Throughout my life, I have faced numerous challenges that have shaped me into the person I am today. My mother, who has been my inspiration and role model, faced immense struggles to provide for our family. I witnessed her strength and determination firsthand, and it motivated me to strive for a better future.
When I was born, we couldn’t afford to pay the hospital fees, and my mother had to apologize to the doctor. My father, unfortunately, left us to fend for ourselves; my mother single-handedly took on the responsibility of providing for us. We couldn’t even afford milk, but my grandmother found a way to feed me by boiling jaggery.
Despite these hardships, my mother worked as a clerk in an office, and I saw her dedication and perseverance. During those early years, financial constraints were a constant presence in our lives. I understood that I had to rely on my efforts to achieve anything worthwhile.
Driven by the desire to make my mother proud, I studied diligently and consistently ranked among the top three students in my class. I even had the honor of serving as the class president in high school. I attribute my confidence and determination to my mother, who instilled those qualities in me.
As I grew older, I began to dream of supporting my mother in any way I could. I initially pursued Environmental Studies at Yangon University because I had a passion for geology and science, and I excelled in these subjects. While studying, I also worked as a tutor to pay for my personal and educational expenses and a research assistant in the Environmental Club, analyzing research data on environmental issues, pollution, and waste management. Additionally, I took on the responsibility of educating others about environmental awareness. My dedication led to my research paper on solid waste management being chosen for a national conference organized by the Department of Physics, University of Yangon, the Southern University of Science and Technology, and Technology for Energy Physics.
About Hsu
- Age: 21
- Ethnicity: Burmese
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Mae Fah Luang University
- Bachelor’s, Accounting
- 3rd Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Become a public accountant
- Support my parents financially
- Travel to Switzerland
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $4,400
- Amount Left To Fund: $4,375
- Contract Duration: 12 years
- Status: In School
Unfortunately, my dreams were interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in the temporary closure of universities. This crisis, coupled with our declining financial situation, made it even more challenging for my family. I did my best to earn money and provide for our needs. Additionally, the political situation in our country deteriorated due to a military coup, which brought further uncertainty and fear.
In the face of these obstacles, my mother expressed her desire for me to go abroad, where I could create a better life for myself. She promised to support me as much as she could, but I knew it wouldn’t be enough. I made a promise to her that I would give my all and strive for excellence. After soul-searching, I decided to pursue accounting at Mae Fah Luang University. Balancing my academic responsibilities with work was no easy feat, and I often found myself dissatisfied with my grades. I would work from 9 am to 10 pm, four days a week, while attending university on the remaining three days. Despite my efforts, I struggled to cover my tuition fees. My mom, always supportive, couldn’t provide me with the funds to cover my tuition fees.
Zomia’s student loan is a crucial stepping stone toward achieving my dreams. It will alleviate financial burdens, allowing me to focus on my studies rather than worrying about making ends meet. By investing in myself, I will be investing in the future of my family and the community I aspire to serve.
In conclusion, my journey has been defined by resilience, determination, and the unwavering support of my mother. With this student loan, I will have the opportunity to continue my studies, pursue my passions, and build a better future for myself and those around me. I am determined to utilize this opportunity to its fullest potential, ensuring that my hard work and dedication contribute to a better tomorrow.
Written by Hsu with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Hsu
“Despite the hardships I have faced, I have remained consistent and committed to achieving my goals. My experience has taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and perseverance, and I am confident that these qualities will enable me to overcome any challenges that come my way.”
