her eyes were opened to the problems

The filming took place in Cambodia. While she was there, her eyes were opened to the problems the Cambodians face.

The following are how I try to render the above sample. Correct me if I am wrong. Thanks.

... she noticed the problems facing the Cambodians.

... she were aware of the problems that face the Cambobians.

... she paid attention to the problems facing the Cambodians.

Grammar Geek wrote:

Of those three, "noticed" is closest, but it has to do with the process of becoming aware. You see something you never saw before.

Thanks, GG.

By the way, what do you mean by "I don't know squat about.." in your signature line? What does squat mean here?

Grammar Geek wrote:

I don't know anything. I know nothing. About that, anyway. I do have a few areas of expertise. As I have said before, if I had realized how little I really do know about grammar and formal rules and names for things, I never would have chosen this name. Among my fellow communicators, I'm the one with the knack for grammar. Among the experts here, I'm in the minor leagues.

Thanks, GG.

For the sake of curiosity, why couldn't I find the meaning of squat that you gave in your post in my dictionary.

Besides, "knack" has two meanings in my dictionary: one is skill and the other is habbit. But I don't think both of them fit in your context I bolded. What do you mean by "knack" there?