In this insightful and inspiring episode, host Chad sits down with Ravin Pan, a Cambodian-American educator, professor, and advocate for educational reform, to explore the profound connection between personal history, cultural identity, and the transformative power of learning. Ravin shares his family’s remarkable story, beginning with their life in Cambodia, the devastation they endured during the Khmer Rouge era, and the journey that eventually brought them to the United States as refugees.

With honesty and reflection, Ravin discusses how these formative experiences—marked by both hardship and resilience—shaped his worldview, his academic pursuits, and his commitment to giving back. He recounts the challenges of navigating life as a refugee in America, finding his voice in the classroom, and working tirelessly to achieve his goal of becoming a professor. His journey is a testament to perseverance, the value of education, and the importance of honoring one’s roots while forging a new path forward.

The conversation dives deep into Ravin’s vision for improving education in Cambodia, with a focus on access, quality, and culturally relevant learning. He shares his belief that education should not shy away from the darker chapters of history—particularly the Khmer Rouge genocide—but instead embrace them as essential lessons for future generations. By confronting the past with honesty, he argues, Cambodians can better understand their collective identity and create a more united, informed, and empowered society.

Ravin also speaks passionately about the potential of the next generation of Cambodians—both in the homeland and the diaspora—to excel across every field. He emphasizes the role of educators, mentors, and community leaders in providing the tools, encouragement, and opportunities young people need to reach their full potential.

This episode is both a personal narrative and a call to action: a reminder that education is not just about acquiring knowledge, but about cultivating empathy, resilience, and the courage to envision a brighter future for the Cambodian community worldwide.