Growing up in a low-income family, I have always had to work for everything I achieved. I have faced many struggles, and each experience has contributed to my growth and fueled my desire to chase my dreams.
My name is Derrick. I was born in Yangon and am a transgender individual. I was raised by a single mother after my parents divorced in 2006, shortly before she left for Singapore to work as a maid. I have a younger sister, and we lived with our grandparents and my aunt’s family. Since her departure, my mother has been our sole provider, which is why I started working at the age of 17.
Though my educational journey has been complex, I have always strived to do my best. In 2018, I graduated from high school and pursued distance learning in law at East Yangon University, choosing that major with the goal of advocating for women’s rights.
At the same time, I completed diplomas in networking and hardware while working at a mobile company to fund my education. Since my mother could not afford the expenses, I paid for my studies myself.
In 2019, I volunteered with the Sit Nyein Pan Foundation on research projects related to computer networks, and later partnered with a colleague to assist people with computer issues at home. I then secured a position as a customer service representative at HOG and HOVA E-sports, but the company closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2020, I ran a small online business and worked as a freelance delivery person to support myself. I also volunteered as a paid nurse aide at Medical Action Myanmar INGO during the third wave of COVID-19. In 2023, I began taking free online programming classes and collaborated with classmates to build small websites. That experience convinced me to pursue computer science abroad.
About Derrick
- Age: 25
- Ethnicity: Karen
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Rangsit University
- Bachelor’s, Computer Science
- 3rd Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Become a software or web developer
- Empower Myanmar youth through technology
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $4,975
- Amount Left To Fund: $4,875
- Contract Duration: 12 years
- Status: In School
After applying to scholarship programs in Thailand since 2022, my mother ultimately decided to use her savings to support my first year of study. The responsibility for the remaining years will fall on me. I am now enrolled in my first year of Computer Science at Rangsit University.
At Rangsit, I serve as a team leader at the International Language Center and recently participated in Global Game Jam 2024 Thailand, helping create a board game in just two days. I am also active in a non-profit organization as a host team leader and classroom manager, focused on helping students develop their skills.
My dream is to create an application called “Youth Tech” to support those interested in learning programming. The app will offer free lectures, with some advanced content available for a small fee, and I plan to donate a portion of those profits. Beyond that, I am committed to expanding my research and pushing the boundaries of knowledge in my field.
With sincere effort and determination, I believe I can grow significantly and turn this vision into reality.
Written by Derrick with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Derrick
“With your support, I hope to become someone who not only succeeds but uplifts others in the process.”