I’ve had the privilege of surviving from the darkness of Cambodia history, an educator in Lowell School System, shared my story in TIME, CBS 60 Minutes and written in details to give readers a glimpse of Cambodia genocide. It’s hard to believe today we are still struggling overcome with war and genocide that is happening in Ukraine and other parts of this world.  

It’s very important to continue sharing my two world experiences of Cambodia and here in America, especially in a time when my adopted country is so divided, violence and racism, that we seldom discuss these issues in classrooms.

It’s an honor “The Years of Zero” was chosen by Bunker Hill Community College for 2018-2019. The entire students and faculties had an opportunity to read and hear directly from my experience. There are some schools in Greater Boston area reading The Years of Zero as part of their unit on memoirs and social studies. It’s such a rewarding to receive positive responses and feedbacks from students.

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Student Letters:

Dear Mr. Ty

We have recently finished your deep, inspiring book "The Years Of Zero". When I was reading this book, I felt many indescribable feelings. I really do not know what to say, l’M speechless of what you have been through. During the time I was inspired to make something out of my life. And it made me recognize how fortunate I am to be living in America. When I see you within the school, doing this or what not the first thing that comes to mind is "Wow" or "Whoa"

I learned many things about things about Cambodia, and theKhmer Rouge destruction and the atrocities of war. However, that is not the only thing I learned. I learned many things about myself that I never knew before. This book "The Years of Zero" inspired me so much to do many things. I remember almost every reaction I had when reading your book. The biggest impact that your book had on me was when your mother died. I felt very heavy-hearted. I remember when I got home that day, I went home to hug my mother and say, "I love you". I did this to everyone in my household, including my brother, aunt, and mygrandmother.

Again, I would like to say that you've inspired me with this book, and what you have told me. What I like to say is that you don't know someone until you heard their story. This is your story and I would like to say that you are survivor, you are hero.

 Sincerely,

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Dear Mr. Ty,

My name is _____  and I am writing this to let you know how much I appreciate the fact that you came to our class to answer our questions. As I told you when you came to visit our class I told my mother about your story and she thinks it's amazing that with all  the things you lost you found the best in everyone and overcame all.

Dealing with all that happened I can only begin toimagine how horrifying it was to see not only the dead bodies but among them the bodies of your brothers, your sisters, and your mother and father. Feeling as if you did something wrong having those feelings that maybe if you went back in time and did one thing differently maybe your family could have survived. I believe that maybe you could have made a difference, but truly the world was meant to be this way. Sometimes things happen when you don't want them to but that happens; you have to find a way to leave the legacy of not only your family but also yourself and you did with this book.

I truly can say that fi your book goes farther you will make a difference and show people that there is difficulty anywhere you go. Not only inside will you feel complete with all the people you will touch but you yourself will feel gratitude when you see how much of a difference this book will make.

Sincerely,