News

It’s that exciting time of the year when colleges are awarding their ‘early decision’ acceptance scholarships. Three of our class of 2019 students have just learned of their acceptance to their preferred colleges. While the students concerned are thrilled, their peers applying for ‘regular decision’ are now more optimistic about the news they will receive this spring. We congratulate Rithy, Somphors and Sokhoeun who share their reflections below.

Rithy ’19 has been awarded a scholarship to NYU Abu Dhabi, UAE. She said, “It's so hard to describe how I feel about receiving a scholarship and being accepted to NYUAD as I have felt every kind of emotion. At first, I was in shock. Then, gradually I saw the new possibilities that my future may hold. I began to focus on the exciting opportunities that will arise from being at such a great university. I will make sure that I continue to make the most of each one as they come along. Currently, I am planning to major in applied mathematics in one of the sciences or a human science subject.”

Somphors ’19, who earned a scholarship to Kenyon College, Ohio, USA, said, “It is challenging to describe my feelings when I found out that I was offered a scholarship and accepted to college. I was actually on a plane when the letters were sent. So, what began as one of the worst plane rides, frustratedly waiting for news, became the best plane ride of my life when I checked my phone, using the onboard wifi, and saw that I had been accepted. I was quickly flooded with emotions, and I shed tears of joy; I looked up into the air, took a deep breath and thought, wow!, what a beautiful world. I haven’t finally decided on my major yet. Currently, I’m heading in the direction of pre-law, political science or international relations.”

Sokhoeun ’19 has been given a scholarship to Union College, New York, USA. He said, “I was elated the moment I saw that I had received a scholarship and acceptance to Union College. I was speechless. I kept reading and re-reading the acceptance letter to make sure it was not a mistake. I was at school in the college and careers office talking to teachers about my application when I found out, so I had to keep it together. However, If I had been at home, I would’ve been jumping and screaming all over the place. I am jubilant to know that I will be continuing my education abroad. It motivates me to keep striving, and I feel that my educational journey is looking ever more positive. I hope to major in mathematics and minor in economics.”

All three students expressed their gratitude for all at JPA for the opportunities and support they have received throughout their education. Thank you to all of the teachers and staff who have worked with these talented students over their entire school careers.