My name is Sophie. I am grateful to have been born into a poor family and raised by a single mother. My mother is my role model and my hero.
She never gave up. After my father passed away from a heart attack when I was five and my brother was three, she worked tirelessly as a maid to support our family. She did everything she could to provide for us.
I have three siblings, and I am the eldest. By the age of ten, I had already started working for my neighbors, selling vegetables and flowers before going to school. In return, I received a small amount of money and snacks, which I shared with my family. After school, I took care of our pigs, knowing that raising them well would help support my education.
Because of financial difficulties, my younger brothers had to leave home at the age of seven to become novice monks in order to continue their studies. During school breaks, I worked at a relative’s restaurant, doing chores such as cleaning, washing dishes, babysitting, and folding clothes to support myself.
In 2013, I failed my matriculation examination and was mocked and humiliated by people around me. Many told me that I would not succeed because I was poor and had failed. However, I refused to be discouraged and promised myself that I would not return to my village until I graduated.
That same year, my family fell into debt due to my mother’s health and my brothers’ needs. Instead of asking to retake the exam, I asked for permission to join the Kaw Dai Organization to continue my education. Kaw Dai is a community-based organization that promotes democracy and justice through education and grassroots empowerment.
About Sophie
- Age: 29
- Ethnicity: Shan
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Payap University
- Bachelor’s, Hospitality Industry Management
- Graduated
Goals & Dreams
- Become a human resource manager and chef
- Work with women and underprivileged children
- Visit the United States
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $6,775
- Amount Left To Fund: $5,300
- Contract Duration: 13 years
- Status: In Repayment
I joined their internship program in 2013, where I struggled at first because it was my first time living in a boarding environment with people from different parts of Shan State. I lacked confidence and did not qualify in my first year. However, I did not give up. I worked hard to improve my public speaking skills and participated in various activities. In 2015, I was selected to join an English Intensive Program in Yangon.
In 2016, I volunteered as a teacher for Shan orphans at Shan National School under Kaw Dai. It was my first full-time teaching experience, and I faced many challenges in understanding and supporting my students. However, I trained myself to care for them with love and compassion, helping them feel safe and valued.
Through this experience, I learned that empathy is essential in social work, especially when working with vulnerable children. I encouraged my students to develop positive thinking, a growth mindset, and a strong passion for life.
Looking back, I do not regret my difficult childhood. These experiences made me stronger and more determined, and they shaped my commitment to helping others.
My dream is to support vulnerable children and underprivileged young adults who face financial hardship. Many are forced to leave school early and face difficult life choices. I want to help them continue their education and build a better future.
After graduation, I plan to work with non-profit organizations to support migrant communities and provide vocational training. In the long term, I hope to empower women by creating opportunities for education, skills training, and safe employment.
Written by Sophie with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Sophie
“My dream is to support vulnerable children and underprivileged young adults who face financial hardship.”
