Looking back on my journey, I am reminded of the transformative power of education and the impact it can have on a life.
Growing up in an ordinary working-class family in Myanmar with parents who had no formal education, I witnessed the limitations that imposed and the doors it closed. The financial constraints at home made higher education feel like a distant dream. But I became the first member of my family to grasp that opportunity, a dream shaped by my background, experiences, and aspirations.
In 2009, I made a bold decision to come to Mae Sot, Thailand, seeking further education. Through my grandmother’s connections, I found shelter and support at the Social Action for Children and Women (SAW) boarding house, which became a sanctuary for my personal and academic growth.
I continued my education for three years in SAW’s high school and capacity building program, which laid the foundation for further study. I then worked as a teacher in a migrant school, an experience that deepened my understanding of the power of education and the resilience of marginalized communities. During that time, I also pursued community development studies, fueling my passion for creating positive change.
Through connections made while teaching, I was offered a position with a Spanish organization dedicated to supporting migrant education and advocating for children’s rights along the Thai-Myanmar border. This role brought me closer to the challenges faced by the Myanmar migrant community and strengthened my commitment to improving their lives. I felt proud to be part of a community actively working on these issues.
My dream of higher education never faded. My family’s financial struggles forced me to put my studies on hold and take on teaching and project management roles instead. Although this delayed my plans, it turned out to be among the most valuable experiences of my life.
About Aung
- Age: 33
- Ethnicity: Burmese
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce
- Bachelor’s, International Businesses Management
- 4th Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Start my own business consultancy company
- Finish my undergraduate degree
- Go to space! 🚀🚀🚀
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $6,975
- Amount Left To Fund: $6,800
- Contract Duration: 13 years
- Status: In School
For thirteen years, I strived to make my dream a reality. I finally funded my first year of university through full-time work, and I am now in my second year. But the financial strain has caught up with me, and I am unable to cover the remaining years without support. With Zomia’s help, I will be able to dedicate myself fully to my studies and complete what I set out to do so many years ago.
Written by Aung with editing assistance from Holland, one of Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Aung
“I am deeply committed to integrity, empathy, and inclusivity. These values guide my actions and interactions, both within the academic community and the broader society.”
