My name is Soe, and I come from Lat Pan Village, Yanbye Township, in Rakhine State, Myanmar. My parents are farmers on a four-acre farm, growing rice from June to October and exporting it to shops throughout Rakhine State. Despite their hard work, they earn only about $400 a year, out of which $200 must be set aside for fertilizer and labor costs.
Despite our financial struggles, my parents supported my dream of attending university. While studying, I worked as a part-time teacher to cover my living expenses in Yangon, where I lived with my aunt. After graduation, I worked as a planner at Adidas until the military coup forced me to return home.
During my two years back in Rakhine State, I volunteered as a teacher, instructing students in English, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
I also noticed how many people in my village were bitten by snakes and decided to study and teach proper snakebite first aid. Most people in rural areas still rely on folk medicine when bitten by snakes, which can lead to infections and death. I began educating people about how to identify snakes and seek proper medical care when necessary.
This experience sparked a deep passion for snake conservation and education, and I hope to become an expert in this field. I believe my knowledge and skills can make a meaningful impact in my community and my country. I am currently studying at Suranaree University of Technology in Thailand, where I plan to continue my work in snake conservation and education. I hope that through my efforts, both people and snakes in Myanmar can live safer and healthier lives.
Written by Soe with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
About Soe
- Age: 28
- Ethnicity: Rakhine
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Suranaree University of Technology
- Master’s, Biology
- Graduated
Goals & Dreams
- Become a professor
- Travel to the Amazon rainforest
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $1,700
- Amount Left To Fund: $1,050
- Contract Duration: 10 years
- Status: In Repayment
Soe
“I hope that through my efforts, both people and snakes in Myanmar can live safer and healthier lives.”
Soe
“I am passionate about conservation and the environment, and I hope to use my future studies and career to promote sustainable development and protect endangered species.”
