From Phnom Penh to Beijing to New York, MIT Open Learning resources support an educational journey
By Lauren Rebecca Thacker
As an undergraduate considering her future career, Sok Danica, a recent graduate of National University of Management in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, sought advice from professors and lecturers. One lecturer, who also worked as a financial analyst, suggested MIT Open Learning as a way to explore her interests and find out which subjects sparked passion and curiosity.
Sok, who majored in global entrepreneurship and innovations, decided to check out Principles of Microeconomics, taught by Jonathan Gruber and published by Open Learning’s MIT OpenCourseWare. She had some background knowledge of finance but felt intimidated by the course.
“I thought, ‘This is MIT and my IQ isn’t where those geniuses are,’ she remembers. “But Professor Gruber never did anything to make anyone feel like they didn’t belong. He entered the class with a genuine wish to teach people what he is passionate about.”
Sok worked through course content during a semester break and made a schedule for herself. She soon found she looked forward to the mornings and afternoons when she would watch lectures.
“Professor Gruber cracked jokes, and it was the highlight of my day,” she remembers. “I love his enthusiasm.”
Understanding the content made her feel confident in her knowledge of economics and prepared for an upcoming study abroad program at Beijing Foreign Studies University in China. MIT OpenCourseWare publishes materials from more than 2,500 MIT courses, spanning undergraduate and graduate programs. As her college career continued, Sok explored more OpenCourseWare resources, including Principles of Macroeconomics, Multivariable Calculus, and Statistics for Applications.
Sok’s university courses and experience with Open Learning grew her passion for economics.
“I love looking at the big picture and how different factors, both internal and external, based on the data from the present and the past, can impact the future of a country or a company,” she says.
Now, Sok is looking into a different career path but still interested in exploring the big picture.
In her final year as an undergraduate, she had the opportunity to represent Cambodia as a UN youth delegate at the Economic and Social Council Youth Forum, an experience she calls “life changing.” Studying economics had given her insight into how economic policies and the availability of entrepreneurial opportunities have a real-life impact on communities. Yet, she says, her “eyes were not completely open.”
“Sitting in the room in Manhattan filled with aspiring young leaders tackling real issues and saving real people woke something up in me. I found myself listening to all of them in awe,” she says.
After that experience, as well as witnessing political turmoil and hardship in her own country, Sok is charting a new career path that will allow her to work for peace and represent her country on a global stage. Open Learning has contributed to a strong educational foundation and, as she explores political science and international relations content to prepare for a master’s degree, she knows where to turn for support.
“MIT Open Learning is absolutely part of my plan for the future,” she says.
To explore additional lifelong learning offerings from MIT, visit MIT Learn.
From Phnom Penh to Beijing to New York, MIT Open Learning resources support an educational journey was originally published in MIT Open Learning on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.