My name is May. I was born in the central region of Myanmar. I have lived my whole life in Naypyidaw since before it was named the capital of Myanmar.
My father was a government staff member, and in 1999, we moved to the Palaung Dam Project, located in a deep forest surrounded by a few villages. The living conditions there were very poor.
The environment I grew up in was not open to change, and there was nothing new to explore. When I looked at people around me, including my parents, they all did monotonous work. I wanted to explore more about the world, yet I did not know how to do so.
Even when I was very young, I did not want to be like them and wanted to escape from such a boring life. Through drama series and English movies shown on national television programs, I was inspired to go abroad.
I grew up in an education system where rote learning was mainly used until I passed the matriculation exam in 2014. Therefore, attaining a high-quality higher education is one of the biggest dreams I would like to achieve in my life. As time passed, I became more and more eager to go to foreign countries and explore the outside world.
In 2014, due to the widespread availability of mobile phones and the internet in Myanmar, I became aware of opportunities to better myself. I started to learn English through websites and YouTube channels. Moreover, I learned more about various scholarship programs to help me realize my educational dream and contribute back to my motherland.
Gradually, I came to understand more about the situation of my country and how it could be improved. Myanmar is a multi-ethnic society with a prolonged history of civil conflict among various ethnic armed groups and the government’s armed forces, and it has been isolated from the outside world for decades.
About May
- Age: 27
- Ethnicity: Burmese
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Vietnam Japan University
- Master’s, Global Leadership
- Graduated
Goals & Dreams
- Shape development policy in Myanmar
- To work on gender equality and human rights
- Travel to Africa
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $3,700
- Amount Left To Fund: $0
- Contract Duration: 11 years
- Status: In Repayment
Quotable
What Others Are Saying About May
The underdeveloped social and physical infrastructure, limited trust in public institutions, and restricted access to public services in many conflict-affected areas pose severe challenges to reducing poverty and achieving sustainable development across the nation.
Since independence in 1948, the country has been affected by ongoing political instability. This has adversely impacted human resource development and the socio-economic conditions of the country. Therefore, it is necessary to address current political challenges and move toward a better future.
Upon completing my studies in Global Leadership, I hope to be involved in policy-making that contributes to the overall development of my country.
Written by May with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
May
“Upon completing my studies in Global Leadership, I hope to be involved in policy-making that contributes to the overall development of my country.”