As an ethnic minority in Myanmar, the Chin people have faced religious and cultural persecution for years. In early 2021, our city suffered immensely—education was silenced, churches were destroyed, and innocent lives were lost. By late 2021, the revolution had intensified, leading to persistent violence.
My internal struggle grew significantly during this time because I had already put my education on hold due to the pandemic. Despite many challenges, I spent my time volunteering in the community and teaching students in my neighborhood for free.
During this period, I continued to learn informally. I honed my English skills (my third language) by watching YouTube videos and listening to podcasts. I used virtual platforms such as “Talking with Strangers” websites and the “Buddy Talk” application. Speaking with people from other countries in English felt like a real achievement.
However, because of limited internet access, I could no longer use any virtual platforms. I asked my parents to let me move to Yangon to continue my education and access the internet. Despite my parents’ misgivings, my family made a bold decision—my 15-year-old brother and my 12-year-old cousin would join me in Yangon.
My unquenchable thirst for education gave me the courage, at 17 years old, to live far from my parents and take full responsibility for my brother and cousin in a new, diverse city. I had to speak Burmese, my second language, which was challenging at first due to my strong ethnic accent. However, I eventually became comfortable using it in daily life.
While researching educational opportunities, I was inspired by the values of the Pre-Collegiate Program of Yangon and what it offers to students, such as developing a solid liberal arts foundation before studying abroad. Access to PCP education has provided a platform for me to grow. I have developed my academic, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills.
About Vel
- Age: 19
- Ethnicity: Chin
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Hong Kong Baptist University
- Bachelor’s, Business Administration
- 1st Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Work in development and own my own company
- Create opportunities for people in Chin State
- Visit Bhutan, one of the world’s hidden treasures
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $1,750
- Amount Left To Fund: $1,625
- Contract Duration: 10 years
- Status: In School
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is how different attitudes and perspectives shape our responses to challenges and setbacks. Juggling my role as an older sister, a student, and a responsible tenant, I dedicated my daily routine to skillful time management. Household chores such as cooking, grocery shopping, and other tasks seamlessly blended into my life. I made sure my brothers did their homework while managing my own assignments and volunteering at Mary Chapman School for the Deaf.
Over time, I realized the need to refine my approach and realign my priorities, especially as I had high expectations for my GPA. By embracing collaboration and adaptability, I learned to navigate change. I became a leader who delegates, listens, and supports. Each responsibility was not just shouldered but shared. Embracing our collective effort, we tackled household duties together, from peeling onions and garlic to washing vegetables and setting the dinner table.
Despite facing many challenges as a minority, I have come to value education deeply, understanding the sacrifices required to pursue it. These early experiences of independence have shaped me into the strong person I am today. I know new challenges will arise in the next chapter of my life, but with a mindset of transformation and adaptability, I am confident I will overcome them.
Written by Vel with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Vel
“I know new challenges will arise in the next chapter of my life, but with a mindset of transformation and adaptability, I am confident I will overcome them.”
