SOVATHANA SOKHOM:
Student, Teacher, Inspiration

When she was eight years old, Sovathana Sokhom was toiling on a work farm operated by the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia. She was separated from her family, denied schooling, and lived in constant fear for her life. Now she is a PhD student in economic and political science at Claremont Graduate University.

While researching her dissertation—which will explore the effect women have on international trade—Sokhom plans to continue her work in Cambodia. She’s returning this summer to teach a new course she designed to empower Cambodian women.

“Traditionally, in Cambodian culture, a good woman is one who stays at home and cooks,” she says. “In America I’ve learned a woman can have a family and a career. I’m living proof. I want to go back and show these women all the opportunities they have.”

Despite being deprived of an education in Cambodia, and only learning rudimentary English at the refugee camps, Sokhom excelled in high school and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in political science from St. Olaf College in Minnesota. Later she would earn a master’s degree in international trade from Texas A & M International University.

Soon afterward she began volunteering for the Cambodian-American National Development Organization (CANDO). She was sent to Cambodia in 1994, shortly after the national election—the first attempt to implement democracy in Cambodia.

“I began teaching English and business to the first generation of Cambodian students who could complete higher education without paying bribes,” Sokhom noted.

After the elections she also began tutoring assembly members—of both parties—on issues of trade and international business. Shortly after the 1998 election, Sokhom moved back to the United States. After settling in Los Angeles, she got married, started a family, and began teaching. Last year Sokhom enrolled at Claremont to pursue her PhD.

"Maybe it's because I didn't start my education until seventh grade that I haven't gotten tired of learning yet," Sokhom noted. "I've only been here a short time, but so far it's been a tremendous experience."

EDUARDO OCHOA:
Teacher of the Year in San Diego

When teenagers get to junior high school, they often make decisions that can set them on a course for the rest of their lives. Students at San Diego, California’s Marston Middle School have an ally who is passionate about sending the kids on their way with an acquired sense of self.

Eduardo Ochoa, currently finishing his dissertation in Claremont Graduate University’s School of Educational Studies, was named the San Diego Unified School District’s 2006-07 Middle School Teacher of the Year. His philosophy includes teaching life lessons and painting a bigger picture of the world for his students.

“I tell my kids that it’s not just about themselves, it’s also about how the past affects us and that what we do not only impacts us, but other people as well.” Ochoa said.

Ochoa was born in Rosarito, Mexico and attended San Diego-area schools. At a critical time toward the end of his high school career, he received some solid mentoring, which he said, helped him regain his focus on education.

Ochoa said he empowers his students to speak up and voice their opinions in class. He tells them to dream big, be creative, and believe in themselves.

Beyond his role as teacher, Ochoa also donates extra time at Marston, where he is the Associated Student Body advisor and Si Se Puede Club advisor.

His time at Claremont Graduate University (which shares the PhD program with San Diego State University) has been extremely valuable in shaping his career. Ochoa said the faculty and students have pushed him to learn more than he ever thought he would.

“I was blown away by how much insight they have,” he said. “My first class alone really humbled me. It was a completely different level from anything I thought it would be, and it’s made me grow into a much better teacher.”