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Press Releases | |
May 25, 2000
Contact:
Her Family Killed by the Khmer Rouge, a Graduate Finds Hope
Darren Johnson
(631) 287 8313
Fax: (631) 283 4081Chantha Sun still feels that her mother SiThan is with her. Following in SiThan's footsteps, Chantha is a budding businesswomen. Starting with her mother's death at the hands of the Khmer Rouge, the 22-year-old has faced several daunting obstacles. But Chantha says her mother has watched over her and was proud when she graduated this month from Southampton College of Long Island University.
The Khmer Rouge executed SiThan, a roadside saleswoman, and all of her extended family, except Chantha's father, Than Sun, when Chantha was a baby. The father escaped with Chantha through the Cambodian jungle into Thailand. He met a new wife and, as refugees, they made a harrowing journey to the U.S. in 1981.
A Liberal Studies-Business major, Chantha gave Than Sun her degree on Sunday, May 21, after commencement ceremonies and an address by famed musician Billy Joel. "I want my father to be proud," Chantha said, "and he deserves the degree more than me. He has worked hard, even taking jobs at fast-food restaurants, and suffered a lot to see me succeed."
Living the life of a refugee wasn't easy. A Christian group relocated the Suns to Ithaca, NY, where Chantha's family still lives today. "When I was 14, I was a clerk at the Cornell University bookstore and it opened up a new world for me. I saw smart students who had dreams and goals. I wanted to be like them and do something with my life."
By age 17 she had moved to Syracuse, NY, bettered her grades and heard about Southampton College, a small liberal arts campus on the Atlantic and in the heart of the famous Hamptons of Long Island. Chantha was accepted and found a new home. Southampton College Academic Dean Maggie Madden adds, "Because of our low student-to-faculty ratio and hands-on programs, Chantha fit in perfectly here. Her upbeat personality has made her a favorite on campus with students, faculty and staff."
Despite all her obstacles, Chantha's incredible work ethic pushed her toward graduating on time and she recently made the Dean's List. Southampton College gave Chantha its Grace Under Fire Award on May 3. Chantha says she's a totally different person now. Enthusiastic and focused, she has gained valuable experience working for banks and Disney on internships and wants to go into human resources upon graduation. "I want to help other people find what's right for them," she said. Eventually, she hopes to be her own boss and start a real-estate company.
Chantha has found romantic love, too, with boyfriend Pharith Deng of Syracuse. Life is finally going right. "It's important to believe in yourself. Having a dream takes you halfway there; working on it will be the success, no matter how big or small the outcome may be."
She says SiThan's spirit walked with her on the commencement stage. Waiting for her was Than Sun, who traveled to Southampton for the landmark day. Chantha added: "I'm gave my Dad my degree because I wanted him to experience some of the happiness I've found."