Ever since I was little, my mother taught me to be strong, fearless, and beautiful—and that I would never fail if my determination to succeed was strong enough. This teaching imparted crucial lessons that allowed me to overcome many obstacles and shapes my identity today.
For as long as I can remember, my father has given his best for our family. We live in the cold town of Taunggyi, and I can still recall the freezing early mornings when he started the engine of his motorbike to ride down the mountains to the industrial city. I would stand there, handing him his sweater and gloves before he took off.
When I was six years old, my father relocated to Yangon for work, and my mother followed him, taking my infant brother. This left me and my sister under the care of our grandparents.
Limited by the technology of the time, our contact with our parents was minimal, and the heartache of their departures during brief holiday visits left a lasting impression. From then on, I was determined to work hard so our family would never have to be separated again.
During my middle school years, my mother and brother returned as my father’s business began to stabilize. As much as I missed my father, I knew he missed us even more. He often told me that while he worked to make our lives easier, I should also forge my own path and not just follow the norm blindly.
As a member of a generation shaped by advancing technologies, I am fascinated by the transformative impact of engineering on society. My childhood exposure to machines through my father, a skilled mechanic, and visits to construction sites ignited my passion for engineering. Witnessing how construction vehicles enhanced efficiency and productivity motivated me to delve deeper into the field.
About Sai Phone
- Age: 25
- Ethnicity: Burmese
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang
- Bachelor’s, Mechanical Engineering
- 2nd Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Become a mechanical engineer
- Have my own YouTube channel
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $2,275
- Amount Left To Fund: $1,850
- Contract Duration: 11 years
- Status: In School
During high school, my thirst for knowledge grew as new technologies emerged, leading me to pursue higher education in engineering. I excelled in both academics and extracurricular activities, graduating with a high enough GPA to attend Mandalay Technological University. Majoring in Mechatronics Engineering, I learned the basics of Machine Control and Circuitry.
With the help of a professor, my team and I successfully completed the Arduino Line Following Car project in my third year. An excursion to a train maintenance facility allowed me to learn about locomotive engines, and I achieved excellent results in the related presentation.
Academics are my highest priority, but I maintain a balanced lifestyle by spending time with friends and family, playing the violin, and enjoying outdoor and indoor activities like hiking, swimming, and gym workouts. I also participated in several voluntary clubs, notably TAI-Family, a Shan ethnic club, and a water donation club. These activities reinforced my commitment to helping others.
Although our family business began to decline with the onset of the 2020 pandemic, I continued to pursue my education. After the COVID-19 outbreak in my country, I secured a paid internship at a construction company, where I inspected and maintained quality-control machines and occasionally absorbed Civil Engineering knowledge. This experience enhanced my work ethic, time management, and problem-solving skills.
To advance my studies, I sought greater opportunities and discovered the scholarship program at King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang. The institute’s offerings enticed me, and after careful consideration, I decided to apply for a Mechanical Engineering degree. I believe this is the best path to expand my knowledge and become more globally engaged.
Working by day and studying by night, I managed to secure a half-scholarship. Although disappointed, I was motivated by Maya Angelou’s quote: “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.” My parents assured me they would support me through my education, but I continue to explore options like the Zomia loan to ease their burden.
Over the course of the four-year program at KMITL, I hope to become a knowledgeable professional in my field. I also wish to pursue a master’s degree to further enhance my expertise and contribute to my country’s development. I welcome the challenges that come with studying for a degree in engineering.
Written by Sai Phone with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Sai Phone
“My childhood exposure to machines through my father, a skilled mechanic, and visits to construction sites ignited my passion for engineering. Witnessing how construction vehicles enhanced efficiency and productivity motivated me to delve deeper into the field.”
