Senior Student Highlight: Kanica Nhem

Kanica Nhem (Academic Year 2022-2023) – Challenging, Self-discovery, Fun
Favorite Quote: “And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in.” – Haruki Murakami

Kanica is one of the outstanding seniors and a member of the AUPPHS-FA Student Council member. One interesting fact about her is that she likes to collect hot wheels to display on her bookshelf. Additionally, about 70% of her books are contemporary Japanese literature, her favorite thing to read. Besides her study, Kanica likes to do sports such as basketball, and works for the student council. She also likes community service and looks forward to applying for an internship. One of her favorite memories at AUPPHS-FA was the event that she worked together with other students on Halloween day.

Kanica told us that one of the subjects she particularly likes is Form and Space Exploration, one of the subjects in the STEAM Program, because she learns the fundamentals of design and geometric arrangement, contributing to her design passion and ideas. At the same time, this class helps her to explore more into the field of design and opens a new world and perspective when she’s looking at certain things. Since Kanica’s passion is in the field of design, this subject helps to prepare her for life after high school. One of the challenges that Kanica faces during her study here is the AP Seminar class performance task. She found it the most challenging project because it was new to her. On the other hand, this course also helped her to know and create solutions to the current societal problem and come up with multiple perspectives and arguments. After graduating from AUPPHS-FA, Kanica wants to apply to a university abroad to pursue her passion in fashion design or study at the American University of Phnom Penh and work on fashion design as a side thing.

Kanica s a talented and versatile young woman whose advice for her contemporaries is “It’s always better to do things on time and not leave it until the last minute. And if there’s anything that scares you (for example, competition, debate, MUN, etc.), it’s a sign that you should do it. These experiences will make you look back at it and be glad that you did join and not let your fear take over you and rob you of those opportunities. Whether you’re going to do bad or good, it’s either an achievement or a lesson/experience, and you have nothing to lose. So I encourage everyone to try many things as much as possible during your high school year.”