I am Haythrr, the fourth child in my family. I was born in southern Shan State, Myanmar, and I am of mixed ethnicity — half Danu and half Karen.
My family moved to Mae Sot in 2008 due to educational challenges and financial hardship. My parents could not support the education of their five children, which was the primary reason for our move. My siblings and I graduated from a migrant school, where I learned a great deal. At first, I was scared to participate in school activities. But during a celebration for one of the head doctor’s birthdays, my parents encouraged me to perform a Burmese traditional dance. Everyone loved it, and from that moment on, I was regularly invited to perform.
That experience marked a turning point. I became more confident and began participating in every training opportunity available, joining the student affairs committee and the female football team until I graduated.
We faced ongoing struggles with our family business, as income was unstable. My parents did not finish primary school, but they encouraged all of us to pursue further education. My mother sold homemade food while my father worked as a cook at a clinic in Mae Sot. I would wake at 4 AM to buy ingredients for my mother, attend school from 8 AM to 4 PM, and help at the shop until 10 PM. On weekends, we collected morning glory from the river to earn extra money. My performance income also helped support the family.
After graduating from Grade 12, I continued with my GED to prepare for university. The pandemic caused widespread lockdowns, and I found myself stuck in Myanmar during the second wave for six months.
About Haythrr
- Age: 25
- Ethnicity: Danu, Karen
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Chiang Mai Rajabhat University
- Bachelor’s, English for International Communications
- 2nd Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Become an educator and influencer
- Learn how to drive
- Travel to Japan
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $2,725
- Amount Left To Fund: $2,600
- Contract Duration: 11 years
- Status: In School
When I finally returned to Mae Sot, ongoing instability kept me there for another six months. I found work at a delivery company, but my health worsened and I had to quit after undergoing surgery, leaving me with significant medical expenses.
As the situation improved and schools resumed, I worked as a teacher at my old high school for two years while waiting to resolve passport issues. This experience was invaluable. I gained deep insight into the needs of migrant students, and I became more certain that university was the right path. I love teaching, and students responded warmly to my efforts. I want to contribute even more to their education and to my migrant community. I firmly believe that education is the best way to change the world.
Written by Haythrr with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Haythrr
“I firmly believe that education is the best way to change the world.”
