During the recent term break, the kids at Little Hearts were treated to a moving motivational speech by Rhea Soco Neis, a seasoned broadcast and print journalist who previously worked for the Khmer Times and EAC News, and is currently a correspondent for ABS CBN News (a leading entertainment and news network in the Philippines) while also working as a teacher at Footprints International School in Phnom Penh.
Rhea is living proof that determination can rise above the most difficult of circumstances. Growing up in a poor family in Cebu, Philippines, Rhea was exposed to the harsh realities of life from a young age. She was unwittingly involved in her father’s illegal gambling operations and lost her mother at the age of 15, forcing her to become the primary caregiver to four younger siblings. But she never lost sight of her dreams. Through sheer grit and perseverance, she managed to juggle school, work and childcare. Despite becoming homeless and being embroiled in an abusive relationship, she fought her way out of hardship, applied for scholarships, and eventually found stability and success.
We invited Rhea to speak to the kids not only because of her powerful story, but also as a real-life example of a confident and compelling public speaker, perfectly aligned with our English language curriculum, where students are currently learning the fundamentals of public speaking.
In her presentation, Rhea demonstrated the key elements of effective speech delivery, including body language and movement, voice control (varying tone, volume and pace to maintain interest and emphasize points) and confidence. Perhaps the most important message she shared is that real confidence is not innate – it is built through preparation, experience and believing in your message.
Her presence lit up the room, not just because of what she said, but how she said it, captivating our students with her energy and authenticity. She also reminded the kids that being poor is not a hindrance to achieving one’s dreams. Her words carried the weight of someone who has lived through adversity and still managed to rise. She urged them to stay committed to their goals, be tougher than their problems, believe in education as a passport to a better life, and most of all, to never give up, even when hope seems far out of reach.
“Hardship often prepares ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny,” she concluded.
From all of us at Little Hearts, thank you, Ms. Rhea, for sharing your life’s journey, your voice and your strength with us. You’ve shown our kids that with courage and determination, they can overcome any challenge and speak their truth with confidence.
Also in the month of August, we hosted another motivational speech by Dr. Tith Hong Yoeu, the founder and director of Roomchang Dental Hospital in Phnom Penh. His talk aimed to help our kids explore different career paths and gain an understanding of the many professions out there. But Dr. Tith is still a dentist first and foremost, so he couldn’t help but begin his talk with some advice on proper dental care! Brush your teeth three times a day, after every meal, he reminded us. And floss, too!
After covering the basics of dental hygiene, Dr. Tith shared his personal journey, noting how hard he’d worked in order to achieve the success he enjoys today. One powerful message that stood out was his advice for our kids to develop independence. He encouraged them to start with small steps, such as taking responsibility for personal tasks and being brave enough to face life’s challenges.
He also emphasized the importance of gratitude and having a positive outlook. He reminded everyone that no matter what we’re going through, there’s always someone facing a more difficult situation. Being thankful, even for small things, helps us live with a sense of appreciation and hope.
At the end of his talk, Dr. Tith gifted dental care kits to all the kids, including toothpaste, a toothbrush and a mug. We are so very grateful to Dr. Tith for sharing his time, wisdom, and kindness with us. And we promise to brush our teeth more often!
