for your future.”
My brothers, along with my parents, were my biggest supporters in my education journey. I also remember there was an American volunteer who stayed in my village for a year or two. He was really friendly and helpful, especially with practicing English– like pronunciation and basic grammar. Because of him, I dreamed of going abroad, and especially the United States. This was the point at which I began to encourage myself more and more every day in my studies.
In high school, I saw a story about Sok Sothearath ‘18, the founder of Julean, on Harpswell’s website. Her story about making fertilizer from the waste products really inspired and motivated me to apply. I thought that Harpswell would be a great place for me to grow and to become a better person.
Investing in Community
My four years in the BT dormitory taught me how to be a good community member, both in the dormitory and outside. During my third year at Harpswell, I volunteered with WESTEAM, which works with high school students in Battambang province. I helped to create study material and facilitate classes virtually on digital and computer literacy, including basic coding.
The highlight of WESTEAM was the final project. I led a group of all female students who raised awareness on mental health by making an animation with block code language. It was really exciting to see my students’ growth and how they applied what they learned to build something inspiring for their peers.
Working with those girls inspired my Harpswell civic engagement project with Pho Rina’24, Suon Sorey ‘24 and Rern Nika ‘24. We shared resources, including scholarship opportunities, to help high school students prepare for university. I hope to do a similar project in the future.
These skills helped me build a community at Christian Brothers University (CBU), where I met and became friends with people from many different countries.
Harpswell showed me the importance of inclusivity, how to be an open-minded person and how to listen to other people’s perspectives.
Highlights from Memphis
In my first month as a Harpswell US Scholar, I joined a community service week organized by CBU. That was a really wonderful time for me because I was able to do something for Memphis with my new friends. Moments like this, where I was able to engage and connect with others through CBU’s many activities, were the best moments of being a US Scholar.
Every Friday after class I also joined frisbee. I first learned from the American volunteer when I was little, but at CBU it was a way to connect with students and staff. Another fun activity was joining the STARS organization. I enjoyed being a member of STARS because I learned more about autism and autistic people’s experiences by joining their weekly gatherings, like bowling and gaming. In the springtime, I was even able to support them in raising funds for their organization by walking a marathon.
What’s Next for Me
As I start my professional journey, I know I am ready because of Harpswell and my time in Memphis. At CBU I was able to take courses on data analysis and finance that will be helpful as I look for work as a business analyst.
Beyond my professional goals, I hope to involve myself in more community activities.
One of my dreams is to build a small library back in my hometown with some computers, or to do some sharing related to digital literacy for current students.
Most of all, I encourage the next generation to be open-minded: don’t limit yourself. Even though some things will not go to plan, when you are open to new opportunities, you will be able to grow yourself into a better and better person everyday.
