Sivorn Ouch

FIDM's Mentor Program Makes a Difference To A Student Star

Theater Costume Design student Sivorn Ouch doesn't remember much about the childhood days she spent with her family hiding in the woods from the murderous Khmer Rouge guerrillas in Cambodia. Born in Cambodia in 1978 during a time of great turmoil and hardship, she was semi-conscious from starvation and on the brink of death most of the time. According to Francois Ponchaud's Modern History Sourcebook: Cambodia: Year Zero (1978), the Angkar ("Higher Committee"), under the direction of dictator Pol Pot, had begun systematically killing all Cambodians with ties to earlier governments. Any Cambodian man, woman or child who was seen as a threat or who refused to obey orders was killed. Even the ability to speak a Western language, such as English or French, was sufficient grounds for death. Between 1975 and 1979 over half a million Cambodians, out of a population of just seven million, died in the Khmer Rouge "killing fields."

After escaping to Thailand, Sivorn and her family came to the United States when she was five years old through the sponsorship of an uncle, the only one of her mother's 14 siblings who had arrived safely in America. Enrolled in school here, Sivorn learned English and excelled in academics. But being a student wasn't Sivorn's only responsibility. She also cared for her brothers and sisters while her parents worked, maintained the household and cooked family meals. In addition to these continuing responsibilities and her intense program at FIDM, Sivorn is putting herself through school with the help of Cal Grants, FIDM scholarships and part-time work.

It was a sixth-grade art project in which students were asked to design clothing for a Michaelangelo figure which initially lit a spark in Sivorn. Even at that young age this determined young lady knew fashion design was something she wanted to pursue. After junior high school Sivorn attended the Fashion Career Magnet High School in downtown Los Angeles where she became acquainted with her mentors, Trudy Mathews and Dena Stitt. Dena is coordinator of the FIDM Mentor Program as well as Director of FIDM Video Productions. Sivorn remembers how accessible Trudy and Dena were, both by phone and in person. "Mentors are important because they get to know who you are as a person," notes Sivorn. "They also help you figure out where you want to go and how to get there. In a time when many choices lay ahead of me, they gave me direction, advice and someone to lean on." In Sivorn's case, her mentors not only helped her along her career path but became friends as well, and they've remained in close contact. "The mentor program is a two-way street," Sivorn cautions. "Mentors are busy people, with lives and careers of their own. You can't just sit there and expect them to contact you. You have to take the initiative to contact them."

When it came time to make a decision about college, Sivorn chose FIDM, not only for its stellar reputation in the fashion industry but also because of the massive amount of support FIDM directs towards potential students. Sivorn will graduate in March from the third-year Theater Costume Design Program; she's the first Fashion Magnet High School graduate to be accepted into this high-level study program. She's already looking forward to meeting designers and getting real-world experience working on designs and wardrobe in the areas of theater, film and television. Like any college student close to graduation, Sivorn is nervous about making the transition from student to working professional. But she feels well prepared by her FIDM instructors who are deeply connected to the industry and have passed along to her their valuable wisdom and techniques.

Now 21 and with a ready smile, Sivorn's maturity, focus and thoughtfulness make the epic stories of her past seem far removed from the poised young woman she is today. "The effort you put into your career will guide you towards you path in life." says Sivorn. "By making intentional choices toward your goal you will get where you want to be."

Sivorn Ouch's costume designs will be showcased on the FIDM website in this year's Debut 2000 Fashion Show Highlights. Look for them in April 2000.

Please Note: The information contained herein was confirmed at the time of original publication.