December 2025: A Beautiful Horizon of Hard Work, Family Triumphs, and Quiet Reflections
December has always arrived with a distinct weight and warmth. It carries the residual exhaustion of the eleven months that preceded it, yet it somehow breathes an air of anticipation, celebration, and closure. After all the recovery, lessons, and silent battles of the past year, December 2025 made its entrance not with a sudden explosion of noise, but in a calm, peaceful, yet intensely busy moment. It was a month where our family’s individual paths—filled with school responsibilities, personal milestones, sports events, and community service—weaved together into a beautiful story of gratitude and collective effort.
Echoes of Youth and the Roads to Kirirom
The month initiated with high-intensity preparation. As an educator and a lead teacher, my mind is constantly balancing the academic progress of the students with their holistic growth, plus the individual success of each teacher under my supervision. This time, our school was preparing for its highly anticipated annual camping trip to Kirirom, an elevated, forested plateau located about a two-hour drive away from the bustling streets of Phnom Penh. Kirirom is known for its pine trees, refreshing air, and crisp elevated microclimate, making it a stark contrast to the tropical heat of the city.
Preparing for a student camp is always an extensive task. There are games to prepare, scripts to write and familiarize, prizes and flags to prepare. Yet, despite the physical exhaustion that comes with organizing such a massive trip, I found myself deeply immersed in the joy of preparation. There is a specific kind of magic in finalizing lists of materials to bring, checking if personal stuff is ready to go, and envisioning the students’ reactions to the wilderness. For me, this preparation was not just a professional duty; it was a nostalgic journey back in time.
It brought back a flood of memories from my own days as a student. Decades ago, back in my home country, being part of a cheering squad was one of the most defining experiences of my youth. I remember the late-night rehearsals, the calloused soles from practicing dance steps, the absolute thrill of synchronization, and the shared voice of a team screaming their hearts out in unison. The cheering culture back home is massive—an institutional phenomenon filled with high stakes, fierce competitions, and immense school pride.
Here in Cambodia, the concept of a cheering squad is still in its infancy. It is not yet the massive, arena-filling spectacle that I grew up with. But as an educator, I see potential where others see absence. I felt an overwhelming sense of privilege being able to introduce these cheering concepts, rhythmic patterns, physical discipline, and collaborative skills to our current students. I wanted them to feel that exact same lightning bolt of energy that I felt when I was their age.
Sometimes, during our rehearsals, I would look at the students and find myself drifting back to my own school days. Oh, how we used to practice late into the night with my old schoolmates! We would laugh through our mistakes, push through our fatigue, and find immense joy in the simple act of creating something together. I caught myself smiling at these memories, a bittersweet longing washing over me. But as a busy modern educator and a mother, I had to gently pull myself back to reality. Enough with reminiscing; there was a mountain of work waiting on my desk.
The Sacred Trust of the Parent-Teacher Conference
Simultaneously, the academic calendar demanded our absolute focus. The annual Parent-Teacher Conference (PTC) was scheduled, turning the school into a hub of intense dialogue, analytical evaluation, and deep emotional connections. For many teachers, a PTC is simply a formal obligation to get through. For me, however, it is a deeply significant, almost sacred event. I approach every single conference with the utmost seriousness and preparation.
This seriousness stems directly from my own identity as a parent. Raising children in today’s hyper-connected, fast-paced world is an undeniably complex challenge. The digital era introduces unique vulnerabilities, hidden pressures, and social dynamics that our generation never had to navigate. Because I live this reality every day with my own teenagers, I possess a total, uncompromised understanding of how difficult it is to guide children through these modern landscapes. I know the silent anxieties parents carry when they drop their children off at the school gates.
Seeing teachers and parents gather in the classrooms was truly a beautiful sight. It was a powerful manifestation of a shared mission. We sat across from one another, not as adversaries or transactional entities, but as co-architects of a child’s future. We discussed academic progress, identified behavioral challenges, celebrated artistic breakthroughs, and co-created strategic plans to support these beautiful children.
There is a profound vulnerability when a parent sits down and listens to an honest assessment of their child. It requires humility to hear about areas of improvement, and it requires deep empathy from the teacher to deliver those words with love and constructive intent. Witnessing that mutual eagerness to collaborate for the well-being of the next generation filled my heart with hope. It reminded me that despite the chaotic nature of our individual lives, we are never truly alone in our efforts to raise good human beings.
