“Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid of standing still.” This quote holds a special meaning in my life. My name is Nadia, and I have an older sister. Our family business thrived in my early years, but in 2007 we faced serious family difficulties that led to frequent arguments between my parents, financial hardship, and eventually bankruptcy. My parents divorced in 2010.
Accepting these changes was hard, and I experienced moments of depression. Through it all, my resilient mother supported us by selling traditional Shan foods and snacks. Her small income helped us survive.
Despite our financial constraints, education was highly valued in my family. My mother and sister made incredible sacrifices to keep me in school. My sister selflessly left her own studies so that mine would not be interrupted. Their unwavering belief in the power of knowledge motivated me to excel academically.
The difficulties I faced taught me the importance of perseverance and the value of constant growth. Instead of fearing slow progress, I came to understand that the real danger lies in standing still. I embraced each challenge, knowing that every small step forward was a step toward a brighter future.
My ambition, through all of this, was to become a teacher. I had the opportunity to participate in the Shan Literature Teacher Workshop in Mandalay and Kyakume. In 2017, I became part of the first batch of students at Shan Community College, majoring in Social Science. That experience broadened my perspective and deepened my desire to pursue further education and contribute to my community.
In 2020, I completed my Social Science degree at Shan Community College during the COVID-19 pandemic. I found work as an assistant accountant, which helped my family financially during that difficult period. In 2022, our college offered me the chance to continue my studies in Thailand, which is where I am studying now.
About Nadia
- Age: 26
- Ethnicity: Shan
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Chiang Rai Rajabhat University
- Bachelor’s, English for International Communication
- Graduated
Goals & Dreams
- Become a teacher
- Empower others through education
- Learn video editing
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $1,250
- Amount Left To Fund: $1,250
- Contract Duration: 10 years
- Status: In Repayment
All of these experiences have shaped my thinking and clarified my vision. I want to become a teacher, a social organizer, and an advocate for empowering others through education. Having lived through financial hardship and witnessed the transformative power of education in my own life, I understand deeply what it can mean for individuals, families, and entire communities.
As a teacher, I hope to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment where every student feels valued and motivated. My goal is to show others that they have the power to shape their own futures, and to help them get there. I want to contribute to a society where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential, just as I always wanted for myself.
Written by Nadia with editing assistance from Holland, one of Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Nadia
“Instead of fearing slow progress, I came to understand that the real danger lies in standing still.”
