A Creative Force: Sotheara Ly’s Journey from RCC to Media Production

Riverside City College (RCC) has a long history of nurturing talent and preparing students for their careers, and for Sotheara Ly, it was no exception. Now a media production specialist for the Department of Child Support Services in Riverside County, Ly attributes much of his success to the invaluable lessons and experiences he gained at RCC.

"RCC has been an amazing experience for me," Ly shares. "I transferred to Cal State San Bernardino, but if I’m being honest, most of the skills I learned and the most impactful life experiences happened at RCC. I personally value my time here more than anywhere else."

As a media production specialist, Ly’s role is anything but monotonous. "There’s never a dull day. One moment, I could be working on a flyer, and the next, I could be photographing an event. It always keeps me on my toes and makes me very adaptable," he explains.

His work includes designing flyers, banners, and billboards, producing videos and live events, and organizing workshops. One of his most recent projects focused on educating employers about their role in the child support process, blending live and pre-recorded elements. "As a producer, I have to switch between live and pre-recorded content, which keeps things exciting," he adds.

Ly credits RCC with teaching him perseverance and adaptability. "I was here for six years, but I never gave up. The support I received from counselors and professors pushed me to be my best. Because of that, I have amazing memories and accomplishments—both in school and beyond—that I attribute to RCC."

One of those accomplishments includes competing in prestigious design competitions. Ly participated in the American Advertising Federation’s Addy Awards, where his student projects earned recognition. "It was a great feeling to know that my class projects were good enough to compete and win," he recalls. Additionally, he won awards from the Printing Industries Association of Southern California and placed third at the national level for SkillsUSA, a competition that required him to demonstrate his expertise in real-time challenges.

Ly speaks highly of the faculty who mentored him, particularly Patrick Scullin, Sunny Siu, and Alan Dennis. "They prepared me for the industry in ways I didn’t realize at the time. Their guidance helped me develop the skills I needed to succeed."

Beyond academics, he built lasting friendships through his on-campus job at the Career and Transfer Center. "Those friendships have endured, even five years later. The people I met at RCC have been the most lasting connections in my life."

For students considering a career in media, Ly emphasizes the importance of passion projects. "Work will often follow a specific look and feel due to branding guidelines, but personal projects let you explore different techniques and styles. That’s where you grow creatively."