Growing up in Yangon, where my parents and grandparents were also born, I’ve always felt deeply connected to my roots as a city girl.
Despite this urban upbringing, my heart desired for the rural countryside, mountains, and nature, driving me to volunteer with local NGOs after matriculation (high school) under my mother’s guidance.
My father consistently supported my decisions, providing thoughtful oversight to ensure I was on the right path, nurturing both my intellectual and emotional growth.
My love for science stems directly from my father’s influence, while my compassionate nature and desire to help others are reflections of my mother’s kindness.
Immediately following high school, I dedicated myself to community service, focusing on environmental conservation, as well as empowerment programs for women, children, and youth. Over the years, this passion evolved into a professional commitment when I pursued a career in social enterprise businesses aimed at generating sustainable and meaningful social impact.
My professional experience includes working in the renewable energy sector with international organizations committed to social entrepreneurship, which further ignited my ambition to address rural development and support low-income households effectively.
Prior to pursuing my master’s degree, I worked extensively as a professional, contributing positively to communities and environmental initiatives. However, I decided to take a career break not only to rest but also to advance my education and professional expertise.
About May Grace
- Age: 30
- Ethnicity: Karen
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Chulalongkorn University
- Master’s, Environment, Development & Sustainability
- 2nd Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Become an environmental scientist
- Work on an organic farm
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $2,700
- Amount Left To Fund: $2,450
- Contract Duration: 11 years
- Status: In School
The political crisis in Myanmar deeply impacted my family’s business, compelling my younger brothers and me to become self-sufficient and resilient amid challenging circumstances. Despite these difficulties, my determination to grow personally and professionally has never wavered. Even during my master’s studies, I have continuously helped others, contributing financially and through my skills whenever possible.
Experiencing a financial setback after being scammed was undeniably challenging, yet it has strengthened my resolve, teaching me invaluable lessons in resilience, prudence, and empathy, although healing took time.
Education, to me, represents not just personal advancement but also an essential tool for empowering communities. This loan represents more than financial relief—it signifies trust, recognition of my resilience, and a meaningful investment in my potential. It will empower me to further my educational journey and amplify my efforts to create lasting, positive changes within communities.
Ultimately, my life’s mission remains dedicated to serving, empowering, and uplifting those around me, driven by unwavering hope and determination. With my master’s program concluding later this year, I look forward to restarting my professional career, fully committed to fulfilling my obligations and promptly repaying the loan to Zomia.
Written by May Grace with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
May Grace
“Education, to me, represents not just personal advancement but also an essential tool for empowering communities.”