Teen Brilliance, the TEDx Stage, and Kitchen Sovereignty
While the adults were managing conferences and camp logistics, the teenagers in our household were operating at an entirely different velocity. The house was constantly filled with the hum of holiday energy, academic stress, and artistic ambition. They were balancing their regular, demanding school curriculum with intensive preparations for the upcoming school Christmas concert. Every corner of our home seemed to echo with the sounds of lines being memorized, songs being practiced, and schedules being coordinated.
Among all these moving parts, one particular event stood out as an unforgettable highlight of the month. Our daughter, Theonee, was selected to present at an official EdTedTalk event hosted at her school. Watching your child step into the intellectual spotlight is an experience that defies simple description. She had spent weeks researching her topic, refining her arguments, practicing her vocal delivery, and learning how to command a stage with poise and intellectual maturity.
When she finally stood before the microphone, she was the epitome of grace and brilliance. Her ideas flowed with clarity, and her voice resonated with an authentic confidence that captivated the entire room. During the PTSC, her teacher approached me with eyes full of genuine admiration. I will never forget the words that followed. Her teacher explicitly mentioned that Theonee is an exceptionally brilliant student who possesses an innate capability to command a much bigger, greater stage in the future. Hearing an objective professional validate your child’s talent is a moment of pure parental fulfillment. It reinforced our belief that her potential is boundless.
Amidst this whirlwind of external achievements, our domestic life maintained a steady, comforting rhythm, with one fascinating exception: my husband’s decision to undertake an extraordinary personal challenge. He committed himself to a strict, rigorous fasting regimen that extended well past the twenty-day mark. His challenge was uncompromising: absolutely no solid food, consuming only pure water and black coffee.
As a wife, watching your partner go through such an intense discipline requires a balance of support, trust, and observation. To my surprise, despite his total lack of caloric intake, his energy levels remained remarkably high. In fact, there were several days during this extended fast when he voluntarily stepped up and insisted on taking full charge of the kitchen.
Initially, I hesitated. Cooking and managing the kitchen has always been a primary domain where I express my care for the family. When he took over, I suddenly felt a strange, unfamiliar sensation. I looked around the room and thought, What else could I do? I hadn’t planned any alternative tasks for myself, nor had I envisioned being a mere spectator in my own home.
Ultimately, I chose to lean into the moment and simply enjoy the view. I sat back and watched my family gather in the kitchen. It was an incredibly heartwarming scene to witness. My husband, despite not consuming a single bite of the food he was preparing, found genuine joy and fulfillment in slicing vegetables, seasoning meats, and prepping beautiful meals for us. When the food hit the table, the children and I devoured it with immense appreciation.
I am incredibly proud of how he approached this daunting physical and mental challenge. It required an immense amount of willpower, mental clarity, and dedication. It turned out to be an absolute, unmitigated success. To maintain that level of discipline while still nurturing his family through cooking is nothing short of amazing.
A Friday of Parallel Victories
The true test of our family’s logistical synchronization arrived on a crisp Friday morning. This was the day our long-awaited two-day, one-night camping trip to Kirirom was scheduled to begin. My alarm went off at the hour of 4:00 AM. The world outside was completely dark, enveloped in the quiet stillness of the early morning. I quietly slipped out of bed, finalized the packing of my gear, verified my instructional materials, and walked out the door by 4:30 AM.
The plan was for me to be away until Saturday afternoon. This meant leaving my husband and our two teenagers at home to manage the household completely without me. There is always a slight, instinctual anxiety that a mother feels when leaving her family behind, even for just thirty-six hours. However, my husband has an incredible ability to provide a deep sense of reassurance. Before I left, his words and his calm demeanor made it absolutely clear that everything was going to be completely fine. His support gave me the peace of mind I needed to step into my professional duties completely unburdened.
This particular Friday was not just any ordinary day; it was also the exact date of our children’s first-ever official school concert performance. Because I was contracted to join the school camp up in the mountains of Kirirom, I faced the painful reality of not being able to physically attend their concert. It is a classic dilemma that working parents face—the choice between professional obligations and milestone family moments.
