Graduate Profile: Moon’s Perseverance & Path to Success

From a small town in Myanmar called Pinlon to a successful career in Japan, Moon, a student of Shan ethnicity, embodies the spirit of perseverance and the transformative power of education. After funding her undergraduate degree with the help of a Zomia loan, Moon made it her mission to give back to the program that supported her. Now, reflecting on her journey, she hopes to help others achieve their dreams, just as she did. In this interview, Moon shares her inspiring story of resilience, success, and a deep sense of responsibility she feels to pay it forward.

I hope my contributions help Zomia students study at ease without having to worry about their tuition fees. I want to help them realize their dreams, which they can achieve with higher education.

Early Life Adventures Begin with Education

Born in Pinlon, a historic Shan ethnic town in Myanmar, Moon was raised by parents who deeply valued education. Although her parents lacked the opportunity for higher education themselves, they were determined to provide Moon and her brother with the best educational opportunities possible.

At 12, recognizing that Yangon offered superior educational prospects compared to the limited opportunities in Pinlon, Moon’s family made the decision to send her to live with relatives in Yangon. This move marked the beginning of her lifelong pursuit of quality education, far from the familiarity of home.

Encouraged by the discipline instilled by her parents and a love for reading nurtured by her father, Moon’s early experiences laid a strong foundation for her future academic endeavors.

Choosing Mae Fah Luang University

When it came time for university, Moon was inspired by a relative who had studied at Mae Fah Luang University (MFU) in neighboring Thailand and enjoyed the enriching experience of being an exchange student at Korea University. “I had a chance to learn about her school life and experiences as an exchange student in Korea,” Moon recalls. The international environment at Mae Fah Luang—combined with its affordable tuition—made MFU an attractive choice.

“I chose Business Administration because I believed it would help me secure a job after graduation. Given my family’s financial situation, it was important for me to become independent as soon as possible,” she explains. As a Business Administration major, Moon studied Economics, Marketing, Finance, Human Resource Management, and business strategy—skills she believed would allow her to work in any field of business.

Her decision proved wise. She built a strong foundation across various business disciplines and took Japanese as an elective—a skill that would later prove crucial in her career.

Zomia Provides a Lifeline

By the end of her second year at university, Moon’s parents were facing significant financial difficulties, making it increasingly challenging for them to support her education. Seeking to alleviate this burden, Moon learned about the Zomia loan program through a Burmese senior at her school. He introduced her to Zomia co-founders Ryker and Kirk. Impressed by their kindness and the flexibility of Zomia’s loan terms, she decided to apply.

“Before discovering Zomia, I had to forgo my chance to study in Korea as an exchange student because of the high living expenses,” Moon explains. “But the Zomia loan marked a turning point in my life. I’ll always be grateful to Zomia and my lenders for funding an extra year, which allowed me to join an exchange program in Okinawa. This gave me an opportunity to live and work in Japan—something that wouldn’t have been possible without Zomia’s support.”

What Moon found most appealing was Zomia’s unique system of benefits and incentives: “The Zomia repayment model was incredibly considerate, with features like a grace period, repayment deferment, and an interest-free period.” After fully repaying her loan, Moon was excited to support other students in similar situations. “I found this system fascinating because it allows me to contribute to higher education for others,” she reflects.

Moving from Education to a Career in Japan

While studying in Okinawa as an exchange student, Moon attended a job fair where she met her future employer. Despite her limited Japanese skills, she was hired as a part-time employee by a newly opened Myanmar branch of the company, eventually securing a permanent position. Today, she is a Lead Bridge System Engineer (BrSE) at an IT company in Japan, where she acts as a bridge between clients and offshore development teams.

“The beginning was the hardest,” she admits. “I didn’t know anything about IT, and my Japanese was at an intermediate level. But through hard work and a supportive environment, I was promoted to team leader in 2022.”

Repaying Her Loan

Moon’s journey of repaying her Zomia loan was marked by careful planning and dedication. “I borrowed about $8,000 to cover my tuition fees and living expenses for three academic years, including one year in Okinawa. After a six-month grace period, it took me two years and four months to fully repay the loan.”

To ensure that she could pay off the loan as quickly as possible, Moon meticulously managed her after-tax income. “I budgeted 50% for essential needs, 20% for wants, 15% for loan repayment, and 5% for supporting my family and making donations. I adapted the 50-30-20 budgeting rule, ensuring 15% of my salary went toward loan repayment, no matter what,” she explains. “Budgeting was key to repaying my loans as fast as possible.”

This disciplined approach allowed Moon to focus on her studies without the constant pressure of financial stress. “The Zomia loan enabled me to study without worrying about living expenses or tuition fees. That sense of financial security made a big difference for me, knowing Zomia had my back. It might sound funny, but at the time, it felt like I was borrowing from my future ability to support myself.”

[I ensured that] 15% of my salary went toward loan repayment, no matter what. Budgeting was key to repaying my loans as fast as possible.

Giving Back

After repaying her Zomia loan, Moon felt a responsibility to give back to the community that supported her. Inspired by Buddhist teachings, she made giving back a personal priority. “I follow the teachings of Buddha: ‘Share what you have,’ and ‘Use part of your income for charity.’ I make sure that at least 10% of my income is set aside for contributions every month.”

Moon’s decision to give back to Zomia was made long before she graduated. “I decided to contribute to Zomia the day I became a Zomia student. I know the sadness of being unable to continue studying due to financial constraints,” she explains. “I want to pass on the kindness and support I received from Zomia and my lenders to other students.”

I decided to contribute to Zomia the day I became a Zomia student. I know the sadness of being unable to continue studying due to financial constraints.

For Moon, supporting education is not just a personal choice; it’s a commitment to her country’s future. “This is another reason I give back to Zomia—because I believe education is crucial for a country’s development and prosperity. Our nation could have been much more developed if not for the flaws in the education system. For me, contributing to education is a necessity,” she says with conviction.

“I hope my contributions help Zomia students study at ease without having to worry about their tuition fees. I want to help them realize their dreams, which they can achieve with higher education,” Moon adds, reflecting on the impact she hopes to make.

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Moon is inspired by the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement. She envisions a future where she can focus on what matters most to her, free from financial concerns. Her goals include traveling, attending meditation retreats, and continuing to support her community.

“I’m still figuring out the kind of life I want to live,” she says, “but I know that giving back to the community and supporting education will always be a priority.”

Moon’s Message to Future Zomia Students

“I’m honored to share my Zomia journey, starting as a student in 2014 and later becoming a lender and proud Zomia alumna. Over the years, I’ve witnessed the growth of the Zomia community and feel deeply grateful for their unwavering support of Myanmar students, even during the challenges of COVID-19 and ongoing conflicts in Myanmar. As I write this, my connection with Zomia feels stronger than ever, and I am committed to continuing my involvement, hoping to contribute even more in the future. I’m excited about the possibility of meeting fellow Zomia students and graduates at an upcoming gathering in Japan!

For those of you considering a Zomia loan, I strongly recommend it as a way to fulfill your educational goals. The support I received from Zomia was crucial in helping me achieve my higher education dreams. After you graduate and secure a job, I encourage you to contribute back to Zomia. Your contribution will be vital for students like us and for the long-term sustainability of the program. I also hope that my experience with budgeting and loan repayment provides you with helpful insights as you embark on your own repayment journey.”

Conclusion

Moon’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact that education and community support can have on an individual’s life. Her journey from a small town in Myanmar to a leadership role in Japan is a testament to the strength of her determination and the support she received along the way. Through her contributions, she continues to empower other students, ensuring that the cycle of support and education continues.