My name is Ming, and I am Karen. I was born in Kawkareik, Karen State, Myanmar. I am currently studying international development at Mae Fah Luang University in Chiang Rai, Thailand. I have one elder sister, who is already married. She is the sole breadwinner in our family.
My father is no longer able to work due to poor health. My parents divorced when I was 3 years old, so I grew up under my father’s wing and barely know my mother. Because of financial constraints, my sister was unable to continue school after third grade. She had to work extremely hard in order to take care of my father and me. Because of her hard work and inspiration, I knew I had to study harder to take care of my family in return.
I know the value of education because none of my family members had a chance to go to school and confronted many hardships throughout their lives. From the very beginning, my sister made a resolution to do all she could to impart in me an affection for learning and a comprehension of the significance of diligent work and devotion. As a result of my sister’s love and dedication throughout the years, I developed a strong desire to dedicate my time and energy to scholarly achievement.
I was educated in Hsa Thoo Lei Orphanage Learning Centre in Mae Sot, Thailand. I earned high scores in my English and Biology classes but was weak at calculations, which led me to get low scores in mathematics. However, my artistic ability was very much appreciated by my friends. I loved Botany, as I learned it through arts; I came to understand the importance of living organisms, which led me to become a vegetarian.
About Ming
- Age: 33
- Ethnicity: Karen
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Mae Fah Luang University
- Bachelor’s, International Development
- Graduated
Goals & Dreams
- Become a school principal
- Repay my sister’s generosity
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $6,275
- Amount Left To Fund: $4,550
- Contract Duration: 13 years
- Status: In Repayment (Late 30)
I love the idea of learning new things. It makes me happy for some reason. I am an open-minded person, as I realize how things in life can be explored to a wider extent if observed with an open mind. I am straightforward. I grew up in a broken family, which is why I am an emotional person at times.
I would like to overcome the challenges and pressure of constant worries about what my life will be like in the future. It is a cliché to say that I’ve always known what I want to do with my life. But in my case, I suppose it’s true because of my family and the hardships we have been through.
Right after high school, I got myself a job that allowed me to save money to finance my first year of school. While studying at the university, I am still working as much as I can to pay for my education and lighten my family’s financial burden. However, I am still in need of more funding to complete my program successfully. I would be incredibly sad if I had to drop out at this point because education alone can help me improve my future.
By studying international development, I hope to help my people become wiser and united. Instead of competing among different minority groups, we should solve our problems by working together and collectively developing our nation. This is why I am studying international development, and I look forward to becoming better able to contribute to my community.
Written by Ming with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Ming
“By studying international development, I hope to help my people become wiser and united. Instead of competing among different minority groups, we should solve our problems by working together and collectively developing our nation.”
Ming
“I know the value of education because none of my family members had a chance to go to school and confronted many hardships throughout their lives.”
