I believe in resilience—the same resilience that propelled my mother from a village kindergarten teacher to an Executive Director at a tech company, and drove my father to join a top non-profit organization, despite both being raised by farmers with no access to education. This same resilience has guided me as I study abroad alone, navigating challenges and uncertainties along the way.
My name is Lin, and I am part of a family of four. I completed high school at the Practicing High School of Yangon University of Education, known as T.T.C., one of the most prestigious schools in Myanmar. Attending such a school came with its own challenges. Coming from a less affluent background, I often faced discrimination and exclusion from peers who could afford the latest gadgets and expensive activities.
I focused on my studies and drew strength from my family’s support, which helped me excel academically.
I am currently in my third year at Mae Fah Luang University (MFU) in Thailand, majoring in Environmental Health. During my time at MFU, I received two scholarships of 12,000 baht each, awarded in my first and second years, which reinforced my confidence and eased financial pressure.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, our family enjoyed a degree of stability. However, my mother, who has a congenital cardiovascular disease, had to quit her job due to worsening health, significantly affecting our finances. My father also had to leave his position. The pandemic further reduced their income, and the instability in Myanmar added to our difficulties. My parents borrowed from relatives and eventually had to liquidate assets, including property and a vehicle, to pay tuition for my brother and me.
About Lin
- Age: 22
- Ethnicity: Burmese
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Mae Fah Luang University
- Bachelor’s, Environmental Health
- Graduated
Goals & Dreams
- Become a conservation scientist
- Learn to play the piano or guitar
- Visit the Eiffel Tower
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $4,375
- Amount Left To Fund: $3,900
- Contract Duration: 12 years
- Status: In Grace Period
My ambition to become a conservation scientist stems from what I witnessed growing up. Our two adopted stray dogs were cruelly killed because people feared rabies, unaware that vaccination and education could prevent such tragedies. I also watched natural habitats degrade into desolate wastelands, pushing countless species toward extinction. These experiences motivated me to advocate for biodiversity and work toward a sustainable future.
My volunteer work has prepared me well for this path. As an enumerator for the International Organization for Migration in Chiang Rai, I conducted research on Burmese migrant workers, deepening my understanding of socio-economic challenges and their impact on environmental health. I also served as an Operations Officer for the MFU Student Union, a Public Relations Officer for No Hunger Zone in Yangon, and an Operations Officer for EduShare Myanmar, where I managed budgets, analyzed data, and oversaw daily operations.
The resilience of my family has shaped who I am, and it will continue to drive me as I pursue my goals. I am determined to become a conservation scientist who addresses Myanmar’s environmental challenges and educates people about the importance of protecting our wildlife and natural habitats.
Written by Lin with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Lin
“I believe in resilience, and I believe that through resilience, I can make a difference.”