# @jacksonstateu on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/Dc17AIwj2vs
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/70053991-jacksonstateu-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/fc55c7c380.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-09-03T22:49:09.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Jackson State U. (@JacksonStateU) — https://gondola.cc/JacksonStateU

## Caption

#PeopleofJSU: “My decision to pursue my Ph.D. in public policy and administration at Jackson State University wasn't just an academic step; it was a mission born from my roots.

I was born in rural Cambodia near the Thailand border and grew up as the seventh child in a family of ten. In a region where poverty often forced young people into early labor, my parents fought to ensure we all had a chance to learn. Seeing my older siblings sacrifice their own higher education so the younger ones could push further gave me a profound responsibility to make every opportunity count.

Coming to the U.S. as a Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (UGRAD) scholar and receiving my Master's at an HBCU showed me firsthand the power of HBCUs to uplift underserved communities. Choosing JSU was deeply intentional.

I relate to Jackson State’s legacy of advocacy, resilience and community support, which mirrors the values my family taught me back home. Leaving my family behind, navigating cultural shifts and carrying the weight of being an international scholar have tested me, but every hurdle has only deepened my sense of purpose.

Stepping onto JSU's campus meant stepping into a legacy built on fighting spirit, leadership and community uplift. As an international student from an economically disadvantaged background, the path here wasn't easy. Navigating the scholarship processes, leaving my large family thousands of miles away, and pushing through self-doubt was challenging. 

Upon obtaining my Ph.D. in public policy and administration, I plan to return to Cambodia to serve in government, teach future leaders as a professor and build equitable systems for communities just like the one I grew up in.”

- Sotheara, Ph.D. student in public policy and administration from Phnom Penh, Cambodia

#JacksonStateUniversity #JacksonState #HBCU #THEEILove

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 547
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- **Comments:** 7

## Tags

jacksonstateuniversity, theeilove, hbcu, peopleofjsu, jacksonstate

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