A Volunteer’s Perspective: Alexane Roussin
25-year-old French volunteer Alexane Roussin reflects on her year-long immersive experience working with EYC in 2024.
What made you want to volunteer in Cambodia with EYC? What inspired you to work with EYC?
What inspired me to volunteer with EYC in Cambodia was the innovative approach, blending social development and education, especially in IT. With a background in IT, I was inspired by EYC’s focus on STEM subjects and the opportunity to put my technical skills to work in a socially impactful way. I found the idea of teaching robotics to Cambodian students very exciting. The opportunity to combine my technical skills with a meaningful volunteer mission was exactly what I was looking for. I wanted to do something with a strong social added value and make a difference in the lives of EYC students while working in the field I’m passionate about. My experience with EYC allowed me to achieve this in the most fulfilling way possible.
What were your initial expectations before you arrived, and how did they compare to your actual experience?
Before I arrived, I expected EYC to be primarily focused on education. But once I got there, I realized it’s so much more: EYC is like a second home for many of the students, it’s a safe place where they can grow, discover themselves and try new things. I was touched by how the students were always around, whether they’re relaxing in the library during lunch or playing games, studying together in their free time.
Can you share a particularly memorable interaction or experience you had with students or community members? What was your best memory of your time with EYC?
It’s the simple, everyday moments that stay with me the most. I often think back to playing with students before a class, cheering for them when they won an Inline Hockey match, or just seeing their genuine smiles during our discussions. Sharing happiness, and seeing their Cambodian smiles. Those moments of shared happiness, their Cambodian smiles, so pure and contagious, are what I’ll never forget.
What was one of the most rewarding moments for you during this time with EYC?
One of the most rewarding experiences was seeing my students truly enjoy and engage with the robotics classes. Watching their excitement as their projects came to life was incredibly satisfying. The fact that they found the class fun and not boring made all the effort worth it. Even during the leadership classes, there were times when I didn’t want the session to end because they were so enthusiastic and eager to participate. Their energy kept me excited to return each week.
What will you miss the most about your time with EYC?
What I’ll miss most is the close relationships among the staff. The warmth, openness, and sense of belonging among the staff were unique, and I’ve never experienced anything quite like it. The atmosphere at EYC goes beyond professional; people care deeply for each other, and it feels like a family. That’s something I will deeply miss.
What best captures EYC and EYC students?
EYC is well represented by the vibrant community spirit of the students: their determination, their desire to learn, and their drive to improve themselves every day. This spirit is what makes EYC so special. It’s not just about academics; it’s about personal growth and transformation, and that’s the heart of EYC’s success.
What will you take away from this experience that will impact your life moving forward?
This experience has taught me so many things in such a short time, often in ways I didn’t expect. Living and working closely with the local community exposed me to a completely different way of life. The connections I formed with both students and colleagues taught me the true meaning of empathy and human connection. These lessons will stay with me and influence both my personal and professional life.
How would you summarize your overall experience in one sentence?
More than just a professional experience, it was, above all, a wonderful human experience.