Lin

Currently, I am in my third year at Mae Fah Luang University (MFU), majoring in Environmental Health. My parents chose this prestigious institution knowing my passion for environmental sustainability and community health. During my time at MFU, I received two scholarships worth 12,000 baht each, awarded in my first and second years. These scholarships provided much-needed financial assistance and reinforced my confidence in my abilities and the value of resilience in overcoming life’s challenges.

Before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, our family enjoyed a semblance of stability. My parents worked hard to provide for us, and we managed to get by. However, my mother, who has a congenital cardiovascular disease with multiple holes in her heart, had to quit her job due to her worsening health condition. This significantly affected our financial stability. Compounding this, my father had to leave his job.

The pandemic further turned our world upside down. My parents had to transition to remote work, significantly reducing their income. The situation worsened with the instability in Myanmar, leading to more financial challenges. These turbulent times required significant sacrifices. My parents provided modest monthly financial assistance, but currency devaluation and increased inflation strained our resources. Occasionally, they borrowed from relatives to cover essential expenses, and we were forced to liquidate assets, such as property and a recently purchased vehicle, to pay tuition for my brother and me.

My ambition to become a conservation scientist stems from my desire to address the environmental challenges facing our country. The instability in Myanmar have exacerbated environmental degradation, leading to skyrocketing animal extinction rates. Growing up, I witnessed heartbreaking scenes of ignorance leading to the demise of precious wildlife. Our two adopted stray dogs, once beloved family members, were cruelly killed because people feared rabies, unaware that proper vaccination and education could prevent such tragedies.

The degradation of natural habitats for industrial and urban development has also brought numerous species to the verge of extinction. I can still recall the sadness of seeing once-thriving ecosystems degrade into desolate wastelands, leaving countless species homeless and vulnerable. These events have motivated me to advocate for the protection of our planet’s biodiversity and work towards a sustainable future.

My volunteer experiences have enriched my journey in environmental health and prepared me for my future goals. As an Enumerator for the International Organization for Migration (IOM – UN Migration) in Chiang Rai, Thailand, I conducted comprehensive data collection on Burmese migrant workers. This experience enhanced my research skills and deepened my understanding of the socio-economic challenges impacting environmental health. Additionally, as an Operations Officer for the Student Union of Mae Fah Luang University, I planned and executed major events, honing my skills in operations management and teamwork.

My role as a Public Relations Officer for No Hunger Zone in Yangon involved leading strategic communication efforts to raise awareness and support fundraising initiatives, sharpening my ability to engage stakeholders. Lastly, my work as an Operations Officer for EduShare Myanmar required me to oversee daily operations, manage budgets, analyze data, and identify areas for improvement—skills directly applicable to managing conservation projects and ensuring their sustainability.

Despite numerous setbacks and financial struggles, I am determined to make a difference in the field of conservation. The resilience that has been a cornerstone of my family’s legacy continues to inspire me. I aspire to become a conservation scientist who not only addresses the environmental challenges facing Myanmar but also empowers and educates people about the importance of wildlife conservation.

My personal experiences, combined with my studies in Environmental Health at Mae Fah Luang University, have shown me the critical need for education in preventing the loss of our precious wildlife and habitats. I have the potential to make a significant impact, leveraging my academic background, my family’s sacrifices, and my unwavering determination. I am committed to overcoming any obstacles and making the most of the opportunities my family’s sacrifices have afforded me.

The resilience of my family has shaped who I am today, and it will continue to drive me as I pursue my goals. By becoming a conservation scientist, I aim to honor their sacrifices and contribute to a sustainable future for Myanmar. Yes, I believe in resilience, and I believe that through resilience, I can make a difference.

Written by Lin with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.