My name is Austin, and I was born and raised in Yangon, Myanmar. I come from a middle-class family. My father works as a mechanic, and my mother worked as a home-based sewer. I am the only child in my family.
Growing up, I lived a simple life. My father often traveled for work, while my mother took care of me and guided me through my education. My parents always taught me the importance of good character, hard work, and perseverance. Although we were not wealthy, we lived comfortably and believed that education could create better opportunities for the future.
From a young age, I enjoyed drawing and creating things. I was fascinated by shapes, structure, and visual details. I especially enjoyed geometry because it combined creativity with logical thinking.
At first, I dreamed of becoming an architect, but as I explored different creative fields, I became increasingly interested in graphic design and digital media. Over time, I taught myself design skills and developed a passion for visual communication and creative problem-solving.
In 2024, I moved to Thailand to pursue higher education. Studying abroad was not an easy decision for me or my family, but I believed it would open the door to better opportunities. To gain admission, I spent several months preparing my portfolio, researching application requirements, and seeking advice from others. Competition for my major was very high, and I constantly worried about whether I would be accepted.
When I received my acceptance letter, I felt happy, but more importantly, I felt a greater sense of responsibility. I understood how much effort my family and I had invested in this opportunity, and I knew I had to make the most of it.
About Austin
- Age: 22
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Mae Fah Luang University
- Bachelor’s, Multimedia Technology & Animation
- 3rd Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Become an Art Director or Creative Director
- Travel to Switzerland
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $2,275
- Amount Left To Fund: $2,275
- Contract Duration: 11 years
- Status: In School
At first, my parents were able to support my studies. However, over time, my family’s financial situation became more difficult. Due to economic instability in Myanmar, my father’s income became less reliable, while my mother’s health continued to decline because of diabetes. Eventually, she could no longer work, and her medical expenses continued to increase.
The most challenging period came after my first year of university. I had to move out of the dormitory and find off-campus housing while my family struggled to cover tuition and living expenses. There were times when I feared I might have to leave university and return home. Instead of giving up, I searched for every opportunity I could find, applied for jobs, and worked hard to support myself. Fortunately, I was able to secure employment before my tuition deadline and continue my education. Since then, I have balanced work and study while continuing to develop my professional and personal skills.
These experiences have taught me resilience, responsibility, and the importance of continuous learning. Beyond improving my design abilities, I have worked to strengthen my communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Each challenge has motivated me to keep moving forward.
In the future, I hope to become an Art Director or Creative Director and gain experience in highly competitive creative environments. My long-term goal is to establish a creative studio in Myanmar that provides meaningful opportunities for young designers. I want to create a workplace built on strong values, fair opportunities, and continuous learning. I also hope to offer training and mentorship programs that help young people develop practical skills and build successful careers.
My journey has not been defined by a single dramatic event, but by the determination to keep moving forward despite uncertainty. Through education, hard work, and perseverance, I hope to build a better future for myself, support my family, and create opportunities for others.
Written by Austin with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Austin
“My journey has not been defined by a single dramatic event, but by the determination to keep moving forward despite uncertainty.”