I am Sue from Taunggyi in Shan State, currently a Business Administration student at Mae Fah Luang University. Growing up in a small Pa-O village, my childhood was shaped by financial hardship, family sacrifice, and a deep longing for education. When I was in middle school, some relatives suggested sending my siblings and me to an orphanage because our parents had separated and could no longer support us.
My grandparents, unwilling to let our family be separated, made the heartbreaking decision to sell their farm, their only source of income, to ensure we could stay together and continue our education. Even left with no land to farm, they prioritized our future above all else. Their selflessness has deeply shaped my sense of responsibility and motivates me every day to make the most of every opportunity I have.
While my friends attended English summer classes, I stayed home because we could not afford them. As a result, I struggled to keep up when school resumed. One kind teacher, aware of my situation, allowed me to attend her after-school classes for free. When I reached high school, additional expenses came with transferring to a school farther from home, and my aunt stepped in to support me during that time.
Despite these challenges, I never gave up. After high school, I worked at my aunt’s clothing shop and at a market stall, giving my earnings to my grandparents and starting a small online business to save money. I enrolled at Taunggyi University to study English on a government scholarship, but my education was cut short during my second year due to COVID-19 and the military coup.
A friend then introduced me to Mae Fah Luang University in Thailand. I told my mother, a migrant worker, and she promised to support me. With her help and my savings, I became the first in my family to attend university.
About Sue
- Age: 23
- Ethnicity: Pa O
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Mae Fah Luang University
- Bachelor’s, Business Administration
- 4th Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Become a project manager or marketing specialist
- Travel to Finland
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $3,425
- Amount Left To Fund: $3,250
- Contract Duration: 11 years
- Status: In School
Now in my third year, our situation is becoming increasingly difficult. My younger sister is in high school, and with my mother’s limited income and our savings nearly exhausted, we are struggling to keep up.
A Zomia loan would allow me to continue my studies without interruption and complete my degree in Business Administration. I hope to become a marketing specialist and project manager, and to use my education to open doors for others from my Pa-O community who, like me, dare to dream beyond their circumstances.
Written by Sue with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Sue
“I come from a place where opportunities are rare and dreams are often set aside for survival. But I believe that with education, dedication, and the right support, those dreams can be revived and realized.”
