Meet Chinyean, PSE student and civic service volunteer for the Paralympics!
It's in a Parisian café, tens of thousands of kilometres from her country, that I meet Chinyean, dressed from head to toe in her Paralympic Games uniform, to discuss her experience in France. She arrived 1 month ago and is no longer afraid to thread her way through the arteries of the Paris metro to get to her workplace, the Stade de France, or to visit the must-see sites in the French capital, including her favourite: the Eiffel Tower!
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Chinyean and I'm 21 years old. My family comes from Battambang province, where I grew up. My parents went to work in Thailand and my younger brother and I stayed with my aunt in Battambang. As we had no money, I received support from an organisation to go to school. After my final year, a friend told me about PSE. I wanted to continue my studies, so I asked my organisation to help me apply for vocational training. They took the necessary steps and I was able to join the association!
I went to Phnom Penh before the start of the school year to find out about the different training schools: Hospitality, Business, Mechanics, Construction and Cinema. I chose construction! I'm a girl, but I've always wanted to prove that I'm as capable as a man. I really like this course. I chose the electrical specialisation because later on I'd like to be an Electrical Engineer or Electrical Design Engineer.
What's your life like at PSE?
I'm at the PSE boarding school. After school and in my free time, I have lots of activities. I'm involved in the scout programme and the environment club! In the environment club, we plant plants and flowers, we manage the compost, we look after the school's green spaces, etc. Sometimes, we clean up the areas around PSE by collecting plastic. We also have meetings and training sessions on environmental issues!
Can you tell us about your project in France?
I'd already done some voluntary work for the South East Asian Games. I really enjoyed being a volunteer, it was very interesting. It made me want to apply to be a volunteer at the Paralympics!
The process to get my civic service was quite long. I applied with a CV and covering letter and then had interviews. Once I'd been selected, it took me a while to get my passport and visa!
How is your experience in France going?
When I left Cambodia I was very happy but also very scared! It was my first time on a plane! It was stressful, especially as I was sick on the way. I get sick on all types of transport... but I have to take it easy! And now I'm here in France and I'm really happy!
When I arrived, I had a few days' rest before starting my mission. I was able to go to the mountains, to the seaside and to Paris to visit PSE volunteers in France. It was great, I was made very welcome and I love all the places I've been to in France!
Then I went back to Paris to start my mission for the Paralympics.
I had a lot of surprises in France, and I realise that our cultures are very different! For example, in Cambodia, when we meet someone, we put our hands together and bow our heads to say ‘Hello’. In France, people come up to me and give me kisses - it's very confusing! Especially the first time, I was really surprised!
What is your job at the Paralympic Games?
My job is to translate from Thai to English and from English to Thai. I can speak Thai because my parents taught me the language when I was little. I do the translations for the coaches and athletes in the various delegations.
After the Paralympics, I'm going to Montpellier for another Civic Service assignment until mid-January!
I've already been here a month, so time flies! I'm really happy to be in France, even though I miss my friends, my family and PSE... not forgetting the Cambodian food!
What's next for you after your civic service?
Normally I would have entered my 2nd year this year, but I had the opportunity to come to France for the Paralympics. When I get back to Cambodia, I'll be starting my second year, on an apprenticeship. I'm very happy to be able to do it, because it allows me to study and gain experience at the same time. I've already got some ideas for companies that interest me.
When I graduate from PSE, I'd like to find a job and continue studying in Phnom Penh at the same time. I'd like to study further at university so that I can get a good job in my country.