Postcard From Sannita At School

This Is Why I Tell My Stories

Back home in his village, Pourn just sent me theses photos via WhatsApp.

Yo Adrian, we did it!

A few days ago, I shared a video explaining that one of my best friends in Cambodia was struggling and needed a little help.

Because of a recent Covid outbreak, a sudden slowdown in tourism meant minimal income for Pourn.

He quickly needed money in order for Sannita, his 8-year-old daughter, to remain in school.

As he messaged me:

“Bong, I embarrass to ask, but Sannita is very clever girl and I just want that she stay in school.”

See, in Cambodia, if you don’t pay extra, your kid doesn’t get the access or attention they need in order to learn.

No pay, no play.

It’s that simple… and that unfair.

I’ve spent a lot of time in Cambodia. I’ve seen firsthand how the deck can be so shockingly stacked against Cambodian kids—especially in rural areas.

I’ve been inside those classrooms where I’ve taught English lessons—and I’ll never forget just how excited and eager those kids were to learn.

They’re not lacking in curiosity or desire, they’re simply, pardon the pun, starving for opportunity.

But—thanks to this community, we just gifted Sannita hers.

Because of a handful of my generous, compassionate readers, this baby girl now has her next full year of school paid for.

And while her story might feel far and distant to some, this is up close and personal for me.

Pourn is one of my best friends in Cambodia.

Someone who’s bent over backwards for me… and for my sister.

Someone with integrity, accountability, and a deep, deep love for his family.

Someone I once watched beg and plead with local street kids to do their damndest to try and go to school.

I witnessed (and felt) just how important education is to this uneducated man.

This morning, after receiving Sannita’s photos—one standing proudly in class on her first day of school, and the other with her bicycle before peddling the 20 minute journey to school for day 2—I couldn’t feel more proud, or more grateful, to know that my stories about Pourn and Cambodia have resonated enough for people to immediately jump in and help a “stranger” in need.

I hope that these words, and these photos, can somehow translate just how good this feels for me.

Full transparency: Pourn’s ask was for $250. But by the next time I picked up my phone, we had already blown past that number.

In just a few hours, we raised $375—so that’s exactly what I sent him.

So from me, Pourn, and Sannita—thank you.

Thank you for believing in community, empathy, education… and me.

This is exactly why I do what I do.

So much gratitude.

With Gusto,

Adrian ⚡️

PS: If this story moved, touched, or inspired you—I’d be honored if you shared it with someone who might feel the same.

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