A BEAM student’s journey to study Civil Engineering at university.

By BEAM Staff

It was THE moment. The email that would decide Xylem’s future.

“When I saw the email notification that said, ‘Congratulations,’ I couldn’t even believe my eyes. My hands were shaking, and the only thing that came to my mind was, ‘I did it,’” she says.

Today, Xylem, 20, is studying Civil Engineering in the International Program at King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL), Thailand. Her IIE Odyssey Scholarship covers tuition fees and living costs for a four-year bachelor’s degree.

Her journey began in an industrial town on the outskirts of Mandalay, Myanmar. Political unrest and financial instability had forced her to leave her regular schooling.

“I wondered, ‘What if I cannot continue my high school education?’” she says.

One evening, while scrolling through her newsfeed, Xylem discovered BEAM’s Community Youth Leadership Development (CYLD) program. She decided to apply and received the CYLD scholarship at 17.

“That was one of the best decisions I have ever made,” she says.

Studying with a laptop in her tiny room, Xylem began exploring opportunities that had previously seemed out of reach. Through BEAM, she found both a pathway toward higher education and a community that supported her along the way.

“The community I found is the best gift BEAM has ever given me,” she says. “The lifelong friendships I found at BEAM have made it my second home.”

Xylem started preparing for university scholarships by focusing on her studies, volunteering, and developing her leadership skills. At a small English learning center in her hometown, she put what she learned through CYLD into practice.

Balancing these commitments was challenging. Living outside the city meant she had to find alternative ways to connect with others and use the resources available to her.

BEAM’s announcements about webinars and scholarships helped her identify opportunities. Her teachers offered advice, while scholarship interview sessions helped her speak confidently about her experiences and ambitions.

“It not only helped us practice but also highlighted our own inner voices and allowed us to understand ourselves better,” she says.

When she received the IIE Odyssey Scholarship, Xylem saw an opportunity to build her own future and contribute more to her community through Civil Engineering.

Leaving for university meant stepping back from the learning center, but she wanted its work to continue. Before her departure, she passed on the programs she had been running and shared advice with the next leaders.

Now, university life gives her the chance to focus on a subject she loves, gain experience, and explore ideas she once had little opportunity to pursue.

“I am living my previous version’s dream life,” she says.

After graduation, Xylem hopes to take part in community projects involving disaster response and sustainable infrastructure. She also plans to gain practical experience through internships and develop connections within her profession.

For students considering BEAM, her advice is to make the most of both the education and the community.

“Enjoy and participate fully at BEAM, not only in your studies but also in every possible opportunity within the community whenever you can,” she says. “Be part of the community and build your network.”

She also encourages students to keep going while allowing themselves time to rest.

“Just keep on working. Take a rest if you are feeling tired, and keep on again. Your hard work will pay off one day,” she says.

BEAM Education Foundation celebrates Xylem’s hard work, preparation, and commitment to her community. We are proud of her achievement and look forward to seeing what she will build next.