My name is Aye Chan. I was born and grew up in Mandalay Division, Myanmar. I am the youngest of six siblings, but I am very independent and like to take care of myself.
When I was four years old, my parents lived apart. My siblings and I lived with my father, who worked in the Government Electricity Department for forty years. Because of his job, my father moved to different places all over the country.
Because our parents are not nearby, my elder brother and sister have run their own businesses and looked after the family without support from others. We have experienced serious financial difficulties, but we managed to overcome these difficult situations with hard work and self-dependence.
Reading is my passion. It is a habit I got from my family, and I have gained considerable knowledge by reading books. A person without education and knowledge cannot succeed in life. Books are my best companion, guiding me to be a better woman.
Education is the best way to reach my goals and succeed in life. During my high school years, I was among the top students, and I worked as hard as I could academically to get into an exceptional university. Yet I did not think I would have an opportunity to study abroad, as it seemed like something beyond my capabilities at the time.
After passing the matriculation exam, I joined the University of Traditional Medicine, Mandalay. After graduating, I worked as a lecturer at the same university for seven years. In 2015, I did my master’s degree in the same field and graduated in 2016.
About Aye Chan
- Ethnicity: Burmese
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Mahidol University
- Master’s, Public Health
- Graduated
Goals & Dreams
- Join the World Health Organization
- Travel to Europe
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $4,225
- Amount Left To Fund: $2,975
- Contract Duration: 12 years
- Status: In Repayment
Currently, I am doing my second master’s degree in Public Health at Mahidol University in Thailand. For as long as I can remember, I’ve known what I wanted to do with my life. Science has always been a passion, and medicine in particular has interested me for some time. Dedicating myself to improving the lives of others is very appealing to me. I believe this program will offer me valuable skills that cannot be taught in the classroom.
In Myanmar, I was a volunteer researcher of traditional medicines. I am familiar with and comfortable in clinical settings too. Studying in a foreign country will give me new experiences and knowledge. The classes will be challenging and thought-provoking. Strengths that I bring to my study abroad experience include my exemplary leadership, discipline, and social skills. Numerous leadership positions at club, district, and international levels have trained me to find creative solutions to challenges, organize my experiences for the purposes of both engagement and reflection, and socially navigate among diverse personalities and power differences.
After finishing my program, I will return to Myanmar and begin working for the university and community. I will be involved in more research related to traditional medicine and hope to share my knowledge and experiences with others.
Being a civil servant, I do not have enough to finance my program, and my siblings cannot help. I searched for funding agencies and scholarships programs and found Zomia. I know that without the help of a Zomia education loan, I will not be able to reach my goals.
Written by Aye Chan with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Aye Chan
“After finishing my program, I will return to Myanmar and begin working for the university and community. I will be involved in more research related to traditional medicine and hope to share my knowledge and experiences with others.”
Aye Chan
“English is a major challenge for me, but I am beginning to gain more confidence. I didn’t run away from it despite my weaknesses.”