Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Unfortunately, I almost lost the opportunity to pursue my educational dream due to financial hardships and the current situation in Myanmar.
In 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic forced me to pause my education. My entire family relies solely on my father’s income, which has significantly decreased due to fluctuating prices of agricultural products.
I was in Grade 11, the final year of high school in Myanmar, when I left school. However, I continued my studies at a non-profit organization called Pathfinder Institute Myanmar and, after a year there, received my high school graduation certificate.
After attending several seminars about studying abroad, I learned that a GED diploma was an essential requirement for university admission. However, my parents could not afford the course fees. Fortunately, I was selected to participate in a free six-month self-study GED program provided by BEAM Education Foundation.
During this time, I enthusiastically prepared for the GED while improving my English skills. I not only achieved high scores on the GED test but also received reimbursement for the exam fees for two subjects from BEAM. Shortly after, I prepared for the IELTS test by self-studying for two weeks to meet the English qualification requirements of universities, achieving an overall band score of 7.
I applied to enter the Civil Engineering programs at Thammasat University and King Mongkut Institute of Technology Ladkrabang. I was accepted by both but chose Thammasat because I received a scholarship through Thammasat International Student Recruitment (TISR), which covers tuition fees for four years.
About Zurie
- Age: 19
- Ethnicity: Burmese, Mon
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Thammasat University
- Bachelor’s, Civil Engineering & Real Estate Development
- 1st Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Become a civil engineer
- Develop environmentally sustainable buildings in my community
- Travel to Pompeii, Italy
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $1,675
- Amount Left To Fund: $1,550
- Contract Duration: 10 years
- Status: In School
Even with the scholarship, I still face financial challenges covering my living expenses and transportation. I have made every effort to minimize costs due to my parents’ financial instability.
When I was in Grade 5, I earned a government scholarship that provided financial support for my secondary education, amounting to 200,000 kyats per year for four years, totaling 800,000 kyats. This achievement made my parents very proud. However, now they are more worried about my financial needs than celebrating my university admission and scholarship. I sincerely want to pursue my educational and career goals without burdening my parents financially.
Myanmar is still a developing country, and its infrastructure, real estate, and transportation lag behind those of other nations. Growing up in rural areas, I have seen many households lacking basic safety standards, with families struggling against adverse weather conditions. These observations motivated me to pursue a career in civil engineering, focusing on creating environmentally sustainable and modern buildings for my community, thereby contributing to the development of our society’s real estate and basic infrastructure.
I am eager to gain knowledge and experience in civil engineering and real estate development at Thammasat University. My dream is within reach, but financial hardships hinder my pursuit. If Zomia grants me the opportunity to receive a loan, I am committed to working hard to achieve my educational and career goals with determination and consistency.
Written by Zurie with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Zurie
“I aim to become a civil engineer dedicated to the social advancement of my people—improving living standards and constructing environmentally sustainable buildings.”
Kay Thi Moe, Program Associate at BEAM Education Foundation
“Success always rewards those who never stop learning.”