First months at PN for our students: comparative looks

Those first month of the students in our centres are the result of our fair and rigorous selection process which allow us to select the most underprivileged young people. Their arrival is a major change to their life: leaving their parents, family and friends but also coming to a new city, meeting new people. It’s also the start of a 2-3 years intensive training programme: discovering IT, intensive English, Learning to Learn, Developmental Activities, etc.

How do the students experience those first months at the centres? Srey Em S. [S.S], a student in Cambodia (21, from Ratanakiri), Adrianne R. [A.R] student in the Philippines (18, from Samar) and H. Dang Thiet [D.T.H] student in Vietnam (19, from Binh Dinh) agreed to share with you their first impressions.

Could you share your experience about the selection process and the news of your own selection?

[S.S] I was really looking forward to it when they first announced the selection programme. I was so excited and eager to come as well when I was informed that I had passed. I wanted to come to PN Cambodia so much, even though I knew that there was also some another process as well.

[A.R] Actually, I was nervous throughout the whole selection process; I didn’t think I’d make it. I was especially nervous during the interview because talking to people who are complete strangers is definitely not my strength. When I found out that I had passed, I was surprised because l didn’t think I would get through the interview stage.

[H.D.T] The selection process went well for me when I joined the Information Session with PNV staff in my school. At that time, I was at a crossroads: I had to decide to continue pursuing higher education but my family couldn’t pay for my tuition. So PNV was a gateway to get closer to my goal.

Could you explain how you felt about the other students when you first arrived and tell us about your friends/other students now?

[S.S] I was nervous because I knew that there were going to be other people from different places. I didn’t know anyone and I was scared to talk to them. But now, we are really close. We can communicate and talk about our feelings. We are like one big family; now we get along really well.

[A.R] At first, I really thought that I would not make any friends here because I didn’t understand what they were saying. I am from another island and I speak another dialect which is different from what most of my classmates speak. On the other hand, I was very happy when my classmates were the ones who tried to approach me by speaking our national language, Filipino: I really appreciated their efforts. Now, after just a few weeks, I am already fluent in  the local dialect in Cebu; I am so proud and happy about this.

[H.D.T] At first, everything was pretty new for me. I was quite embarrassed and shy with everyone. I think other students also felt the same as me because we all came a long way from home to PNV to pursue our dream. But later on, I was warmly welcomed by PNV staff and felt very special as we are one big family.

What was your impressions of the centre and the dormitories when you arrived?

[S.S] To my surprise, the rooms were really comfortable. Each person has their own bed. When people say PN Cambodia is like a school, I thought it was a school building, but it’s a training centre.

[A.R] I thought  the centre was great compared to what we have back at home: I now have my own bed and we have our own toilet and bath in the room.

[H.D.T] Everything is new: enthusiastic staff, caring for students from studying to living in the dorm.

What can you say about the PN training?

[S.S] Generally speaking, the programme is quite standard: first, I study theory and then I also get to practice. I also like how PN provides us with different workshops and training courses and allows us to work as a team. In high school, there were only six hours to do it, but in here we have eight hours and also individual studies. So there is a lot of time for us to work and develop our skills.

[A.R] I really admire the PN training course. Within the first few months, I already learned a lot of  things. The teachers are good and they really have so much knowledge about the subject they are teaching us.

[H.D.T] The programme content is quite detailed and clear. There are also a variety of assignments to have a better understanding of the lesson as well as the course.

At this stage, could you share with us your hopes or expectations?

[S.S] I want to be a Web Programmer. I hope to run my own IT Company at home and help my family at the same time.

[A.R] I hope and expect for our whole batch to graduate successfully in 2020.

[H.D.T] I would like to be good at computers, good at programming, to develop myself, to help my family and help those in need.

Could you give one piece of advice to the student in next year’s class when they arrive in PN centre?

[S.S] Study hard, learn the basics. Don’t worry or think about the future that much. Respect the teachers.

[A.R] Be brave and don’t let failure hold you back. And don’t hang your clothes on the electric fan!

[H.D.T] Live with passion and always try your best! Every beginning may not easy but with your efforts and hard work, you can make your dream come true. You don’t only help yourself to have a brighter future, but you will also help your family thanks to the PNV training programme.

Last but not least, could you sum up those first months in one word: