Facing insurmountable odds for even the chance of an education, first-generation college student Dr. Botra Moeung earned his doctorate in Educational Psychology from La Sierra University in 2019. Being the first in his family to earn a high school diploma, Botra truly values the privilege of education because of the inhumane restrictions from his homeland.

In 1970s Cambodia, Botra was forced to grow up during the tyrannical Khmer Rouge regime. Plucked from his home and stripped of his human rights, Botra, his parents, and four siblings were gathered and placed in the notorious Killing Fields under armed Cambodian militia. After eight grueling years, Botra and his parents escaped, being the only ones in their family to survive. In 1983, Botra and his family settled in California, where he began a new life and achieved a sense of freedom.

Botra is passionate when it comes to the amplification of student academics, especially for first-generation students, international students, or refugees. His professional experience includes being a substitute teacher (2004-2005), a member of the Outreach/Passport to College (2004-2006), a Student Financial Services Advisor (2007-2008), an Educational Advisor for the STEM Program (2009-2011), and a Counseling Psychology MFT Trainee (2012-2013).

Botra currently serves as a TRIO Student Support Service Counselor at Riverside City College, and a Transfer and Honors Counselor at San Bernardino Valley College as of 2011. He describes his work as “helping students find their academic passion, discover social awareness and embrace the diversity in their community.” In addition to his recently acquired doctoral degree, he also earned his Master’s in Counseling Psychology, his Bachelor’s in Environmental Science, and his Associate’s in Biology. In 2020, Botra was selected to receive the School of Education’s Rising Star award during La Sierra’s alumni weekend.