ChanEk Bonyavatar (Academic Year 2025-2026) – Challenging, Nostalgic, Tiring
Favorite Quote: “If it is not right, do not do it, if it is not true, do not say it.” – Marcus Aurelius
An interesting fact about Bonyavatar is that he can finish at least ten pieces of fried chicken without any beverages. He enjoys going for long walks, especially in the evening when it starts to get dark. He also likes to challenge himself until failure to discover what he is truly capable of, this mindset applies to almost everything he does. When he was younger, he was quite good at art and sketching. In Grade 10, he attended a summer school program in Japan with a friend, which taught him how to live independently in a dormitory while experiencing Japanese culture and building friendships with people from different backgrounds.
His favorite subjects are AP Microeconomics, Calculus, and Chemistry. He finds these subjects easier to study once he gets into a steady learning flow, as many of the concepts feel logical and connected. Among them, AP Microeconomics benefits him the most since he plans to pursue a career in finance. The most challenging tasks for him are projects that involve public speaking, such as presentations. Speaking in front of others, regardless of familiarity, can be difficult for him, as it requires sharing personal opinions. He tends to be more reserved and prefers keeping his thoughts private. He believes AP Microeconomics will prepare him well for life after high school by providing a strong foundation in finance and business. In the future, he hopes to pursue a master’s degree and explore careers such as corporate finance management, investment management, or quantitative analysis, though he is still deciding which path to take.
Outside of academics, Bonyavatar has been very active in the Community Service Club, where he participated in charity fundraising activities and donation drives. He also joined three riverside clean-up events near Sokha Hotel, which gave him insight into the daily work of public cleaners and helped him develop empathy for others. One of his favorite memories at AUPPHS-FA was raising nearly $200 through a mooncake bake sale with the Community Service Club, followed by organizing a donation drive for women and children in need. The group later visited AFESIP with Mr. Song to deliver the donations. It was a meaningful experience that allowed him to better understand the hardships faced by the children there. He also personally donated $50 to the organization, believing that every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference.
After graduating from AUPPHS-FA, Bonyavatar plans to spend more time with his family before moving abroad to continue his studies. He hopes to secure a well-paying job in the future and possibly build a real estate business while staying close to his siblings.
His advice to juniors at AUPPHS-FA: “Never compare yourself with others who do better or worse than you, just be yourself and put your all into your own work. Looking over at another person does not guarantee your own success, its you and you only.”