My name is Hseng. Most of my life has been spent in a small village in Myanmar.
When I was younger, I enjoyed exploring Shan traditions and Buddhist studies, which helped me find meaning beyond the repetitive cycle of village life.
I have an older sister who married in 2010 and now lives with her husband’s family. Like most Dai people, my parents are farmers, and our income depends mainly on the crops we grow and sell.
Corn is our main produce, which we bring to markets in Lashio for sale. At one time, the roads were safer, and there were fewer conflicts. Our harvests were good, and the markets were active and full of life.
However, this did not last. Conditions worsened as the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent instability disrupted daily life. Labor became scarce as workers moved elsewhere or were displaced. The cost of essential farming supplies increased, along with fuel prices needed to operate our farm vehicle.
I finished high school in 2017 and later attended computer training in Mongyai, hoping to start a small business printing photographs and invitation cards. I managed to run the business for a short period, but it was not sustainable.
Recognizing my strengths, I enrolled at Shan Community College (SCC) in Karli, Southern Shan State, where I studied social sciences. This experience helped me build confidence in public speaking, deepen my understanding of my culture, and strengthen my sense of responsibility to my community.
About Hseng
- Age: 25
- Ethnicity: Shan
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Mae Fah Luang University
- Master’s, English for Professional Development
- 1st Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Become an English coordinator
- Learn Chinese
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $5,500
- Amount Left To Fund: $5,300
- Contract Duration: 12 years
- Status: In Deferment
While at SCC, I volunteered as a librarian and worked at the student juice bar, which kept me engaged and focused. I also helped teach fellow students practical skills such as cooking, construction, farming, and animal care. After several years, I graduated with a diploma in 2020.
I later volunteered with local news organizations, contributing to the sharing of information in my community. As conditions in Shan State became more difficult, many students were unable to continue their education. In response, I began teaching English, Burmese, and mathematics to novice monks at a monastery in Mongyai.
With the support of Zomia, I plan to study English for International Communication at Chiang Rai Rajabhat University. I have always enjoyed learning English and believe it can create opportunities for young people. Through this program, I hope to better understand my community and contribute to improving education for future generations.
Written by Hseng with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Hseng
“Through this program, I hope to better understand my community and contribute to improving education for future generations.”