Knowing how much this performance meant to the kids, my husband made it his absolute priority to find a way to be there. He navigated his own complex work schedule, coordinated with his superiors, and managed to secure permission to leave his duties temporarily to witness the concert. We owe an immense amount of gratitude to his supervisors for showing such deep understanding and flexibility.
Because of his presence, I didn’t completely miss out. Throughout the day, as I was managing students on a mountain, my phone kept vibrating with real-time updates. My husband sent a steady stream of high-quality videos and photos right as the events occurred on stage. Seeing our children perform, watching their dedication translate into art, and knowing my partner was there cheering for them was an incredibly emotional experience. When the event concluded, he sent me a message stating that the concert was an absolute success. It was a proud parental moment that we shared deeply, despite being separated by miles of highway.
The Mountain Giggles and the Courtroom Drama
While the concert halls of Phnom Penh were echoing with music, our campsite up in the green expanse of Kirirom was completely alive with energy. The students were ecstatic. For many of these young individuals, leaving the urban density of the capital to spend a night under the open sky was a rare, liberating experience. They showcased their diverse talents during our campfire activities, engaged in team-building exercises, and deeply enjoyed the simple pleasure of an outdoor experience shared with their peers and educators.
My role during this excursion extended far beyond basic chaperone duties. In addition to ensuring the absolute physical safety of the students throughout the weekend, I was tasked with acting as an official judge for several competitive student exhibitions. Furthermore, I was assigned the energetic responsibility of leading the early morning fitness and exercise session for the entire camp population.
I must admit, waking up before dawn in the middle of nature was a profoundly beautiful experience. The morning air in Kirirom was crisp, cool, and filled with the scent of pine needles. As the sun began to rise over the horizon, casting long shadows through the trees, we began our morning routine. Leading a large group of children through physical exercises is always an unpredictable endeavor.
I loved every single second of it. The forest was filled with the sounds of their genuine giggles, their spontaneous laughter, and their dramatic, playful complaints as we ran around the perimeter of the facility. Hearing those sounds against the backdrop of a pristine nature view was incredibly refreshing and deeply fulfilling. It reminded me of exactly why I entered the field of education: to create environments where children can be authentically young, joyful, and connected to the world around them.
Our camp program concluded efficiently, and we departed the mountains at exactly 12:00 noon on Saturday. The drive back to Phnom Penh was a blur of movement. Most people would have gone straight home to take a well-deserved nap after a weekend of intense physical activity. However, my maternal instinct took over. Our daughter, Theonee, was scheduled to play in her first-ever official competitive basketball game that very afternoon. I calculated the time, bypassed our house entirely, and directed my travel straight to her school’s sports complex.
When I walked into the basketball court, the expressions on my family’s faces were priceless. My husband and the teenagers looked up and were completely surprised. To be completely honest, even I was surprised that the logistics had aligned so perfectly to allow me to make it on time.
That specific moment carried an extraordinary emotional weight. Standing by the sidelines, watching our daughter struggle aggressively for the basketball, was an experience that sent chills down my spine. I watched her sprint down the hardwood floor with incredible speed, her eyes locked onto the basket with a fierce, unwavering determination. She fought for every possession, defended with passion, and left everything she had on the court.
Seeing her embody that level of athleticism and grit made me deeply reflective. I turned to my husband with a heart full of appreciation. He is the one who truly introduced, systematically supported, and consistently encouraged sports inside our family dynamic. He has spent countless weekends coaching the children, teaching them fundamentals, and instilling a deep love for physical discipline. That day, though incredibly exhausting on every physical level, was remarkably powerful, deeply meaningful, and unforgettable.
An Abundance of Trophies and Heartfelt Humility
The sports triumphs did not conclude with Theonee’s phenomenal basketball debut. Our son, Franco, was simultaneously charting his own incredible path of success in his respective basketball division. That same weekend, Franco achieved a milestone that filled our household with immense joy. His high school team competed fiercely in the competitive Winter Olympics tournament, ultimately securing the rank of first runner-up.
