My name is Sandi, and my life has always been challenging due to family problems. When I was younger, our family business did not do well, and we ended up with a lot of debts.
Due to our lack of business experience, we eventually had to stop operating the business. Even today, lenders occasionally show up at our house to demand repayments, and some have even threatened to sue us.
This situation has affected all of us, including my younger brothers. In school, some students made fun of us because of our parents, and we were bullied for being poor. Since then, I have aspired to receive an education and be successful in life, and I have resolved not to give up until I achieve my goals.
I believe that education is the key to changing my life. Through the challenges I’ve faced and the experiences I gained working as a cleaner, a food delivery staff, a volunteer, and a teacher, I have grown stronger and more independent.
Four years ago, I failed the matriculation exam and knew that my family could not support me for another year. However, I refused to give up and searched for ways to continue my education. In 2018, I moved to Mae Sot, Thailand, where I was able to join Minmahaw Post-Secondary School, a competitive migrant school that provides a unique education to displaced students from Myanmar.
Later, I enrolled in the GED program at BEAM Education Foundation in Chiang Mai. Despite the impacts of COVID-19, I attended GED classes virtually in Myanmar and graduated in 2021. After completing the GED program, I decided to study Humanities and Sustainability (BAHS) at Chiang Mai University (CMU) in Thailand.
About Sandi
- Age: 22
- Ethnicity: Burmese, Chinese
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Chiang Mai University
- Bachelor’s, Humanities & Sustainability
- 3rd Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Lead a non-governmental organization
- Travel to Italy and Switzerland
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $5,650
- Amount Left To Fund: $4,350
- Contract Duration: 12 years
- Status: In School
At CMU, I hope to gain a broader historical perspective on the world. I enjoy engaging in projects, collaborating with others, volunteering, and participating in community service activities. The skills and knowledge I acquire through the BAHS program will help me understand contemporary globalization, such as social, cultural, and political changes, and equip me to respond to humanitarian crises in the world.
After graduation, my aim is to work for an NGO because doing so will enhance my leadership skills and provide networking opportunities. This will boost my confidence and prepare me to become an effective leader in my community. Ultimately, I aspire to actively contribute to the advancement of humankind as a whole.
Written by Sandi with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Sandi
“After graduation, my aim is to work for an NGO because doing so will enhance my leadership skills and provide networking opportunities. This will boost my confidence and prepare me to become an effective leader in my community. Ultimately, I aspire to actively contribute to the advancement of humankind as a whole.”
