The quote, “Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid of standing still”, holds a special meaning in my life. My name is Nadia, and I have an older sister. Our family business thrived in my early years, but in 2007, we faced family issues that caused frequent arguments between our parents. Unfortunately, these problems led to financial difficulties, and our family business eventually went bankrupt. As a result, my parents divorced in 2010. Accepting all these changes was challenging for me, and I experienced moments of depression. However, my resilient mother took on the responsibility of supporting us by selling Shan traditional foods and snacks. Even though the income was small, it helped us survive.
Despite our financial constraints, education was highly valued in my family. My mother and sister made incredible sacrifices to prioritize my education. My sister selflessly left school so that I could continue my studies without interruptions.
Their unwavering support and belief in the power of knowledge motivated me to excel academically. My mother seized every opportunity to ensure I could continue with my education.
The difficulties I faced during this time taught me the importance of perseverance and the value of constant growth. Instead of being afraid of slow progress, I realized the real fear lies in remaining stagnant. I embraced the challenges, knowing that each step forward, no matter how small, was a step towards a brighter future.
In spite of the numerous challenges I encountered, my unwavering ambition was to become a teacher. Consequently, I had the opportunity to participate in the Shan Literature Teacher Workshop, which took place in Mandalay and Kyakume. Subsequently, in 2017, I became a student of the first batch of students at Shan Community College majoring in Social Science. This experience significantly broadened my perspective, fueling my desire to pursue further education and acquire knowledge that would enable me to contribute to the welfare of both my community and my family.
About Nadia
- Age: 25
- Ethnicity: Shan
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Chiang Rai Rajabhat University
- Bachelor’s, English for International Communication
- Graduated
Goals & Dreams
- Become a teacher
- Empower others through education
- Learn video editing
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $1,250
- Amount Left To Fund: $1,250
- Contract Duration: 10 years
- Status: In Repayment
In 2020, I finished my Social Science degree at Shan Community College while the COVID-19 pandemic was still happening. During that time, I found a job as an assistant accountant, which greatly helped my family financially during the pandemic. In 2022, our college offered me a chance to study further in Thailand, and that’s where I am studying now. My goal is to learn as much as I can so I can become a teacher and make a positive impact in my community.
All of these experiences and adversities have shaped my mindset and ignited a vision within me. They have inspired me to pursue a career as a teacher, a social organizer, and an advocate for empowering individuals through education.
Having faced financial difficulties and witnessed the transformative power of education in my own life, I deeply understand the value it holds. Education has the potential to uplift individuals, families, and entire communities. It equips individuals with knowledge, skills, and opportunities to break free from the constraints of their circumstances.
Through my journey, I have developed a passion for guiding others and providing them with the tools they need to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential. As a teacher, I aspire to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment, where every student feels valued, inspired, and motivated to learn.
My goal is to empower individuals to make a difference in their own lives and communities. I want to show them that they have the power to shape their future. By providing education and support, I hope to contribute to a society where everyone has a chance to reach their full potential, just like I wanted for myself.
Written by Nadia with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Nadia
“The difficulties I faced during this time taught me the importance of perseverance and the value of constant growth. Instead of being afraid of slow progress, I realized the real fear lies in remaining stagnant. I embraced the challenges, knowing that each step forward, no matter how small, was a step towards a brighter future.”
