When I was young, if someone asked me about my favorite activity, I would often say writing on the wooden walls with a pen. My house is made of wood, and many people describe it as cold. However, to me, it has always felt warm because of my family’s love and care.
My name is Yoon. I was born and raised in Dawei, Tanintharyi Region, Myanmar. My father passed away when I was ten months old, leaving my mother to raise three children on her own. Despite the challenges she faced, my mother never gave up on our education. Because of her hard work and sacrifice, I was able to attend Zayit Post Primary School for my primary education and No. 2 Basic Education High School in Dawei for my secondary education.
Before I could continue my secondary education, the COVID-19 pandemic and the political situation in Myanmar began to affect the country. It was a very challenging time for both my family and me.
Even though the COVID-19 pandemic and the political situation created many obstacles, I was determined not to let them stop my education. I believed that no matter how difficult the journey became, I had to keep moving forward toward my goals. Because of this, I began attending an alternative online school and completed Grades 9 to 11 there. After that, I started helping children in my hometown with their education, especially those who were also attending alternative schools like me.
Before I entered Grade 12, I began to think about whether I should continue on my current path or change direction. During this time, I received advice from my siblings. After they left for another country to support our family, they faced challenges because they had been unable to complete their own educations.
So I decided to take a different path and continue my education through the GED program. Studying was not easy for me because my siblings were unable to fully support me financially, so I also had to work part-time. During that time, I attended GED classes from 12 to 2 p.m., worked from 9 to 11 a.m., studied during my lunch break, and worked again from 3 to 8 p.m.
About Yoon
- Age: 19
- Ethnicity: Tavoyan
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Mae Fah Luang University
- Bachelor’s, English
- 1st Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Become an English teacher
- Improve access to education in Myanmar
- Travel to Japan
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $2,150
- Amount Left To Fund: $2,150
- Contract Duration: 11 years
- Status: In School
After finishing work, I studied again at night to review what I had learned each day. Step by step, I continued my journey until I finished the GED. After that, I decided to attend university because I wanted to gain a deeper understanding of what students need while I am teaching them.
I chose to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in English at Mae Fah Luang University because the program can provide what I need for my academic and professional development.
After graduation, I plan to work for at least three years in my country. This will help me gain a deeper understanding of the needs of both students and teachers from different backgrounds. After that, I want to open a private school in my hometown to provide better education for children from all backgrounds.
I also want to support English training for teachers, because although my town has limited educational resources and a shortage of English teachers, many teachers are willing to teach but need effective training on how to teach students properly. I believe that choosing this major will not only benefit me, but also the students and teachers in my hometown.
Growing up with limited resources and financial difficulties, I have experienced how hard it is to access quality education. I do not want the next generation in my hometown to face the same struggles. If I am unable to make a change, I would carry a deep regret for the rest of my life. However, I believe this future can be changed with the support of Zomia, which can help me turn my vision into reality.
Written by Yoon with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Yoon
“If I am unable to make a change [by improving education access in Myanmar], I would carry a deep regret for the rest of my life.”
