My name is August and I am the youngest child in my family. As a passionate youth who has always dreamed of studying abroad for a quality education, I am now fulfilling that dream by studying at Chiang Mai University.
I have a strong personality and refuse to let anything stop my desire to live, laugh, love, and learn. Believing firmly in my right to education, I continued learning through alternative educational platforms. These experiences gave me a taste of quality education and the determination to seek deeper learning for the long term.
Despite facing financial uncertainties, I made the bold decision to study at Chiang Mai University. My freshman year at Chiang Mai has concluded, but it was not an easy journey. The primary challenge was financing my studies, as I did not receive any scholarships.
My lower-income family was not in a position to support me financially. However, through the networks I built during my community work, I had the opportunity to engage with the Samdhana Institute for partial educational support for my freshman year. The rest was resolved through self-funding—I worked as a translator, facilitator, and research assistant.
About August
- Age: 22
- Ethnicity: Burmese
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Chiang Mai University
- Bachelor’s, Social Science & Sustainable Development
- 2nd Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Become a social worker and activist
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $2,175
- Amount Left To Fund: $2,050
- Contract Duration: 11 years
- Status: In School
I began my community work journey before university, volunteering in Human Rights training in Taunggyi. I have engaged in several community development sectors, particularly in advocating for Disabled Rights, Freedom of Religion and Belief, and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights for the LGBTIQ+ community and youth.
One of my proudest moments in community work was educating people with disabilities and their families from marginalized, rural, and remote areas. Over six months, I was able to support and educate more than a hundred individuals with disabilities in accessing sexual health care services. This achievement was possible after building strong and trusted relationships within the community.
After migrating to Thailand, I continued to serve the community. I am actively involved in organizing on-campus activities and Burmese-led events, and I find myself full of energy and dedication.
Reflecting on my work experiences and my true self, I am confident that I was born to be a community worker. However, to be more efficient, effective, and sustainable in my community work, I need to integrate my practical experience with social science academic understanding.
After being exposed to academic lectures in Social Science, I realized that all the work I have been doing belongs to the realm of social science. Recognizing the benefits of my studies for my practical work in the community, I decided to pursue a B.A. in Social Science and Sustainable Development (SSSD). To accomplish this goal, I am in dire need of partial loan support to overcome the financial obstacles and continue my important work for myself and my community.
I have already developed a clear vision for my future. My immediate plan after graduation is to become a proud queer researcher at a think tank, producing evidence-based policy recommendations in the field of human rights from a gender-based perspective. As a survivor of workplace sexual harassment who could not receive legal justice, I have experienced injustice because the law does not consider third-gendered people.
By applying my research skills, I aim to document, analyze, and produce reports on sexual harassment toward LGBTQ+ individuals. Furthermore, I will educate the public and advocate to stakeholders using the findings generated from my research. Currently, I am involved in activism for gender equality movements; however, I recognize that there is room for me to develop more competent skills to effectively advocate to policymakers.
Written by August with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
August
“My immediate plan after graduation is to become a proud queer researcher at a think tank, producing evidence-based policy recommendations in the field of human rights from a gender-based perspective.”
August
“By applying my research skills, I aim to document, analyze, and produce reports on sexual harassment toward LGBTQ+ individuals. Furthermore, I will educate the public and advocate to stakeholders using the findings generated from my research. ”