My name is Grace. I was born in 1999 in Yangon, Myanmar, and I have lived there my whole life.
When I was five, my parents divorced, and my mother and I moved to my maternal grandparents’ house. Since preschool, my mother has been the sole financial support for me. Because she had to work, I spent most of my time with my grandparents and became especially close to them.
When I was ten, I was hospitalized for three days due to food poisoning. At that time, my mother was working in another city, and my grandparents did not inform her because they did not want her to worry. Even though I was close to them, I cried every day in the hospital because I wanted to see my mother.
I was especially close to my grandmother, who cared for me like a mother. Sadly, she passed away when I was eleven. After her death, my mother had to leave her job in another city.
For a time, my grandfather and I lived alone, which was difficult for me as a child. I had to learn basic responsibilities like preparing meals and managing daily routines. Later, my mother returned to Yangon and began working in the hospitality industry.
I completed my education through Grade 10 in a government school and attended a private high school for Grade 11 under the same system. After passing the matriculation exam, I decided to improve my English and enrolled at the American Center in Yangon.
At first, it was challenging to adapt, especially since students were not allowed to speak Burmese. However, I gradually improved through practice and participation in speaking clubs.
About Grace
- Age: 26
- Ethnicity: Burmese
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Sejong University
- Bachelor’s, Hospitality & Tourism Management
- Graduated
Goals & Dreams
- Work in the hospitality industry
- Earn a PhD and become a professor
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $5,600
- Amount Left To Fund: $5,175
- Contract Duration: 12 years
- Status: In Deferment
I later joined a peer tutoring program and eventually became a coordinator, leading and supporting other students.
Alongside my language studies, I completed a hospitality program at Swisscontact and interned at City Golf Resort Hotel. These experiences encouraged me to pursue higher education in hospitality and tourism management.
I am now studying in Seoul, South Korea, where I have completed two years of my degree. In the future, I hope to build a career in the hospitality industry, continue my studies, and eventually become a university professor.
I also hope to support vulnerable children. Having experienced separation from my parents, I feel strong empathy for orphans. One day, I would like to open an orphanage to provide care and opportunities for children in need.
Written by Grace with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Grace
“After I finish my bachelor’s program, I would like to work in the hospitality industry and become a manager. I will then return to school to pursue a master’s degree. Later, I will earn a PhD since my dream is to become a university professor.”
