Since I was a child, I have dreamt of being successful. Back then, I didn’t know what my true passions were — I just wanted to be the best at everything I did. But as I grew older, I came to understand that what I truly desire is not success in everything, but the chance to pursue something I am deeply passionate about.
Success now means waking up each morning excited to dedicate myself to a purpose that brings meaning and fulfillment. This realization was shaped by both time and loss. I’ve come to understand just how short and fragile life is. That awareness made me more grounded, more empathetic, and more responsible as a person.
After my father passed away, I felt a deep sense of responsibility to step up and support my family. That experience strengthened my resolve to create a positive impact both personally and professionally.
My education journey was deeply affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the military coup in Myanmar, which brought numerous challenges. Despite those struggles, I remained committed to learning. I am now studying Artificial Intelligence, a field that fascinates me and where I believe I can contribute meaningfully to society.
I am currently immersed in the foundations of AI, including machine learning, neural networks, and natural language processing — subjects that are equipping me with both technical expertise and an ethical framework for my future career.
To support myself financially, I work as a tutor for IGCSE O-Level students. I also serve as a freelance Project Manager for SimboloAI and work as a tech lead at my own startup, where I guide four engineering interns. Although the startup is in its pre-launch phase and I do not yet receive a salary, the experience challenges me to grow as both a leader and a developer of technical and project management skills.
About Joanne
- Age: 26
- Ethnicity: Burmese
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang
- Bachelor’s, Robotics & AI Engineering
- 2nd Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Become an AI researcher
- Travel around the world
- Visit Switzerland
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $4,950
- Amount Left To Fund: $4,875
- Contract Duration: 12 years
- Status: In School
My career goal is to become an AI safety researcher. But my dreams today are vastly different from those I had as a child. They are no longer confined to a specific career path or society’s definition of success. Instead, I dream of living a purposeful life, one where I use my skills and passions to make a real difference.
My larger vision involves bridging the digital divide, promoting equal access to education, supporting environmental sustainability, and creating social services for underprivileged communities. These are causes I care deeply about. The most important lesson I have learned is this: to live a life filled with passion, kindness, and meaning. No matter what life throws at me, I will continue to strive to lead a life with purpose, resilience, and a compassionate heart.
Written by Joanne with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Joanne
“Success now means waking up each morning excited to dedicate myself to a purpose that brings meaning and fulfillment. I dream of living a purposeful life — one where I use my skills and passions to make a real difference.”