My name is Joyce, and I grew up in Tamwe, in Yangon, Myanmar. Growing up in a small household, I had limited interaction with my paternal grandparents and relatives. I have a younger sister and a younger brother, and among us siblings, I am regarded by my parents as the most capable, which comes with high expectations.
My grandfather retired while I was in elementary school, and my father does not have a steady job. My mother naturally became the primary breadwinner. Throughout my life, she has taken on over twenty jobs and business ventures, with both losses and successes along the way. She started a beauty salon and spa in 2014 and is still going strong, supporting her three children, her husband, and my grandfather. I feel guilty about the burden she carries.
I am determined to support my mother by working hard and gaining financial independence. Since passing the matriculation exam, I have taken on various roles to finance my education, working as a tutor for secondary students and teaching English and mathematics to IGCSE students.
While my passions lie in arts and design, I chose to study Law at the University of Yangon, recognizing the practical opportunities the field offered. I threw myself into university life, joining the Yangon University Law Students’ Association and serving as a director across several departments, helping the organization grow. I took on a role with the Asian Law Students’ Association Myanmar, deepening my understanding of the legal profession. My internship at a corporate law firm gave me insights that lectures alone could never provide.
Despite not being able to pursue my passion for painting, I do not regret choosing law. I developed a strong commitment to social justice and human rights, and my goal became joining an INGO as a human rights activist.
About Joyce
- Age: 23
- Ethnicity: Burmese
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Rangsit University
- Bachelor’s, International Relations & Development
- Graduated
Goals & Dreams
- Join an INGO as a human rights activist
- Learn French
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $5,175
- Amount Left To Fund: $2,675
- Contract Duration: 12 years
- Status: In Deferment
When the pandemic and the coup halted my education, I felt it was my duty as the eldest sibling to find a way forward. Continuing legal studies in Thailand would have limited me to business law with no path to licensure, so I chose instead to pursue international relations and development at Rangsit University, a field that aligns with my passion for human rights and social welfare and opens doors to international organizations.
My mother has been covering my education expenses in Thailand while also supporting my siblings. I do not want to add to her burden. With Zomia’s help, I can focus on my studies and fulfill my responsibility as the eldest child, helping to secure a better future for my family.
Written by Joyce with editing assistance from Holland, one of Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Joyce
“Despite not being able to pursue my passion for painting, I do not regret choosing law. I developed a strong commitment to social justice and human rights, and my goal is to work as a human rights activist.”