On an individual level, Franco’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. He walked away with the individual trophy for being named the player with the most assists throughout the entire tournament. In basketball, the assist is a statistic that measures selflessness, vision, spatial awareness, and a commitment to the collective success of the team over individual glory. Seeing him hold that trophy was a testament to his character both on and off the court.
He was absolutely delighted with the outcome, his face glowing with the satisfaction of hard work rewarded. As parents, our hearts experience an indescribable fullness when we see our children genuinely happy with the paths they have chosen to walk in this life.
The symmetry between our two children is truly fascinating. Just as Theonee had previously demonstrated leadership by serving as the captain of her school’s volleyball team, Franco was now matching that legacy by serving as the captain of his basketball team. It is a remarkable realization to see both of your teenagers step into significant leadership roles within their respective sports communities.
Yet, as we looked at the trophies sitting on our table and reflected on these achievements, an overwhelming sense of humility settled over our home. We consciously recognize and openly acknowledge that these successes are not merely the direct result of our parental guidance or our children’s innate talents. We do not raise children in a vacuum. These triumphs are the beautiful outcome of a massive, collective effort involving our extended family, supportive teachers, dedicated coaches, an encouraging community, and, most importantly, the divine will of the Almighty. We remain deeply grateful for the village that surrounds us.
Christmas Through the Lens of Solidarity
As the middle of the month approached, the global festive season began to influence our daily schedules. Traditionally, December is a time of massive office parties and lavish holiday celebrations. However, the cultural landscape in Cambodia during December 2025 shifted toward a much deeper, more contemplative tone.
Due to the ongoing geopolitical tensions and the deeply tragic realities faced by individuals affected by conflicts near the border regions, the country made a collective, conscious decision to pivot. The government and community leaders encouraged citizens to use the holiday season as a time for deep reflection, active solidarity, and targeted humanitarian support for displaced families and individuals experiencing the hardships of war.
In response to this national call to action, most educational institutions across the country opted to cancel their traditional, expensive holiday parties. Instead, schools redirected their resources and energy toward organizing philanthropic activities, community fundraisers, and donation drives.
As professional educators, my husband and I felt a profound responsibility to contribute meaningfully to these efforts. We wanted to ensure our actions mirrored the values we preach in the classroom. My husband, in particular, took a highly active role in coordinating these initiatives. He personally organized logistics and managed to deliver a significant quantity of essential goods, food items, and resources directly to the designated regional donation centers.
One of the most moving experiences of the entire month occurred within his own classroom. He guided his young students through an exercise of empathy, encouraging them to write personal letters and hand-crafted cards for the children and families living in the affected border zones. Watching these little human beings sit at their small desks, carefully choosing their words, and pouring their pure, innocent hearts into messages of hope and comfort was an incredibly beautiful sight. Their capacity for empathy was a powerful lesson for all the adults in the room. To show our family’s deep respect, solidarity, and love for the nation that has embraced us, we proudly raised the Cambodian flag outside our home, standing in quiet alignment with the community.
Birthdays, Blessings, and the Gift of Giving
The arrival of Christmas Eve brought a welcome return to intimate family traditions. Christmas Eve also marks my brother’s birthday, creating a double layer of celebration within our household. This year, we chose to host the celebration entirely at home, intentionally keeping the atmosphere as calm, peaceful, and intimate as humanly possible.
In a world that constantly demands our attention, having a quiet evening reserved exclusively for family is a rare luxury.
It was a beautiful moment to see everyone gathered around the table, safe, healthy, and relaxed. We spent hours sharing old family stories, catching up on life updates, laughing over harmless domestic gossip, and simply enjoying the comfort of shared history.
The structure of our celebration followed a cherished, traditional blueprint: a table filled with delicious, carefully prepared home-cooked meals, a beautiful birthday cake for my brother, presents tucked neatly under the tree, and an open-ended evening to enjoy without the pressure of a ticking clock.
The next morning, Christmas Day, introduced a beautiful moment of transition for our household. This was the morning my husband finally concluded his extraordinary fasting journey. After approximately forty days of intense physical discipline, water, and black coffee, he sat down to enjoy his very first small, solid meal. Watching him take those first tentative bites with deep mindfulness and satisfaction was an incredibly profound moment. His dedication had inspired us all.
