My name is Jeffrey, and I was born in Mawlamyine, Mon State, Myanmar. Since childhood, I have lived with my grandparents, as my parents divorced when I was young. Both parents remarried and started new families. We currently live in my grandfather’s brother’s house, as we still do not have a home of our own.
My grandparents have supported my educational expenses, though their financial situation is difficult and they have had to borrow money from others. My aunt, who works in a factory in Thailand, provides some monthly support. My father lost contact with me for a time and did not contribute to my education during those years. My grandparents always expressed their desire to see me graduate and make them proud.
Our family faced severe poverty. Even in their mid-fifties, my grandparents worked every day without rest. Every morning at 4 AM, we would wake up to prepare coconuts and betel nuts to sell at the market, often working until midnight. I helped them and understood that without education, we would only ever work hard without achieving stability. I realized that education was vital for improving our lives.
In Grade 10, I reconnected with my father, who was living near the Thailand-Myanmar border. He began contributing to my educational expenses. I passed my matriculation exam with two distinctions in chemistry and economics, making my grandparents very proud. Although I aspired to study tourism management abroad, my grandparents were hesitant given my age and did not allow it. I enrolled instead in Commerce at Monywa University of Economics in 2018, but universities closed during my second year due to COVID-19.
About Jeffrey
- Age: 24
- Ethnicity: Burmese, Mon
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Srinakharinwirot University
- Bachelor’s, Sustainable Tourism & Hospitality Management
- Graduated
Goals & Dreams
- Become a consultant in the ecotourism industry
- Climb Mount Everest
- Travel to Switzerland
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $4,875
- Amount Left To Fund: $4,600
- Contract Duration: 12 years
- Status: In Grace Period
I used that time to improve my English and digital skills, then discussed my plans to study in Thailand with my family. My grandfather was initially hesitant but agreed when I explained my aspirations and my desire to be the first educated person in our family.
I am now studying Sustainable Hospitality and Tourism Management at Srinakharinwirot University in Thailand. In my second year, I chose to focus on ecotourism and its role in balancing tourism’s benefits with the need to preserve natural resources and heritage. I have also been selected to attend the Rainforest Youth Summit 2024 in Malaysia as a representative of my faculty.
My father can provide some financial support, but is limited by the worsening economic situation in Myanmar. To help cover my expenses, I secured a part-time job at a hotel, which has given me valuable experience alongside some financial relief. With two years left to complete my degree, I am applying for a Zomia loan to take greater responsibility for my education and ease the burden on my father.
Written by Jeffrey with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Jeffrey
“I realized that without education, we would only ever work hard without achieving stability. Education was vital for improving our lives.”
