When I was young, I took much for granted. I thought everything would be provided for and that life wouldn’t be difficult when I grew up. Reality hit me hard when I realized my thinking was immature, and that I would constantly have to get out of my comfort zone to make ends meet. My name is Kelvin, currently starting my third year at Suranaree University of Technology in Thailand, majoring in Petrochemical and Polymer Engineering.
Before I embarked on my education abroad, I studied for four years at Yangon Technological University, majoring in Chemical Engineering. Then the global pandemic and political crisis hit, bringing my education to a sudden stop. Realizing that my parents were getting older and living on minimum income, I knew I had to step in and contribute. It was a life-changing decision to not go back to university. Chemical engineering was what I was truly passionate about, but fate had other plans for me.
So I joined the workforce to make ends meet, working data analyst jobs for a few months before fortunately landing a job in finance, where I worked as an investment analyst for a few years.
After some years in the industry, while I was grateful for the knowledge and experience I had gained, I realized that without a formal degree, my growth would eventually plateau. I made a deliberate decision to pursue my education once more, knowing it would be one of the most important investments in my own future. Relocating abroad was not a decision I took lightly, but one I made with full conviction, knowing the short-term sacrifice would transform into long-term stability and the ability to better support my family. This is what brought me to Thailand to pursue my engineering degree, a field that ties to my roots and my professional background in investment analysis within the energy sector.
Fast forward two years, juggling an intensive study schedule and freelance work, I came to realize that my financial situation was not sustainable in the long term.
About Kelvin
- Age: 27
- Ethnicity: Burmese
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Suranaree University of Technology
- Bachelor’s, Petrochemical & Polymer Engineering
- 3rd Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Become a renewable energy engineer
- Travel to Switzerland
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $1,225
- Amount Left To Fund: $1,225
- Contract Duration: 10 years
- Status: In School
Although I received a full scholarship and a small stipend to cover monthly expenses, it is not enough to cover the overall cost. Because the university’s coursework is so intensive, I really cannot take on additional projects for more income.
I also contribute monthly to my family’s expenses, so my budget is tight every month, and there are some days when I have had to survive on instant noodles. I know I need to find a solution so that I can better focus on my academic work and improve my employability after graduation.
That is why I reached out to Zomia and am now applying for an education loan. This loan would give me the financial foundation I need to complete my degree without the burden of uncertainty. I am very much committed to graduating and leveraging my dual background in energy and finance to pursue a career in an interdisciplinary field. I understand the responsibility that comes with this support, and I am fully committed to honoring it. Upon graduation, I intend to pursue a career in the petrochemical industry or energy finance, where the compensation is strong and my loan repayment would be timely and consistent.
Written by Kelvin with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Kelvin
“Chemical engineering was what I was truly passionate about, but fate had other plans for me.”
