By BEAM Staff

Like many Myanmar Youth, Su Wati Nwe didn’t have many options for securing her education. However, she wants young people who were in her position to know that there is hope.

Su Wati Nwe

“In 2022, I was so lost and didn’t know how to continue my education during the crisis. Fortunately, I found out about the CYLD program from BEAM. It had the biggest impact on me. Because of BEAM, I was not only able to continue my education journey with its financial support, but also gained important skills that I needed to work on throughout my life,” Su Wati Nwe says.

“Thank you BEAM for giving me a chance to meet good friends and talented teachers who were always there for me. Even after the CYLD course finished, Teachers always encouraged us to apply for scholarships and they helped us with every single thing that we needed to apply. I received an excellent recommendation letter, a unique and useful interview training, and strong motivation whenever I needed it.”

The BEAM staff enjoyed watching Su Wati Nwe’s confidence grow as she participated in school leadership opportunities and CYLD programs. All it took was her determination, a clear goal and strong examination results.

“I always thought scholarships were only for outstanding students who always get the first prize in class. I didn’t even dream of myself as a scholarship awardee. But Thanks to the CYLD program from BEAM, I got a chance to listen to several webinars about different types of scholarships in detail such as need based scholarship for financially needy students, and merit-based scholarship for outstanding students, Su Wati Nwe says. “Because of that, my vision became so clear and I decided to go for it. I researched carefully about the university scholarships every day and I found a Thammasat International Students Recruitment Scholarship post on Facebook.”

“I couldn’t sleep well the night before the scholarship announcement. I was so excited and nervous. The moment when I knew that I got the scholarship, I was all shaking, happy, and I even danced for my big achievement haha. My mom hugged me. I know she was the happiest person for me,” she says.

“That day I realized that as long as you try your best, you will get what you want, no matter what. It just takes time. You have to be patient. I’ve been trying for this moment even since I finished high school, GED. I applied for several scholarships and got rejected. Well, here this moment comes.”

Su Wati Nwe found herself accepting a scholarship from Thammasat University and will be studying Civil Engineering and Real Estate Development. Not only are her tuition fees paid but she also gets a stipend to help with daily costs.

Now, instead of feeling lost and frustrated about her future, Su Wati Nwe is looking forward to achieving her lifetime dream. This student has big plans to help make her community a better place with a keen focus on community safety. BEAM teachers could not be more proud of her vision and successes.

“Upon graduation, I would like to further my knowledge and competency gained from my undergraduate study to the next level. I want to pursue a master degree specializing in structural engineering. With my civil engineering degree my ultimate goal is to specialize in designing cost effective sustainable buildings and infrastructure that can withstand natural disasters like earthquakes,” she says.

“Also, I would like to take part in enhancing existing buildings’ safety. I plan to collaborate with the Myanmar Earthquake Committee and there I see myself organizing workshops, training sessions, and public awareness campaigns to educate our society about earthquake risks and safety tips….”

“I am really thankful to BEAM for several things. But the best thing about BEAM would be the chance to meet our student community and our talented and kind teachers. Thank you so much teacher Rachel, teacher David, teacher Phyu Phyu, teacher Brittany, teacher Jenny and ama Hsu for everything you have done for me throughout the school year,” Su Wati Nwe says.

“I appreciate all of your help both in and out of the classroom. I am grateful that you have made a big difference in my education.”

In fact, Su Wati Nwe has some advice for students who gain a scholarship to the CYLD program at BEAM. “Do not doublethink it. Go for it. I can guarantee you that it will be beyond your expectation. Also, if you are lucky enough to get into BEAM, do not ever think about dropping out, opportunity comes but once!”

If you are a member of the Myanmar youth community, feel free to browse more Success Stories on the BEAM website.