Throughout my life, I have faced numerous challenges that have shaped me into the person I am today. My mother has been my greatest inspiration.
When I was born, my family could not afford the hospital fees, and my mother had to apologize to the doctor. My father left us to fend for ourselves, and she single-handedly took on the responsibility of providing for us. We could not even afford milk, but my grandmother found a way to feed me by boiling jaggery.
Despite these hardships, my mother worked as a clerk and showed me what dedication and perseverance look like. I understood from an early age that I would have to rely on my own 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, serving as class president in high school. I pursued Environmental Studies at Yangon University, where I had a passion for geology and science.
While studying, I worked as a tutor to cover my expenses and served as a research assistant in the Environmental Club, analyzing data on pollution and waste management. My research paper on solid waste management was selected for a national conference organized by the Department of Physics at the University of Yangon, the Southern University of Science and Technology, and Technology for Energy Physics.
My studies were interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which closed universities and worsened our financial situation. The political situation in our country deteriorated further following a military coup, bringing additional uncertainty and hardship.
About Hsu
- Age: 22
- Ethnicity: Burmese
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Mae Fah Luang University
- Bachelor’s, Accounting
- 4th Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Become a public accountant
- Become a public accountant
- Support my parents financially
- Travel to Switzerland
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $6,650
- Amount Left To Fund: $6,475
- Contract Duration: 13 years
- Status: In School
In the face of all this, my mother encouraged me to go abroad and build a better life. She promised to support me as much as she could. I made her a promise in return: that I would give everything I had. After much reflection, I decided to pursue accounting at Mae Fah Luang University. Balancing studies with work was not easy. I worked from 9 am to 10 pm four days a week and attended university on the remaining three. Even so, covering tuition fees remained a constant struggle.
My journey has been defined by resilience and the unwavering example of my mother. With Zomia’s support, I will be able to focus on my studies, honor the promise I made to her, and build a better future for my family and my community.
Written by Hsu with editing assistance from Holland, one of Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Hsu
“Despite the hardships I have faced, I remained consistent and committed to achieving my goals. My experience has taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and perseverance. I am confident these qualities will enable me to overcome any challenges that come my way.”
