Swan

Creative Communication Design
Undergraduate
Student Portrait

The first thing I packed when leaving Myanmar was a sketchbook filled with animals, folklore creatures, and unfinished stories.

Growing up in Mandalay, I spent much of my time drawing. I was fascinated by animals, myths, and the way illustrations could bring ideas to life. What began as a childhood hobby gradually became a way for me to understand the world and communicate what I cared about. Through drawing, I learned that images have the power to educate, preserve culture, and connect people across different backgrounds.

After graduating from high school, I enrolled at Mandalay University of Foreign Languages as a Russian major. My studies were interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the political crisis in Myanmar. Like many young people in my country, I suddenly found myself facing uncertainty about my education and future, and I was forced to rethink my goals and search for new opportunities.

During this period, I realized that design and visual storytelling were not only my greatest interests but also the fields through which I could contribute to society. In 2024, I was awarded the Global Bright Scholarship and began studying Creative Communication Design at Bangkok University. Moving to Thailand was both exciting and challenging. I had to adapt to a different environment, build a new support system, and navigate financial difficulties while staying focused on my studies.

Despite these challenges, I maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.91 while participating in volunteer work, creative projects, and freelance design. I have volunteered as a graphic designer and mentor with Thit Pin Youth Organization, Connect-Ed Youth Organization, and several environmental initiatives. Through these roles I created educational materials, supported youth learning programs, and helped communicate social and environmental messages. They taught me that design can be a powerful bridge between knowledge and understanding.

 About Swan

  • Age: 23
  • Ethnicity: Burmese
  • Country: Myanmar

 School & Program

  • Bangkok University
  • Bachelor’s, Creative Communication Design
  • 3rd Year in Program

Goals & Dreams

  • Become an artist, illustrator, and author
  • Visit the Louvre in Paris, MoMA in New York, and the Shanghai Natural History Museum

 Loan Details

  • Loan Amount: $4,575
  • Amount Left To Fund: $4,525
  • Contract Duration: 12 years
  • Status: In School
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Quotable

What Others Are Saying About Swan

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I often draw inspiration from Myanmar’s cultural heritage, folklore, wildlife, and communities. Whether creating illustrations, educational materials, or branding projects, I strive to tell stories that encourage curiosity, empathy, and connection.

In the future, I hope to work with educational, environmental, and community-based organizations, using design and visual storytelling to help NGOs communicate meaningful ideas in engaging and accessible ways. I also aspire to become a children’s book illustrator and educator, creating learning materials that inspire young people to explore and imagine.

Our family’s situation became more difficult following the recent earthquake in Mandalay, which affected a family member who had supported my education. Continuing my studies now depends more than ever on scholarships and other support. My journey has been shaped by disruption, adaptation, and perseverance, and I am committed to using my education to create meaningful impact through design, storytelling, and community engagement.

Written by Swan with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.

Swan

Swan

“The first thing I packed when leaving Myanmar was a sketchbook filled with animals, folklore creatures, and unfinished stories.”

Q&A With Swan

Survey Fun

What is your favorite memory?
My favorite memory is visiting the Natural History Museum at Yangon Zoo, especially the whale skeleton exhibit. My parents visited it when they were newly married, and my mother often told me stories about it when I was young. Being able to stand in the same place years later made me feel connected to both my family history and my love for nature and animals.
How would your friends describe you?
My friends would describe me as creative, quirky, and passionate about the things I care about. I’m a perfectionist who pays close attention to details and always tries to improve my work, although sometimes that perfectionism can make things harder for me. They would also say I’m kind, reliable, and someone who never gives up easily.
What is the one thing that isn’t taught in school but should be?
I believe resilience should be taught in school. Academic subjects are important, but many students are never taught how to cope with failure, uncertainty, or major life challenges. Learning how to recover from setbacks, adapt to change, and keep pursuing your goals despite difficulties is a skill that can benefit people throughout their lives.
What is/was your favorite subject in school?
Science was always my favorite subject in school. I loved learning about animals and nature, and it inspired my passion for drawing. Many of the creatures, stories, and illustrations I create today are rooted in the curiosity that science sparked in me when I was young.
What skill or ability do you most wish you had (but lack today)?
I wish I had stronger business and entrepreneurship skills. Creativity has always come naturally to me, but I often find myself learning the business side of things through trial and error. I want to become more confident in pricing my work, managing projects, building professional relationships, and creating sustainable opportunities from my creative skills. By strengthening these abilities, I hope to not only achieve my own goals but also use my work to support my family and contribute to educational and cultural initiatives in the future.
If you could do anything you wanted now, what would it be?
If I could do anything I wanted right now, I would secure enough funding to continue my education without financial stress. It would allow me to focus on learning, developing my skills as a designer and illustrator, and creating meaningful work that contributes to education, culture, and social impact. Having that peace of mind would give me the freedom to fully invest in my future and pursue my goals with confidence.
Where would you most like to travel?
I would love to travel to places that reflect my interests in nature, science, and art. Three destinations at the top of my list are the Shanghai Natural History Museum, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, and the Louvre Museum in Paris. Since childhood, I have been fascinated by animals, natural history, and museums, while art has become an important part of my life and career. These places represent different aspects of who I am, the curious learner who loves science and nature and the creative person who aspires to become an illustrator and designer. I believe visiting them would not only deepen my knowledge but also provide inspiration for my future work and personal growth.
What’s the best meal you’ve ever had?
The best meal I have ever had is my mother’s homemade Laphet Thoke (tea leaf salad) with rice. It is a simple meal, but it holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of home and the time spent with my family. What makes it even more unique is that I always ask my mother to add a little sugar to my Laphet Thoke, which is unusual. It may sound quirky, but that small touch makes it perfect for me. No matter where I go or what other foods I try, nothing compares to the comfort and happiness that meal brings me.
What’s your dream job?
My dream job is to become a world-renowned artist, illustrator, and author who creates children’s books that inspire people to care about nature, wildlife conservation, and building a better society. Through storytelling and art, I hope to spark curiosity, empathy, and a sense of responsibility in younger generations. At the same time, I aspire to become a lecturer and, one day, a chairperson in higher education. I want to support students not only academically but also personally, especially those facing financial or social challenges. My dream is to use both creativity and education to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives and contribute to a more compassionate and sustainable future.
If you won $1 million in a lottery, how would you spend it?
If I won $1 million in a lottery, the first thing I would do is pay off the debts my family has taken on to support my education and future. Their sacrifices have made it possible for me to pursue opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach, and I would want to ease that burden as soon as possible. I would then invest in completing my education, supporting my family’s long-term financial stability, and developing my career as an artist and illustrator. In the future, I would also like to establish a scholarship fund or organization that helps students facing financial hardship access educational opportunities. Winning that amount of money would not only change my life, but also allow me to give back to the people who have supported me and help others achieve their dreams.

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