I was born in Mawlamyine, a town where the majority of the population speaks the Mon language. When I was five years old, my family’s business fell into turmoil, and we were forced to relocate to a Yangon suburb to sustain our livelihoods. Adjusting to a new city, language, and culture was difficult, but my parents managed to open a small stationery shop to supplement their income.
Despite our financial struggles, my parents always emphasized the importance of education. They encouraged me to study hard and aim high, and that is why I developed a strong desire to pursue a career that would allow me to make a meaningful impact on society. Studying abroad, however, always felt like an unattainable dream for a middle-class girl like me.
After graduating from high school with distinction, I followed my parents’ advice and pursued a degree in computer science at the University of Information Technology in Yangon. Unfortunately, due to the unstable situation in Myanmar, my studies were cut short after three years. I never stopped learning, though, and continued to educate myself through online platforms like Coursera.
To support myself financially, I worked as a freelance translator and content writer. Although it was challenging to juggle work and self-study, I found the work fulfilling and was able to improve my skills in both areas. I viewed my working life as an investment in my education, and those experiences taught me the value of perseverance and hard work.
In July 2022, I was awarded an Excellence Scholarship from King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang in Thailand, covering my tuition fees. I was thrilled at the opportunity to study abroad, even knowing that my family could not afford to support my living expenses throughout a four-year undergraduate program.
About Su
- Age: 25
- Ethnicity: Mon
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang
- Bachelor’s, Engineering Management & Entrepreneurship
- 4th Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Become an engineer
- Explore feminist themes through writing
- Learn more languages
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $5,300
- Amount Left To Fund: $5,075
- Contract Duration: 12 years
- Status: In School
Despite the financial challenges, I decided to take a leap of faith and pursue my dream. I worked hard to make the most of my educational opportunities while finding ways to support myself. But as my first year came to an end, I found myself running out of money, which led me to apply for a loan from Zomia. I am confident that with this support I can continue my education and make a positive contribution to my family and my community.
Written by Su with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Su
“Despite the financial challenges, I decided to take a leap of faith and pursue my dream.”
