By Beam Staff

What do you do when your entire life vanishes? When everything you hold dear changes completely, leaving you lost and confused?

Such was the predicament of Chan Myae Khin, a graduate of the BEAM GED Online Program. She was once a thriving medical student at the University of Medicine, Taunggyi, until political upheaval forced her to abandon her studies and leave her village of Ngwe Daun—the only home she’d ever known.

“It was the hardest time for me to choose what I should do… Should I start my business to earn money or should I follow my dream? Since I was young, I have only one passion to become a medical professional. I did not want to give up on my dream,” Chan reflects.

“I always looked for the better opportunities that can continue for my dream. Every day, I woke up with my worried plan for future.”

“Luckily, I got contacted by my aunt who was working in Chiang Mai to join Beam GED Online Program. I took entrance exam and got the admission… I felt that I got one chance again to assess higher education program,” she recalls.

The GED Online Program is a ten-month preparation course where students facing inconsistent internet access can utilize BEAM Education Foundation’s videos to prepare for the GED examinations.

After completing the program, Chan’s next challenge was securing a scholarship—a highly competitive endeavor that led to more trying times.

“To get on my right way, Beam was the main supporter for me. I have tried and failed several times. Actually, their supportive words are one of the main reasons that I didn’t give up until now. It was the place where I could change my personality and my life,” she says.

In May 2023, Chan applied for the prestigious IIE Scholarship and was thrilled to be invited for an interview. Despite thorough preparation, she was unsuccessful.

“I felt disappointed and I did not want to try again. On the other hand, I realized if I gave up, no one can support me financially. My mother was struggling with living expenditure. So, only a scholarship could help me,” she explains.

Determined not to give up, Chan applied for a Daughter’s Rising Scholarship and received a partial award in May 2023. However, it wasn’t sufficient to cover all her needs.

She then sought assistance from private donors, but unforeseen personal issues stood in they way.

“So, I tried again for IIE Odyssey Scholarship. I presented with all the best things I have,” she says.

“Finally, I got the scholarship. In order to achieve something great, you will have to sacrifice something great. Of course! I tried and I was successful. Sometimes, I fail. But, I have only one hope that one day, I must achieve my goal. This mindset always supports me to continue my education journey whatever situation I am in.”

With careful reflection and support from the IIE Odyssey staff, Chan mapped out a new personal and academic plan. She is now pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Saint Louis University in the Philippines.

Deeply committed to her community, Chan looks forward to giving back.

“After university, my main goal is to serve as a professional nurse for the ones who really need medical care in Myanmar. I want to be skillful nurse who can contribute all the knowledge I have to patients and youth,” she says.

She expresses profound gratitude for the opportunities provided by BEAM Education Foundation and its generous donors.

“To get on my right way, Beam has been the main supporter for me. I have tried and failed several times. But my teachers always tell me ‘you deserve better’ and ‘the best things will come to you.’ Their supportive words are one of the main reasons that I didn’t give up. Also, because of Beam Foundation, I got confidence to communicate well and share my opinion with others. It is the place where I could change my personality and my life,” she shares.

BEAM extends its best wishes to Chan on her continuing educational journey.

There is no doubt that the path to obtaining a GED and university scholarship is a challenge, but BEAM Education Foundation is ready to provide support.

For more inspiration, consider exploring the story of our alumna, Julie Win.