Introducing Kenith Oun of Lowell

“I can try to express stories with my photography skills and hopefully help the younger generations to learn and not repeat history,” says Kenith Oun, a customer support technician by vocation but a photographer in his spare time. He hopes to turn that hobby into a full-time job one day, maybe even getting some of his shots published in National Geographic.

Oun believes there are plenty of role models for today’s Khmer American youth, but that those born here don’t fully appreciate or take advantage of the tremendous opportunities in front of them. “We who live here are so adapted to American customs that we don’t take opportunity seriously like people who live back in Cambodia.” Educational achievement is one area in particular that we take for granted, according to Oun, whereas many in Cambodia can only dream of having good schools to attend.

However, there is reason for optimism. Not only are there role models, but we can be whoever we want to be: “Most of us born in America can be raised properly and do so much for our future,” says Oun, whether becoming entertainers, researchers, or politicians. Indeed, by “declaring the success of Khmer people all around the world,” sharing their positive stories in online social networks, Khmerican can influence many in the US and beyond—this will give Khmer youth hope and proof that we do succeed.

Representing Lowell, Massachusetts, home to the largest population of Khmer Americans after Long Beach, Kenith Oun will be the fourth photographer to join our team.