I am majoring in English and Education in English Language Teaching (Double Degree) at Hong Kong Baptist University. This program is purposefully chosen to help me become a teacher of English for my future career. This passion results from my experience in community work and volunteering.
After high school, I earned a scholarship for an English access program at the International Buddhist Education Centre. I also joined a religion-related class and completed a diploma in Buddhism in 2017. These programs gave me a chance to contribute to my community as a volunteer. I also applied for the Myanmar Youth Leadership Program (MYLP).
As part of the MYLP, I learned about service leadership in learning communities in the USA for one month, while meeting with other youth leaders at the same time.
With my seniors, trainers and peers, I completed a project called “360 Playground,” which was led by the US Embassy and Indiana University and completed at a local school in Kayin State.
After my participation in MYLP, I volunteered as an English teacher at Aung Thu Kha Orphanage in Mandalay for a year. My responsibility was to teach English to students from primary and secondary levels, specifically grammar for primary and reading for secondary students. From my participation in these teaching experiences, I observed that English language acquisition is my passion; hence, I decided to choose English Language Teaching (ELT) for my undergraduate studies so I can become an English teacher.
Throughout my academic career, I have worked in on-campus employment to reap teaching experience before I graduate. I worked as a language ambassador, with the assigned tasks to design and prepare suitable lessons by using authentic materials to make students’ learning more purposeful, meaningful, and communicative.
About Sunshine
- Age: 25
- Ethnicity: Burmese, Shan
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Hong Kong Baptist University
- Bachelor’s, English & Education (Double Degree)
- 5th Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Become an English language teacher
- Finish my bachelor’s degree
- Master the art of singing
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $7,075
- Amount Left To Fund: $6,825
- Contract Duration: 13 years
- Status: In School
I also worked as a peer tutor in my university and was required to assess students’ essays from all majors.
The offered scholarship funding is not really adequate each semester, and I was also mainly supporting my mom and little brother financially; on-campus employment enabled me to solve my financial challenges and provide a little financial support to my family. Despite spending much time tutoring students, it was really worth it. Because from my part-time employment, I was developing the necessary skills to become an English language teacher. However, looking toward my final two years, I knew that I would have to complete supervised teaching practice and an honor project as a graduation requirement. Because of this, I won’t have enough time for part-time work, which would lead to serious financial difficulty while coping with my studies at the same time.
A bachelor’s degree is really important for me to make my dreams come true; however, I find myself worried about the financial difficulties I will face in the next two years. At the same time, I must continue my education, as I only have two more years left. In this case, the financial support from Zomia will enable me to manage my current financial problems and fully concentrate on my studies for the remaining academic years.
Written by Sunshine with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Sunshine
“[My current] program is purposefully chosen to help me become a teacher of English. This passion results from my experience in community work and volunteering.”
