Standing up before us, Arn Chorn Pond spoke to the John William Ward Fellows with urgency in his voice, “Promote peace . . . with passion and love.”

He has seen horror beyond our faintest imagination. He has watched most of his family killed in cold blood by the Khmer Rouge. He has witnessed heads split open with axes multiple times each day in the Killing Fields. He has experienced suffering, pain, and the ultimate sacrifices of his best friends during the war in Cambodia. He has felt the isolation and humiliation of racism and prejudice in America. Yet, he still preaches love.

As part of the Ward Fellowship Program, we have had special opportunities and unique experiences. We have met with illustrious and prestigious officials. We toured impressive and historical buildings such as the new Federal Courthouse, the State House, world-renowned law firms, and Logan Airport. Clad in “business casual” appropriate attire, we would sit around large conference rooms and spacious, air-conditioned offices. We would be briefed with thick packets, full of information about careers, legislation, politics, newspaper clippings, and records. A majority of the hosts attended law school, live in the suburbs, and have impressive biographies. In a few hours, we would be enlightened about public service, our questions would be answered, and the day would be done.

And then there was Lowell.

Along with the Nelson Fellows, a group of Boston Public School students who have summer internships with judges in the U.S. Courthouse, we, wearing shorts and sneakers took boarded a bus to Lowell. As we passed through the city, you could see the dirty remains of a waterway, broken down homes, and ragged storefronts. Only forty minutes north of Boston, Lowell was far detached from the bustling streets, tall buildings, and trendy-dressed citizens of Boston. Lowell has the second largest population of Cambodians in the United States. We entered an empty parking lot of the deserted Butler School. Matt Wolf greeted us and told us we would first “meet the kids.” As we stepped into a stuffy room, it was completely filled with children. Identical in their curious eyes, sweaty bodies, and loud voices, they stared at us as we lined up in the front of the room. Later in the day, we would have an amazing chance to meet Arn Chorn Pond, a refugee from the killing fields of Cambodia, at the Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association’s “Future Stars Sport Leadership Summer Camp.”

The rest of the day consisted of talking to the kids, playing basketball, soccer, and volleyball, and enjoying the day. The exuberance and energy of the children radiated throughout the camp. As we talked to the campers, we learned about their home atmosphere and lives. Most of the kids have large families and single mothers, who work long hours at multiple jobs. “Gang” is a regular part of their vocabulary and lives. They know what it is and what they do not want to become part of it. When they speak, it flips smoothly between English and Cambodian. The connection between the campers and the camp counselors was apparent. The kids literally clung to their team leaders and playfully interacted, but at the same time they obviously respected them.

While the campers ate their sandwiches for lunch and proceeded for their pool time, we waited for Pond in the auditorium. When he walked in the room, he was barely distinguishable. He was slim, dressed casually, and appeared quiet and reserved. Unlike most of the hosts we met, he was not recognizable from media coverage or surrounded by an entourage of staff. We settled into the seats. He stood right in front of us and talked to us personally and informally. He talked about his poignant life and about survival.

The Khmer Rouge killed between 1.5 million and 1.8 million Cambodian peasants during a state-sponsored massacre between 1975 and 1979 (The Boston Globe).

Pond briefly talked about the atmosphere of Cambodia: the Communists were trying to, “save the farmers and kill the rich Cambodians,” but, for the most part, no one was spared from the killing fields.

The Khmer Rouge soldiers appeared to kill indiscriminately and indifferently. Pond, having already witnessed some of his family members murdered, was sent to the Watt Aik concentration camp with 500 other children, of whom only 60 survived. He was physically forced to watch the execution of Cambodians four to five times a day. When the Vietnamese invaded, guns were placed into the children’s hands. They were in danger of being killed by the Vietnamese in the fighting and of being killed by the Khmer Rouge if they didn’t fight. Pond was about twelve years old. He was reminded of his “faithful friends,” who would throw themselves in front of bullets for him. In their memory, Pond wants to “give meaning to their lives” for their sacrifices. At one point, he escaped into the jungles, where he lived in treetops, ate fish and monkeys, and fled from tigers. When he finally was in constant fear. He reached Thailand, he was brought to a refugee camp.

Pond talked about his struggles in America, where he arrived in 1980, after being adopted by the missionary Rev. Peter Pond adopted Arn. Altogether, Reverend Pond adopted sixteen Cambodians and eight Americans. 

Arn told us about his difficulties in high school. He would get teased and treated unfairly because of his problems with English and understanding of America. For example, in one fight, he stated, “It does not matter if I was right or wrong because I could not talk.” He was “angry.” After years of this torment, he discovered his remarkable skill at soccer, a characteristic that would ultimately gain him the social acceptance that so eluded him during his first years in America. Pond finished high school in six years. He decided that he wanted to “help young people.” He co-founded the Children of War in 1984, where “young people all over the world learned about issues” and each other’s experiences. He brought together 52 countries and raised half a million dollars. He noted how especially adults teach us how to hate. He wants to teach how not to use violence. Pond has won various awards such as the Reebok Human Rights Award, and has been working for twenty years to help young people. Presently, he is trying to organize gangs to make CDs and do something with their talents; he also wants to make a movie in Cambodia about the young people there.

Pond left us speechless and humbled. Pond has truly dedicated his life to public service. He does not have a “typical job” in public service. He does not need a title, monetary rewards, or an office. Instead, his accolades come from the people whose lives he touches. He is interested in enriching and making a difference for people, especially the young. At the same time, Pond is enjoying life. His good nature and humor was refreshing considering all the sadness and suffering in his past. He will not let his past ruin his life, but instead finds more strength and determination. Pond inspired us to become better people, to become more selfless, and to spend a life giving to other people, not only thinking of ourselves.

The children of the “Future Stars” camp also left an impression on us. Lowell may seem like a hopeless cause because of all the problems like gang violence and broken families. The children are described as “disadvantaged” in newspaper clippings. You feel pity and sympathy, but you change your mind when you meet the kids. They are positive, friendly, and active. They are eager to learn and talk to others. They have wonderful goals in their future. All they need is someone to help and encourage them. Pond has made this happen with the camp. He has made it a reality for the kids will have a chance in life outside of gangs and off the streets.

In closing, Pond left us with a distinct message, “You must voice yourself. You must respect yourself. You must control yourself, your attitude and your physical self, don’t get violent. Find something that you like to do. Find good people to associate with.