In observance of Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, members of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors invited Bay East Realtor Mony Nop to speak about his journey as a survivor of Cambodia's Killing Fields to becoming a successful Realtor and award-winning community leader. The Killing Fields refers to sites of one of the world's greatest atrocities - the deaths by execution, disease, starvation and forced labor of at least 1.7 million people, nearly a quarter of Cambodia's population, under the Khmer Rouge regime that ruled the country between 1975 and 1979.
Nop gave a riveting account of how, as early as age 5, he had to learn to survive, even if it meant fighting other children his age and younger for food and eating all kinds of animals, so he would not starve during those dangerous times.
"I was hungry all time. You name it, I've eaten it," said Nop.
At the age of six, Nop and his family escaped Cambodia by walking to Thailand. They stayed in refugee camps there and in the Philippines, until they were able to come to the U.S. in 1983. They eventually settled in Stockton, California.
Nop described his amazement at many firsts - seeing an elevator, a telephone, a television, a grocery store with all kinds of food he had never seen or tasted. He teared up relating the first time his host served a whole chicken just for his family.
From the time he arrived in the U.S., Nop strived to make a better life for himself. He learned to read and write and worked many jobs. At the age of 17, after overcoming enormous challenges, Nop was accepted into the police academy and became a police officer and community liaison for the city of Livermore. He took college courses at night and in 2004, earned his degree in business from St. Mary's College. He developed a passion for real estate and after 17 years in the police force, he retired and became a full-time Realtor.
Nop said his success stems from his motivation to make a difference by serving families and continuing his involvement in the community he loves. Now an accomplished Realtor with a home of his own, Nop focuses on giving back to youth and helping homebuyers achieve and enjoy the true meaning of homeownership.
"I want them to experience the same joy I did when I bought my first home," said Nop.
Nop has authored the children's book, Officer M.N.O.P and Me: How Police Officers Serve the Community On and Off Duty, whose proceeds go to the local schools. He founded the non-profit organization, Rising Young Leaders, which focuses on youth leadership. He also co-founded Tri-Valley Nonprofit Alliance, which is dedicated to supporting local nonprofits.
Nop has been featured on CBS News' "The Early Show" and ABC "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" for his community service. Some of his awards include the Good Neighbor Award from the Bay East Association of Realtors in 2014, the Good Neighbor Award from National Association of Realtors in 2017, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Award in 2018, and the St. Mary's College Meritorious Service Award in 2019.
The Cambodian immigrant told his fellow Realtors he is humbled by his experience and wants to continue giving back to the community. He encouraged them to do the same.
"I want to live my life with a purpose. At the end of the day, you have to find a way to do your passion. Give back and give back more. The more you give, the more you receive," said Nop.
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.
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