I am Yu from Myanmar. In my country, I studied electronics and communication engineering for four years as part of a six-year bachelor program. Due to the political situation there, I was unable to complete my degree. I am now studying Engineering Management and Entrepreneurship at KMITL in Thailand.
Being a Karen–Pa O ethnic growing up in Mon State, finances were always a concern. As a child, I had many dreams, but most felt out of reach growing up in a rural area that did not encourage education. My family wanted me to be educated so I could live a better life, and they hoped I would become a role model for my community.
Being an only child raised by a single mother, I have had a tough life, especially in pursuing my goal of studying abroad. But I never let finances stand in my way.
My persistence was fueled by Nelson Mandela’s words: “When people are determined, they can overcome anything.” I managed to gain entry to my dream university with a tuition fee waiver.
My program in engineering management and entrepreneurship offers a five-year study plan leading to both a bachelor’s degree in Engineering and a master’s degree in Administration and Management. I want to work in a management role that extends my knowledge beyond engineering into business, and I hope to contribute to projects such as the construction of schools and hospitals and the development of public infrastructure.
I also aspire to set up my own business, through which I can provide job opportunities and education for people in my community, particularly those of my ethnicity. The community I grew up in has little interest in education. Many families expect their children to work in Thailand once they come of age, sometimes forcing them abroad even when they want to study. This is due to finances and the limited education of the older generation.
About Yu
- Age: 27
- Ethnicity: Karen, Pa O
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang
- Bachelor’s, Engineering Management & Entrepreneurship
- 4th Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Set up my own business
- Visit Europe
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $5,775
- Amount Left To Fund: $5,675
- Contract Duration: 12 years
- Status: In School
I want to support education in my community and offer employment through my future business. My achievements have already begun to shift the way people around me think, and I hope to continue opening minds.
I have served as a graphic designer, translator, and project director, and have done community service projects around Bangkok with an organization called IGEN. As a member of a local rescue team, I worked to source oxygen during the COVID-19 pandemic. I also run a small animal shelter for around 28 stray dogs and 11 cats.
Through volunteering and internships, I have learned to see situations from different perspectives and embrace challenges. I am highly motivated, detail-oriented, and able to work well under pressure. I believe these qualities will make me an outstanding engineer, and with Zomia’s support I am confident I can achieve my goals.
Written by Yu with editing assistance from Holland, one of Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Yu
“I never let finances stand in my way. When people are determined, they can overcome anything.”