As he enjoyed his meal, our two teenagers dove into the exciting ritual of opening their Christmas presents. This year, they were completely spoiled by my love’s immense generosity. He had spent weeks quietly observing them, taking mental notes of their hidden wishes, and sourcing items that he knew would genuinely support their academic needs, athletic passions, and personal growth. His capacity for kindness and generosity has remained completely unchanged since the very first day I met him. He gives without expecting anything in return, always placing the happiness of his children above his own desires. I love him deeply for that enduring quality.
He also found a creative way to ensure that I felt thoroughly spoiled during the holiday. He quietly provided our children with the resources and the autonomy to go out and select Christmas presents specifically for me. Our daughter, Theonee, took complete charge of the secret shopping operation. She possesses an incredible understanding of my personal tastes, my style, and the items that bring me genuine joy.
Franco and Theonee combined their creative powers and resources to present me with beautifully wrapped gifts. Sitting on the living room floor, surrounded by my family, and unwrapping items that my children had thoughtfully chosen for me was an incredibly sweet, emotional experience.
Once our domestic celebrations were complete, we transitioned our Christmas morning toward a broader purpose. We accepted a special invitation from our children’s close friends to visit the Psour Saint School, an inspiring non-governmental organization (NGO) school operating within the community.
Arriving at the facility was an eye-opening experience. We were deeply moved to see a fellow Filipino educator actively involved in managing, directing, and sustaining this incredible educational sanctuary. Witnessing firsthand the profound impact the school has on the lives of disadvantaged young learners was deeply moving. They provide free education, structural support, holistic care, and a safe environment for children who would otherwise face immense systemic barriers to learning.
As I walked through the parking area and looked into the eyes of those eager young students, a wave of intense inspiration washed over my mind. Thoughts began rushing through my brain with incredible velocity, leaving a permanent imprint on my heart: Hopefully, one day, I will be capable of doing the exact same thing. Seeing that level of selfless service was the absolute greatest gift I could have received on Christmas morning. It expanded my vision of what education can achieve when it is driven by pure love.
Rooftops, Scrabble, and the Dawn of a New Year
Our New Year’s Eve celebration followed a very similar, comforting pattern of simple pleasures and family closeness. We avoided the crowded, chaotic public events in the city center, opting instead to host a private family barbecue up on our rooftop. We set up the grill, put on some background music, and settled in to wait for the traditional midnight fireworks.
As the hours ticked away, we eventually realized that there would be no grand public fireworks display in our immediate vicinity this year. Yet, the absence of an explosive spectacle did not diminish our joy in the slightest. In fact, it allowed us to focus completely on the quality of our time together.
I spent the holiday savoring my time away from work by immersing myself in the culinary arts. I spent hours in the kitchen cooking traditional dishes from my own childhood—meals filled with specific spices and flavors that connect me directly to my roots. To be completely honest, I ended up enjoying most of those specific childhood dishes entirely by myself, as the unique traditional flavors are an acquired taste! However, that didn’t mean the rest of the family missed out. Every single member of the household had their own favorite comfort foods carefully prepared and presented on the table.
As the clock ticked closer to midnight, I found myself struck by a sudden, overwhelming wave of perspective. I looked across the table at the abundance of food, the smiles on my children’s faces, and the comfort of our surroundings. I turned to my husband and whispered about how incredible our journey has been.
Honestly, looking back at my childhood years, there was a time when we could hardly afford to prepare a well-flavored, complete meal for holidays. It was an intense struggle just to get by. Would you believe that now, through hard work, perseverance, and faith, we are able to provide for all our basic needs and comforts without much difficulty? Once again, my heart is completely overflowing with gratitude.
We ended 2025 right there on that rooftop—sitting around a table under the stars, playing an intense game of Scrabble, laughing, enjoying each other’s uninterrupted company, and intentionally building deep relationships that are worth remembering for a lifetime.
Wow! If you have made it this far, thank you so much for stopping by and spending your precious time reading my reflections. It means the world to share this journey with you. Let’s see what chapters 2026 unfolds for us as educators, parents, and leaders. But hey, 2025? You were truly one of the craziest, most beautiful rollercoasters I have ever ridden—and I wouldn’t change a single thing.
Until the next blog,
Teriz
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