My name is Treasure. I am the youngest member of a low-income family from Mawlamyine, where I have resided since birth. As far as I recall, we lived in the staff apartments, which are restricted to government employees because my mother worked at PCRDC, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Irrigation. Meanwhile, my father moved to Mae Sot to work, then returned before I was born to pursue a career in chicken farming.
My parents put me in a primary school when I was four years old because they were too busy to look after me and keep in touch with literature, peers, and teachers. I was transferred to high school after finishing fifth grade in 2009. My parents encouraged me to attend private tutoring, but I declined because my older brother was still at university and my sister was living in a dormitory. During that time, my father’s business was struggling, and we were relying on my mother’s meager salary to cover our living and educational expenses.
My mother persuaded me to stay in the dormitory as a high school student as she believed I might achieve distinctions on the matriculation exam. Despite her financial constraints, my mother put aside cash for my schooling. “I may not be able to provide extravagant luxuries due to our financial situation, however, your academic success is where I can invest in you,” she frequently said. With my parents’ support and guidance from my professors and mentors, I tried hard to receive the prestigious award for every grade and finished with a perfect score and distinctions on the matriculation exam.
My family’s financial situation deteriorated day by day after high school. My father stopped working since it had become ineffective, and had even put him in debt. His inability became just another reason for quitting. I was working as a study guide for high school pupils at the time to help my mother out financially, but this did not cover my higher education fees. My family, relatives, and the U Tin Maung Scholarship Organization (Mandalay) all helped me go to medical school. Unfortunately, our university was closed after I finished my junior year due to the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
About Treasure
- Age: 27
- Ethnicity: Mon
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Mae Fah Luang University
- Bachelor’s, Health Science
- 4th Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Become an epidemiologist
- Improve healthcare access for underserved populations
- Travel to ancient places
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $5,925
- Amount Left To Fund: $5,500
- Contract Duration: 12 years
- Status: In School
During my time as a medical assistant, I developed a profound interest in public health. I became fascinated with understanding the development, spread, prevention and education about diseases, as well as the pressing needs and challenges faced by healthcare systems, particularly in rural areas of our country. Through professional interactions and online learning platforms, I gained precious knowledge about public health and how it plays a vital role in the whole healthcare system.
However, amidst political crisis, our citizens have been enduring profound challenges. The healthcare system, already strained, further deteriorated, and it could not control the COVID-19 epidemic. I discovered health care policy and management systems were crucial for the community and crucial as a foundation for national development. As a result, I decided to concentrate on public health at Mae Fah Luang University to gain a broader perspective through education.
Upon graduating, I am committed to using my knowledge and skills to make positive impacts in my community. My goal is to work in the public health sector, focusing on improving access to healthcare for underserved populations and working towards reducing health disparities. I am also passionate about health education, prevention, and developing and implementing health promotion programs that empower health control for individuals. Ultimately, I aim to be an agent of change in creating a healthier, more equitable society.
In conclusion, my journey, rooted in perseverance and a strong desire for personal and social growth, has led me to pursue a career in public health. With the support of the Zomia student loan, I can realize my aspirations, overcome financial barriers and channel my energy into acquiring the necessary skills to address the pressing challenges my community faces. I am determined to make a lasting impact, working towards a healthier future for all.
Written by Treasure with editing assistance from Holland, one of Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Treasure
“After graduation, I envision myself working in the government sector or for an international organization, tackling health concerns that people face by applying what I’ve learned at university. I will demonstrate that I have what it takes to be a successful student as well as a professional healthcare practitioner.”