By BEAM staff

“I actually thought it was too late to start (my education journey) at BEAM, but it wasn’t,” says Mi Zar Kyaw.

Mi Zar Kyaw, from Taunggyi, Shan State, was 21 when she decided to apply for a scholarship at BEAM’s CYLD (Community Youth Leadership Development) program.

Mi Zar Kyaw had found the BEAM Facebook page at a time when she was really unsure about her future. Life was very difficult. She was doing hard manual labor with two jobs and just making enough money for her family to survive.

“Before I found BEAM, I was struggling with self-doubt and felt completely lost,” she says. “I didn’t know how to move forward with my education or how to make my dreams real. Being in my twenties and feeling stuck was scary.”

BEAM Education Foundation runs the CYLD program every year and it maintains focus on preparing for the GED examinations and student personal development.

After being a student in our yearly program, Mi Zar Kyaw was able to see her personal growth. Instead of struggling, she began to feel ready to push forward to a brighter future.

“BEAM helped me rebuild my confidence and gave me all the tools I needed. They believed in me, and that made me start believing in myself,” she says.

In fact, the CYLD was so life-changing for Mi Zar Kyaw she wants to encourage all young people looking for an education pathway to consider the CYLD option. Especially if you are a little bit older, she does not want you to give up.

“Do it! Don’t let age or doubt stop you. BEAM will be there to support you, and it could change your life just like it changed mine,” says Mi Zar Kyaw.

Her scholarship guidance came from an online seminar offered during the CYLD program. This was a session that helped students who wanted to pursue a university degree in an online setting.

After successfully completing a GED with BEAM, Mi Zar Kyaw applied for a scholarship with the University of the People through their website.

The University of the People is a non-profit, accredited, tuition-free online university based in the United States. While students don’t pay for tuition, there are small administrative fees—but the university offers scholarships to help those who cannot afford even these minimal costs.

The day Mi Zar Kyaw realized her dreams by receiving a scholarship from the university, she knew it was a direct result of her determination and hard work. She is now studying Health Sciences and plans to pursue a master’s degree afterward.

“It felt like the beginning of my real journey. I was overwhelmed with gratitude and kept thinking, ‘This is what happens when you don’t give up,’” she says.  “I knew it was the result of joining the CYLD program at BEAM, and I’m so thankful.”

Now Mi Zar can see that her life has turned around in the best way possible.

“I now have a clear path, real goals, and the confidence that I can continue my education and create a future that I’m proud of,” she says. “Now I feel motivated, confident, and hopeful… I’m proud to be working toward something meaningful.”

When asked about the true secret for her success, Mi Zar Kyaw is clear.

“The best thing about BEAM was the support and guidance, especially from teachers,” she says. “It felt like being part of a family that really wants you to succeed.”

Do you want to feel more inspiration? Then read more about BEAM student successes here.