Caitlin Strom

Caitlin Volunteered at Aziza's Place from January to March 2009. Along with teaching the children yoga, she helped the film students brush up on their technical skills.

Volunteered: January 2009 - February 15, 2009, March 2009
Home: Rhode Island (USA)
Living In: Recently moved to New York City (USA)
Fun Fact: Caitlin is a yoga master










How did you find Aziza’s Place?
I found Aziza’s Place through Peter Mayer, who I used to work with in San Francisco. I knew he had spent some time in Cambodia and I asked him what suggestions he had for where to volunteer and he connected me to AP.

What brings you here? What is your motivation to come?
I am traveling around SE Asia for a few months, but I didn’t want it to be just a typical backpacking kind of trip. I’m doing my best to infuse my trip with some more meaningful endeavors than just the typical tourist stuff (though I’ve done plenty of touristy stuff too!). So Aziza’s Place is part of that. More specifically, I wanted to help in Cambodia because of the problems that are so evident here and its tragic history. I wanted to gain a deeper understanding of the issues facing this country. Of course I’ve only been here a month, which was only enough time to scratch the surface. In many ways I’m more confused than when I got here! But most importantly, I’ve made a connection with these beautiful and amazing kids. I’m so thankful for that.

What are you doing or did you do at AP?
I’ve been teaching English, film classes, some yoga, and generally hanging out.

What preconceived ideas of Cambodia did you have before that have been changed since being here?
One of the things that people told me was that Phnom Penh is a really dangerous place, and I came expecting to always have my guard up. I immediately discovered that this isn’t really the case; I feel very comfortable in this city and I find it really welcoming. Another thing I didn’t expect is how stylish Khmer’s are! Everyone has such cool clothes! Sometimes I feel like a slob in my traveling threads! Many people have also told me how warm and friendly Khmer people are, which I find to be very true. I think almost every interaction I have here comes with a warm smile. One thing I love about Phnom Penh is this amazing fusion between the fast paced modern world, and the mellow more traditional culture. For example, seeing monks with their alms bowls sitting calmly on the back of a speeding moto in the middle of rush hour traffic.

What advice would you give to new volunteers?
Hmmmm…. Be open to new experiences. Don’t be afraid to jump right in there and teach everything you know. Maybe this is just advice I’d give to myself! I learned so much at Aziza’s Place. For instance, I never taught before, and I just made it up as I went along. I learned just as much.

What did you do before coming to AP?
I am a camera assistant on films and commercials.

What are your plans for after AP?
I’m heading to Thailand for a meditation retreat, then after that some more undetermined adventures.

What is something unique about where you come from? How is it similar or different from Cambodia?
I’m originally from Rhode Island, which is the smallest state in the US. One thing that’s similar is that you are not required to wear a helmet on your motorbike! More recently, I’m from Northern California, which is similar to Cambodia in that it has only two seasons: wet and dry. In general, the US is a different place. Most people drive cars instead of motos, and we almost never bargain for anything.

What’s your favorite memory at AP?
I have two: The first is when some of the girls (Ny, Theara, SreyMarch, and Thida) gave me an impromptu Apsara dance performance. Afterwards Somlay and Sengkri did a hilarious rendition of the monkey dance. The other is teaching the kids yoga arm balances in the courtyard and then learning some Khmer acrobatics. I’ve never had so many people standing on me at once!


Caitlin instructing the film class.