My name is Grace. I grew up in Mawlamyine, Myanmar, in a close-knit family that values education, community, and resilience. As the eldest child, my journey has been shaped by both hardship and the strength I have gained through service and perseverance.
Since childhood, I watched my parents work tirelessly, often juggling multiple jobs, to provide for our basic needs and support my education. Despite financial struggles, they never let me lose sight of the importance of learning. Their sacrifices became my motivation.
A turning point came during university when financial hardship nearly forced me to abandon my studies. Refusing to give up, I sought scholarships and began volunteering with local organizations. This led me to the Suu Myat Than Foundation, which not only supported my education but also gave me a platform to help others.
As a volunteer, I took on various roles: managing applicant records, assisting with video production, editing voice-overs for the foundation’s Edhemma YouTube channel, and contributing to the scholar selection process. I also helped create public health awareness content, particularly for children and underserved communities.
These contributions were meaningful, not just tasks. My commitment to service extended beyond the foundation. When our community was affected by a flood, I helped distribute supplies and support families in need. Later, in Chiang Rai Province, I served as a translator to bridge language gaps between healthcare teams and migrant communities. I was also part of an Interprofessional Education initiative, working with a university public health team to promote health education among children.
These experiences have shaped my identity, not just as a student, but as someone determined to drive positive change. I have learned to adapt, lead with empathy, and find purpose through service.
About Grace
- Age: 23
- Ethnicity: Burmese
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Mae Fah Luang University
- Bachelor’s, Public Health
- 4th Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Become a public health officer
- Visit Europe, particularly Switzerland
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $2,525
- Amount Left To Fund: $1,750
- Contract Duration: 11 years
- Status: In School
Today, I am pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health at Mae Fah Luang University in Thailand. My long-term goal is to work in an NGO or international development organization, and to return to Myanmar to help improve the health and well-being of underserved communities, particularly those with limited access to accurate health information or basic services.
Zomia’s support model resonates with me because I view education as a shared responsibility. I am not just receiving help; I am preparing to pay it forward, just as others once believed in me. Wherever life takes me, I will carry my story, my family’s hopes, and the values that hardship and service have instilled in me.
Written by Grace with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Grace
“I am not just receiving help; I am preparing to pay it forward, just as others once believed in me.”
