University of Washington logo

Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards (OMSFA)

Photo of Phannmannavy Phorn

Phannmannavy Phorn

Martin Family Foundation Achievement Scholarship for future UW transfer students
2026 (awarded)
Major: Computer Science / Media & Communication
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Hi, my name is Phannmannavy “Navy” Phorn. I was born and raised in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and recently moved to the United States with my family to pursue greater educational opportunities and build a better future. I am currently a Computer Science student at Everett Community College, and I hope to transfer to the University of Washington to continue studying Computer Science while also exploring media and communication.

Moving to a new country at a young age has been one of the biggest challenges of my life. I had to adapt to a new culture, transportation system, education system, and environment while balancing school, work, and financial responsibilities. Leaving behind the life I had always known in Cambodia was not easy, but those experiences taught me resilience, independence, and the importance of continuing to move forward even during difficult times.

Although the transition to life in the United States has been challenging, every obstacle has helped me grow stronger and more determined to build a better future for myself and my family. Since coming to Everett Community College, I’ve found my place through programs like TRIO, MESA, STEM Club, and Student LIFE, where I serve as both a Student Ambassador and MESA Ambassador. These experiences helped me grow as both a student and a leader.

Outside of school, I am passionate about creating motivational and educational content online. Through my Facebook page, Instagram, and Telegram platform, Navy Opportunity Hub, I share scholarships, internships, leadership programs, and opportunities because I know how life-changing access to information can be.

Receiving the Martin Family Foundation Achievement Scholarship means more than financial support to me. It represents hope, opportunity, and recognition of my journey. This scholarship will help me continue my education, grow as a leader, and work toward creating positive impact in communities locally and globally.

Goals

My goal is to transfer to the University of Washington to pursue both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees while building a career that combines technology, media, and leadership. I hope to use my education and experiences to create meaningful impact, help communities locally and globally, and make a difference by opening more opportunities for others whenever I can.

Tips

Never underestimate your story or where you come from. Your journey is unique, and your hard work deserves to be seen and heard. Sometimes the hardest experiences shape the strongest people. Keep believing in yourself, continue learning, keep showing up, and never be afraid to apply for opportunities that can change your life.

More student profiles

171 Mary Gates Hall
Center for Experiential Learning & Diversity (EXPD)
(206) 543-4282
scholarq@uw.edu

Social media
View this profile on Instagram

UW OMSFA (@uwomsfa) • Instagram photos and videos