“We do whatever it takes to make our lives work for us.” When I look back on my journey, I see that every meaningful opportunity in my life began by adapting to challenges and finding alternative ways forward.
My name is Austin. I grew up in a farming family in Hlegu Township, Myanmar. Both of my parents left middle school due to financial difficulties. As a result, they developed a strong commitment to providing for their children so we could pursue any degree based on our academic aspirations and performance. Despite limited financial resources, my parents were deeply committed to supporting my education.
Their difficult childhood experiences, compassion, and unconditional support became the driving force behind my perseverance to overcome the challenges and stress I faced in high school, and I was able to pass the matriculation exam with an excellent result and join Yangon University of Economics.
During my undergraduate studies in Economics, I studied hard to understand concepts deeply and apply them to real-world problems. Fortunately, my dedicated academic efforts earned me first position in the final exams of my bachelor’s degree, and the Myanmar Commerce Graduate Association also awarded me first prize for my exceptional academic results.
I actively initiated classroom activities, and I was elected Chief Executive Student of our university dormitory. In this role, I strengthened my leadership, communication, and teamwork skills by collaborating with tutors and other students to coordinate events and manage dormitory affairs.
Beyond campus, I wanted to contribute to my community. After graduation, I volunteered with U-Report Myanmar, a UNICEF initiative that amplifies youth voices across the country. As a Poll Designing Group member, I helped create polls, collect opinions from young people, and report their perspectives. This experience exposed me to the diverse challenges faced by youth in Myanmar and deepened my commitment to educational and social development.
About Austin
- Age: 27
- Ethnicity: Burmese
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- National Sun Yat-sen University
- Master’s, Education & Human Development
- 2nd Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Become an educational and career coach
- Launch an educational institute in Myanmar
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $3,500
- Amount Left To Fund: $3,000
- Contract Duration: 11 years
- Status: In School
In 2022, the unstable situation in Myanmar and my desire to broaden my perspective led me to work at an international hotel in Dubai. Working with guests and colleagues from many countries taught me the importance of cultural understanding and adaptability to diversity.
After returning from Dubai, I continued pursuing opportunities in education and served as a Class Fellow at Parami University, and worked as an English Coach at Wall Street English Myanmar. Through these experiences, I realized that education is not only about transferring knowledge, but also about empowering people to pursue their aspirations.
Then, my passion for language learning and education goals eventually brought me to Taiwan. Due to my dedicated efforts and support from my family, teachers, and former manager, I was admitted to a Master’s of Education and Human Development program with an international student scholarship. Adapting to a new language, culture, and educational system was challenging at first. To support myself while studying, I worked part-time in restaurants, preparing food, serving customers, and communicating with coworkers in Mandarin Chinese. These experiences helped me improve my language skills, understand Taiwanese workplace culture, and develop resilience while balancing work and academic responsibilities.
While studying in Taiwan, I continued finding ways to help others. I am currently volunteering as an English tutor for Taiwanese junior high school students through the Michelle Chiou Foundation, and also providing educational mentorship to Myanmar students applying for universities. Recently, two Myanmar students I mentored for their university admission applications were admitted to their desired programs, and they will continue their academic journey next semester. Seeing their success reminded me of how meaningful educational guidance can be.
My long-term goal is to support young people through educational and career counseling and mentorship to help them access quality learning opportunities. After graduation, I plan to work as an English teacher or Educational Consultant in Taiwan to strengthen my professional experience and international network. In the future, I will establish an educational institute that provides accessible, high-quality language training, educational and career counseling, and university admission support for youth around the world.
I believe education is one of the most powerful tools for personal, professional, and community transformation. Every young person deserves access to high-quality education, the knowledge and skills to pursue their dreams. Through my studies, work, and volunteering, I hope to empower others to build meaningful futures for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Written by Austin with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Austin
“Every young person deserves access to high-quality education, the knowledge and skills to pursue their dreams.”
