Kaylie Wallace

Kaylie came to Aziza's Place to spend her summer volunteering and experiencing life in Phnom Penh.  With her bubbly personality, energy and enthusiasm, she made a new best friend in Channy as they studied English together (see  left).  Kaylie also taught English to the staff and lent a hand in various adminstration projects.  Many thanks for your work Kaylie - we look forward to seeing you when you return!           

How did you find Aziza’s Place?

Amjad Ghori is a lifelong friend of my father!  I didn’t have to look very far to stumble upon this amazing opportunity.

What brings you here? What is your motivation to come?

I study Global Development and Foreign Affairs at the University of Virginia, where I am currently in my third year. I knew I wanted to gain some experience abroad, and ideally, through an NGO or non-profit in a developing nation. I followed my dad’s advice and contacted Amjad, who quickly offered me the opportunity to work at AP for the summer. I didn’t think twice and started booking tickets and making plans! The fact that my mom was able to join me for two weeks made the experience even more special and meaningful.

What are you doing or did you do at AP?

I bounced around, doing whatever was needed. I worked on a few long-term projects including grant writing and an application for AP to join a Cambodian educational partnership. On a more day-to-day basis, I taught English to the little girls and house moms, compiled thank-you letters and volunteer info, and ate LOTS of Khmer tropical fruits!

What preconceived ideas of Cambodia did you have before that have been changed since being here?
I think the amount of development, and the fact that Phnom Penh is such a cosmopolitan city surprised me. It may be classified as a developing nation, but accommodations, food and touring were like many international cities. It wasn’t until we visited Siem Riep and the countryside that I feel I was able to witness the more ’traditional’ Khmer culture.

What advice would you give to new volunteers?
 


I think the best advice to give would be that no day is predictable in Cambodia; you have to be flexible with plans and accepting of cultural differences. It takes time to adjust to the way of life, but once you do, the experience is incredible!

About you:


I’m a 20 year-old girl from Washington, DC and currently studying at the University of Virginia (UVA). I’m the oldest of four children. I enjoy learning about international relations, traveling, art, running and being outside.

What did you do before coming to AP?
I was, and still am, a student at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA.

What are your plans for after AP?
I left in August to continue my education and apply my experiences to my studies. I’d love to continue traveling (and maybe plan a reunion visit!) but for now, I’ll be stateside. Who knows where I’ll end up after graduation!

What is something unique about where you come from? How is it similar or different from Cambodia?
I grew up ALL over America, so I come from many different places. Right now, my family lives near Washington, DC. The change of seasons we experience is quite different than in Cambodia- we have leaves changing color in the fall, snow in the winter, and everything in between! The afternoon monsoons I experienced in Cambodia were nothing like I had ever seen, though. We don’t ever get rain like that in Virginia!

What’s your favorite memory at AP?

As silly as this sounds, one of my fondest and most vivid memories are the times the kids and I would sing pop songs. From the Beatles to Taylor Swift, I’ve never had as much fun jamming out than I did at AP! Their spunk and energy is something I’ll never forget.