Humans of Honors: Skyler Cohen

“The Honors Global Bank Account gave me a chance to go on a DOC where I got to experience the vibrant culture and food of Cambodia. One of my fondest memories from the trip was during the first week. I found myself strolling down the deserted sidewalks of Siem Reap, Cambodia, my arm joints aching from the weight of my laundry. Despite the recent lifting of COVID-19 tourism restrictions, the city bore an eerie stillness, and I felt like the only one on the broad stone sidewalks at noon. As I approached a family-run laundry parlor, a short man with straight black hair and a creased forehead approached me, his friendly demeanor putting my initial uncertainty at ease. He turned out to be a tuk tuk driver offering tours around the region, and he asked me if I wanted to go to the countryside. Although I had some initial hesitation going to the countryside with a stranger, the next day, my roommate and I embarked on the man’s tuk tuk, leaving the paved streets for bumpy dirt roads. To my surprise, we ended up at the driver’s family home, where I witnessed the challenges they faced due to the lack of tourism. Despite financial hardships, the driver’s genuine enthusiasm, warmth of his family, and delicious coconuts he shared with us left a lasting impression, making me appreciate the authenticity of human connections formed during unexpected journeys.