Ilay Meas is 23 years old and one of the oldest residents at Little Hearts. In 2021 she began her university studies in Interior Design at the Royal University of Fine Arts in Phnom Penh, and in 2022 she completed her first design project – a shop for her favourite personal care brand. This was only the first of many such assignments as her degree course became more demanding and focussed increasingly on the kind of complex group projects that she is likely to experience as a professional designer.
As Ilay nears completion of her bachelor’s degree, another update on her progress is in order. This time, however, in her own words:
“When I started my degree in 2021, I couldn’t go to the university because Covid restrictions were still in place, so all the studying was online. It wasn’t a great start – I was stuck working at home, all by myself, and I couldn’t meet any of my professors or fellow students in person. It was a difficult first year.
In my second year, I was finally able to attend classes in person and meet all my colleagues face to face – I was so happy! I started to understand my coursework a lot better, I learned how to use design software, how to select the right colours for a project, and much more. The third year continued in the same vein, with even more assignments. My schedule was hectic because I had to meet with my project team frequently. Indeed, most of the projects were done as a team, so I learned a lot about teamwork, especially about the importance of communication with one’s collaborators. I also made some good friends, because working as a team, sometimes late into the night, and brainstorming together brings you close to one another.
Then, in the blink of an eye, I was already in my final year. I knew from the beginning that it would be tougher than anything I’d done before because you need to build so many 3D models, and you have to complete a thesis project. In the first semester of this academic year, I had classes every day from Monday to Saturday starting at 7:30 am. In the afternoon I took extra computer classes to sharpen my CAD skills, but they took place really far from the university – it took me an hour to get there by motorbike, and an hour to get back. Then in the late afternoon I’d be back at the university to meet with my project team to work on our assignments. I’d come home to Little Hearts late in the evening feeling really exhausted! On Sundays I was busy with my studies, but I still found the time to help look after the younger kids and organize activities for them.
I just finished my final project for the first semester. It’s a design for a tourist resort located in Cambodia’s mountains. It may look simple, but it took me three months to finish. I had to learn about the mountain landscapes of my country, the weather, the topography, and also about the trends in tourism and hospitality in Southeast Asia. I did my best and I’m happy with the result. For my design on paper, I got 88/100; for the 3D model, I got 80/100. I know I still have a lot to learn, but I have a lifetime to master and polish my skills.
After I graduate, I hope to work as a designer in a private company. My ultimate goal is to start my own interior design business. I’m already thinking about it now and trying to figure out what specific services my firm will offer. It’s just an idea for now, but I enjoy daydreaming about it! I also plan to take advanced classes in English communication. Fluency in English is really important in my field.
I’ve worked hard these last few years to make my dream of becoming a designer come true. But I couldn’t have done it without help from everyone around me. I’m so grateful to my dad Tony for every life lesson he’s taught me and every hug he’s given me when I was struggling. And to all the staff and teachers at Little Hearts for feeding, coaching and encouraging me.
And of course to all the sponsors who support Little Hearts, without whose generosity none of this would be possible. I really appreciate what you have done for me since the first day I stepped through the doors of Little Hearts, way back in 2009 when the orphanage had just been founded. I hope you will continue to support us. Next year, four of my brothers and sisters will start their own university courses, and they, too, will need your help…”