Life lessons are learned only when you encounter yourself. They shape us, challenge us, and force us to adapt. Throughout my life, I have learned numerous lessons that have shaped me into the resilient individual I am today.
My name is Han Thu, the eldest of two children, born and raised in Myanmar. Although we are a middle-class family, we live modestly in an urban area. I have lived in Yangon since I was born, in an extended household with my grandparents and aunts. We have never owned a home of our own, and owning one for my family is one of my goals.
I work hard to get what I want, and I usually do. I passed my matriculation exam in June 2018 with four distinctions in Maths, Chemistry, Physics, and Biology, and joined the University of Information Technology in December 2018, dreaming of becoming a Product Manager at a leading tech company.
My parents were not academically strong, but they supported me in every way they could. I began volunteering during my first year of university, guided onto that path by seniors whose example lit the way. In 2020, I joined Thate Pan Hub, a youth-led non-profit social enterprise dedicated to providing free computer science and digital literacy to children across Myanmar. It was my first experience in an organization, and I have since been promoted consistently, now holding the role of Director of People and Culture at Thate Pan Hub Enterprises.
My on-campus student life came to an end in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was further disrupted by the military coup in early 2021, which nearly halted my academic journey altogether. During that time, I worked full-time and part-time jobs to fund a new path forward. Losing my mother was the most life-changing moment of my life. With her gone, all the responsibilities she once carried fell to me as the eldest daughter. Even so, I am determined to earn a bachelor’s degree — both for my own future and to honor her wish that I support our family well.
About Han Thu
- Age: 24
- Ethnicity: Burmese
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Rangsit University
- Bachelor’s, Information & Communication Technology
- Graduated
Goals & Dreams
- Become a CTO
- Travel to Europe
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $2,975
- Amount Left To Fund: $2,675
- Contract Duration: 11 years
- Status: In Grace Period
Unable to continue my education in Myanmar, I decided to relocate for better opportunities. As scholarships did not come through, I received help from a relative to study in Thailand, which offers affordable tuition fees and a familiar cultural environment.
Concerned about burdening my family further, I decided to apply for a Zomia student loan. With this support, I can focus on completing my degree and pursuing my goal of becoming a Product Manager — using technology to address real-world challenges and help bridge the digital divide in underserved communities. Zomia’s mission resonates deeply with me, and I am committed to making the most of this opportunity.
Written by Han Thu with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Han Thu
“Losing my mother was the most life-changing moment of my life. Even so, I am determined to earn a bachelor’s degree — both for my own future and to honor her wish that I support our family well.”