Chan Sobunarith, 24, is a student at both the University of Health and Sciences and the Institute of Foreign Languages.

He studies two different majors, at two different universities, which means   he has to work very hard.

Chan Sobunarith, who intends to become a doctor, is in year seven at the  University of Health and Sciences, and has already graduated from the Institute of Foreign Languages with a bachelor’s degree majoring in French.

“I love these majors because they were my dream when I was young,  and now I can achieve my goal,” he says.

When Sobunarith has free time, he always spends it with his students. He enjoys talking with them, even though he is in the office with their workmates and in class with his students.

He says he really cares about his technique in teaching students because he wants to expand the quality of teaching.

Sobunarith wants to be a good doctor because it’s an important way to serve people who are sick.

With his other major, French, he wants to teach students to speak a foreign language, to communicate with French people and how to use it in the health field.

Sobunarith loves teaching students, even though he says that sometimes, he scarcely has time to breathe.

He has had a part-time course ever since he was in year three, because he wants to help his generation learn, and understand, the technique of  studying.

When Sobunarith entered the faculty of medicine, he had to pass his examinations at the end of the first year in in order to progress to year two. He says he was lucky because he passed it, and talks about the obstacles he met and overcame.

Sobunarith says he never gets to spend much time with his family. Most of his time is taken up with studying or with his students, because he always has ideas for sharing his knowledge.

Even though Sobunarith now studies only at the University of Health and Sciences, he still spends part of his time training in hospitals such as the National Child Hospital, Kalemet Hospital, the Cambodia-Russia Co-operation Hospital, the Maternal Health Centre and the Preh Kosamak Hospital.

“Being a trainee in hospitals means that sometimes I am very busy, but I enjoy helping all the people who are needed,” he says.

As well as training, Sobunarith has also found the time to create a part-time study group with his friends who are volunteer candidates.

This group isn’t related to university classes, however; it’s a kind of sharing experience that involves explanations, reading books or something new that the members can share with one another.

Sobunarith says: “As I am a young Cambodian, I hope that when I graduate as a doctor, and especially if I have a chance to work in the provinces, I will do my best to help all kinds of people.”

He expresses this wish because he knows from experience that hospitals in the provinces don’t have enough doctors skilled in general techniques or surgery.

“These are factors that constitute an obstacle for Cambodian health. The health system in this country is very weak,” he admits.

Sobunarith wants to plant an idea in every young Cambodian’s mind: “If you want to be a good person, you must prepare yourself.

Aiming to be the best prepares you well to overcome big obstacles.”

That’s why he wants young Cambodians to learn how to contribute their time usefully and how to share their knowledge.

He especially wants them to work hard at their studies or their jobs and expects that they will try their best from their heart.

“I always welcome all young people who want to learn about my experiences. If you want to contact me, email [email protected].”