Two Bensonhurst cousins from Cambodia were awarded CUNY scholarships Monday for their determination to learn.

Sokha Pek and Sokkun Luc received City University of New York Peter Jennings GED Laurel Award Scholarships at a ceremony at CUNY's Graduate Center in Manhattan. The $1,000 each of the cousins received will go toward offsetting the cost of tuition.

Luc and Pek have come a long way from their days in Cambodia, where the women escaped an oppressive regime with their families in the 70s. The cousins started working at a Flatbush nail salon and earned GEDs, but realized they wanted more.

"I want to get the opportunity to go back to school, to get more knowledge and get a better job," Pek said.

The women say they plan to take full advantage of all the United States has to offer, and that includes attending college.

Luc and Pek are unsure what they will major in, but said they are prepared for the challenge.