Photo of Thy Pech shot from the back.

Mastering the World

Cambodian immigrant Thy Pech takes an inspiring path to his M.A.

“The reason I’m going to school is to make up for lost time for my siblings, because they never had a chance,” says 38-year-old Thy Pech reflecting on his family days before he crossed the stage at CSULB to earn his M.A. in education. At the age of eight, Thy arrived in Long Beach with his mom, Ran, and three siblings after leaving Cambodia and spending about five years in refugee camps along the Thai-Cambodian border. Born into a time of violent political conflict, Thy credits his academic success and teaching career to his mother and family members who helped propel him toward a better life.

Thy waits in anticipation at his commencement ceremony on May 19, 2015.
Thy waits in anticipation at his commencement ceremony on May 19, 2015.

"The least I could do is give my children the opportunity that I didn't have."

“The least I could do is give my children the opportunity that I didn’t have.”

After the death of her husband, Thy's mother, Ran Pech, left Cambodia with her four children. The family hiked for five months to reach refugee camps in Thailand. They were resettled in Long Beach in 1985.
After the death of her husband, Thy’s mother, Ran Pech, left Cambodia with her four children. The family hiked for five months to reach refugee camps in Thailand. They were resettled in Long Beach in 1985.
Thy teaches 6th grade at Lindbergh STEM Academy in Long Beach. He says he chose a teaching career to honor those who lost their lives or gave their lives to help him reach success, and to give back to the community.
Thy teaches 6th grade at Lindbergh STEM Academy in Long Beach. He says he chose a teaching career to honor those who lost their lives or gave their lives to help him reach success, and to give back to the community.

Thy in front of his students.

“ My presence in the classroom felt right. ”

Thy stands in front of a mural depicting Cambodian refugees arriving in Long Beach. After his family arrived, his mother supported the family by sewing and cooking. Thy remembers collecting cans with his brother.
Thy stands in front of a mural depicting Cambodian refugees arriving in Long Beach. After his family arrived, his mother supported the family by sewing and cooking. Thy remembers collecting cans with his brother.

"The things my mom, my brother and my sisters did, were acts of kindness. There are no super-heroes, but that’s as close as you’re going to get."

“The things my mom, my brother and my sisters did, were acts of kindness. There are no super-heroes, but that’s as close as you’re going to get.”

Thy lifts his diploma in triumph — a symbol of the hard work and sacrifice his mother made for him.
Thy lifts his diploma in triumph — a symbol of the hard work and sacrifice his mother made for him.

Photos by Joe Philipson

 
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