My family’s story is one of perseverance in the face of adversity. Raised by hardworking parents who emphasized the value of education and integrity, I saw the sacrifices they made to provide for our family. Despite financial hardships, they prioritized our education, believing it to be the key to a brigher future.
Our journey was not without challenges. Myanmar‘s socio-political landscape is complex, and our family was affected by its turmoil. My parents, former student protesters, instilled in us a desire for change.
A pivotal moment in my adolescence occurred when I was seven years old. A neighbor with schizophrenia had an episode, and the stigma surrounding mental illness became painfully clear to me. Instead of seeking proper medical help, our community turned to superstition, highlighting the lack of understanding and resources for mental health issues in Myanmar.
This experience ignited my passion to challenge societal norms and advocate for the marginalized. At sixteen, I visited a mental health hospital in Yangon and witnessed firsthand the structural deficiencies in Myanmar’s mental health system. The overcrowded wards, lack of resources, and absence of trained professionals painted a grim picture of the challenges facing individuals with mental illness in my country.
Determined to make a difference, I volunteered for an LGBTQIA+ organization, providing support and counseling to those struggling with mental health issues. Despite my young age and limited training, I embraced the opportunity to lend a compassionate ear and offer solace to those in need. My experiences underscored the importance of empathy and understanding in supporting individuals with mental health challenges.
After volunteering for a year, I interned at Counselling Corner, an organization offering mental health services. While working for Counselling Corner, I attended a meeting on mental health policy implementation at UNHCR Myanmar with my mentor.
About Cherry
- Age: 22
- Ethnicity: Burmese
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
- Bachelor’s, International Relations
- 1st Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Contribute to mental health reform in Myanmar
- Travel extensively in mountainous areas
- Pursue my photography hobby
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $4,500
- Amount Left To Fund: $4,125
- Contract Duration: 12 years
- Status: In School
During the meeting, I learned that Myanmar has only two clinical psychologists, neither of whom is Burmese, and fewer than ten licensed Burmese mental health therapists. This realization reinforced my decision to pursue a degree in psychology to drive change in my country.
Unfortunately, the 2021 coup disrupted my plans. Higher education seemed further away than ever. My family was forced to relocate, and I had to work full-time due to rising living costs. Additionally, I needed to care for my sick aunt and grandmother.
Despite these obstacles, I remain steadfast in my commitment to pursuing higher education and advocating for mental health reform in Myanmar. My ultimate goal is to study international relations, leveraging my education to effect positive change and uplift those who have been marginalized and forgotten.
In sharing my story, I hope to convey not only the challenges I have overcome but also the resilience and determination that define my character. With Zomia’s support, I am confident that I can continue my journey toward realizing my dreams and making a lasting impact on the world around me.
Written by Cherry with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Cherry
“Sometimes, the greatest gifts we can offer are intangible—compassion, understanding, and a listening ear. In giving freely of ourselves, we enrich not only the lives of others but also our own.”