The office buzzed with activity as Debbie stepped
into Alina & Co., a boutique marketing firm in Phnom Penh. Dressed in a simple white blouse and black slacks, she felt both nervous and excited. Her new job marked the beginning of her independent life.
Alina, her boss, was a sharp, charismatic woman in
her early thirties. She immediately put Debbie on a
campaign for a local NGO, emphasizing creativity and boldness. Debbie doubted herself but pushed
through, eager to prove she belonged.
Her first assignment was brainstorming a social
media campaign. While others tossed out ideas,
Debbie stayed quiet until Alina asked, "What do you think, Debbie?"
Summoning her courage, Debbie shared her concept of a storytelling approach that highlighted individual lives. To her surprise, Alina nodded in approval. "It's fresh. Work on it."That night, Debbie returned home exhausted but proud. She sat on her bed, sketching campaign ideas, a small smile on her face. For the first time in months, she felt a sense of purpose.