I am Linn Latt, currently a Software Engineering student at Chiang Mai University (CMU). I come from a family with a complex and politically significant background, one that has deeply shaped both my character and my path in life.
My father is a long-time pro-democracy activist who was among the student protesters during the 1988 uprising in Myanmar. He later joined the All Burma Students’ Democratic Front (ABSDF) and relocated to Mae Sot. It was during his time in Thailand that he met my mother, who was working there to support her family.
By 2000, my father had been appointed the ABSDF representative to the Students’ and Youth Congress of Burma in Chiang Mai. I was born in Hpa-An while my mother was temporarily back in her hometown.
Because of my father’s activities, I spent my early childhood in Mae Sot, where I attended Ratwittaya School and completed my primary education under the Thai education system. Our family later returned to Myanmar when my father was assigned to lead the ABSDF Yangon Liaison Office. I continued my studies through Myanmar’s Non-Formal Education System before transitioning to a government school, where I passed the matriculation exam in Yangon with two distinctions.
The COVID-19 pandemic then disrupted my plans to enroll in university. Soon after, the military coup in Myanmar led to further instability, forcing my family to flee from Yangon to Hpa-An. That was the most difficult time in our lives. With limited financial resources, we had to work just to survive. The constant stress and violence took a toll on our mental health, and during this period my mother gave birth to my younger brother, adding to the weight of our challenges.
About Linn Latt
- Age: 22
- Ethnicity: Burmese, Karen
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Chiang Mai University
- Bachelor’s, Software Engineering
- 2nd Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Become a project manager
- Travel to the Maldives ☀️🏖️☀️
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $2,200
- Amount Left To Fund: $2,125
- Contract Duration: 11 years
- Status: In School
In June 2023, as the situation continued to worsen, my sister and I fled to Thailand. With support from the Social Action for Women and Children (SAW) organization, I completed the GED program in March 2024. While preparing for the GED, I actively participated in leadership and empowerment initiatives, including the Capacity Building Program for Youth, the Youth Leadership Program, and the Temporary Protection Program, where I served as a leader. I also volunteered as a teacher and interpreter at SAW. These experiences were transformative, helping me develop resilience, leadership skills, and a deep commitment to community service.
My interest in software engineering stems from a belief in the power of technology to transform lives and societies. I am passionate about using technology to solve real-world problems and contribute to the sustainable development of my country and community.
In June 2024, I began my university journey at CMU, majoring in Software Engineering. Although I had some prior experience with basic web development, my first year was more challenging than expected. I remained committed, completed the year successfully, and now move into my second year with a renewed sense of purpose.
Despite all the upheavals and transitions in my life, education has remained my guiding light. My ultimate goal is not only to build a better future for myself but also to uplift others, especially displaced youth like me. I hope to use the skills and knowledge I gain to empower marginalized communities and create a more inclusive, hopeful future for all.
Written by Linn Latt with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Linn Latt
“Despite all the upheavals and transitions in my life, education has remained my guiding light. My ultimate goal is not only to build a better future for myself but also to uplift others, especially displaced youth like me.”
Linn Latt
“I hope to use the skills and knowledge I gain to empower marginalized communities and create a more inclusive, hopeful future for all.”
