My name is Brang. I come from a low-income family in a small town, where I learned early that my path to success would require more effort than that of my peers, not because of a lack of ability, but because the systems around me were not designed for people like me. Despite this, I never stopped reaching.
In 2014, my life was overturned when my father was imprisoned following a serious motorcycle accident. With my family’s primary breadwinner gone, I faced an impossible choice during my first year pursuing a Civil Engineering degree. To provide for my family, I withdrew from my program and transferred to a distance-learning degree in English, which allowed me to work and study at the same time.
At the time, my youngest brother was only five. I became his primary caregiver while working three jobs: tutoring in the early mornings, teaching full-time at a primary school during the day, and tutoring at a boarding school in the evenings. Every cent I earned went toward my tuition, household bills, and my brother’s upbringing.
After two years of this grueling schedule, my sister began working and my mother regained her stability. While the weight finally lifted, I emerged with a profound sense of pride: I never abandoned my education.
This experience defined my career. I have spent the years since dedicated to service within low-income communities. While these roles offered modest compensation, I view giving back as a moral responsibility rather than a choice. This principle has guided my actions, whether I am working on the ground or supporting urgent causes in my community during a difficult period for Myanmar. I believe in showing up for my community when the need is most urgent.
About Brang
- Age: 31
- Ethnicity: Kachin
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Chiang Mai University
- PhD, Economics
- 1st Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Become a university professor
- Travel to Japan
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $1,500
- Amount Left To Fund: $1,500
- Contract Duration: 10 years
- Status: In School
Today, I stand at the most significant threshold of my life. I have secured a full tuition waiver and a monthly stipend to pursue my PhD at National Tsing Hua University in Taiwan, making me the first person in my immediate and extended family to reach this milestone. However, the final entry costs, visa fees, airfare, rental deposits, and health insurance, remain just out of reach. A loan from Zomia would bridge this final gap.
My ambition has never been the pursuit of wealth; if it were, I would have chosen a different road. My goal is to become a university professor, to research, teach, and advocate for underrepresented communities through scholarship and mentorship. By investing in me, you are investing in every student and community I will spend my career serving.
Written by Brang with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Brang
“My ambition has never been the pursuit of wealth; if it were, I would have chosen a different road.”
Brang
“I believe in showing up for my community when the need is most urgent.”