My name is Karen. I am the first daughter in my family from Nyaung Shwe, Southern Shan State, Myanmar. I recently completed my third year in the Tourism Management Program at Mae Fah Luang University (MFU).
I have five family members. As the eldest child, I want to be a role model for my younger brother and become successful so that I can support my family. I want to be an independent woman who does not give up easily in difficult situations, has the courage to face new challenges, and works hard to achieve her goals.
It has always been my dream to study abroad and learn how people work in other countries so that I can improve myself as well as contribute to my country. I want to gain experience in new environments and establish myself in new places by learning new things. After working abroad, I hope to return home with enough savings, experience, and new ideas to start my own business.
However, after I passed my matriculation exam, my father wanted me to attend a distance education university in Myanmar and start working to gain experience. My mother and aunt, however, encouraged me to study abroad for my Bachelor’s degree. After asking for permission, my father eventually allowed me to go to Thailand.
Before I left, my father told me he was worried about my education. He feared that if he could not support me until graduation, I might face difficulties and become discouraged. Still, he promised to do his best to support both my studies and our family.
At that time, he had to find money not only for my education but also for my grandmother’s medical treatment. He used his savings so that I could attend MFU. Unfortunately, my grandmother’s health worsened during my second year. She had long suffered from diabetes and heart disease, and her condition continued to decline despite treatment.
About Karen
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Mae Fah Luang University
- Bachelor’s, Tourism Management
- Graduated
Goals & Dreams
- Become a successful CEO
- Visit Switzerland
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $3,675
- Amount Left To Fund: $0
- Contract Duration: 11 years
- Status: In Repayment
Quotable
What Others Are Saying About Karen
During this time, my father faced serious financial challenges. He had to cover my educational expenses, support our family’s daily needs, and pay for my grandmother’s medical care. It became very difficult for me to focus on my studies, as I wanted to return to Myanmar to help my family. When my father told me he had gone into debt, I felt deeply upset and did not want to be a burden.
Before the end of my second year, my grandmother passed away. My father blamed himself for not being able to save her. I was overwhelmed and even considered leaving university, but my family encouraged me to continue. My father borrowed money from relatives so I could keep studying, and I became determined to work harder for my future and to support my family in return.
Currently, I am back in Myanmar and have been here since the beginning of the pandemic. At first, I worked part-time to support myself. However, our family faced further difficulties when a tour company renting our apartment moved out due to the decline in tourism. Since then, we have had no stable income. My younger brother is now in Grade 10, and our family must continue supporting his education.
My father never gives up, no matter how difficult life becomes. He always does his best to support our family and education. Inspired by his determination, my goal is to become a successful businesswoman who can support my family, contribute to my community, and help develop my country.
In the future, I hope to create job opportunities in Myanmar by attracting foreign investment and supporting local development. I am determined to continue my studies, overcome all challenges, and achieve my goals for my family and my community.
Written by Karen with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Karen
“In the future, I hope to create job opportunities in Myanmar by attracting foreign investment and supporting local development.”