By Beam Staff

At 17, Pyay Myo Khin felt left behind and without any future prospects—until she discovered the BEAM Education Foundation’s CYLD (Community Youth Leadership Development) program. After winning a scholarship to complete her GED at BEAM, she could see that this move was a complete ‘game-changer’ for her life and future.

Pyay Myo Khin, from Sagaing, had not heard about BEAM Education Foundation until her cousin Yuqi joined the course in 2023.

“I was attending an online school at that time, and didn’t know what to do after completing it. Seeing my sister learning and unlocking scholarship opportunities, I got inspired to apply to this program,” says Pyay Myo Khin. 

Studying for the GED has its challenges but BEAM students know that if they put in the work, they will find success. It is always about learning, preparation and study.

“While attending GED, there were moments where I felt dissatisfied with myself. It really shocked me when I didn’t get my desired score on Reasoning Through Language Arts and Social Studies in final tests from BEAM,” she says.

“I was panicking to take the actual test, but I ultimately booked the exam date to face the reality. The same goes with taking the SAT and IELTS exams,” Pyay Myo Khin says.  “But, of course, I made a tough daily schedule before the exam day. I really did pour out my best efforts to get the best results.”

It wasn’t until Pyay Myo Khin joined the CYLD program that she discovered the TSIR (Thammasat International Student Recruitment) scholarship opportunities available to her.

“When I received the scholarship, I felt a mix of emotions. I received a tuition fee waiver. Firstly, I felt really happy, but after a moment, I was worried about the living expenses. Thankfully, my parents and teachers were really supportive; they are helping me figure out a plan for living expenses,” says Pyay Myo Khin.

With this important scholarship Pyay Myo Khin’s future is looking very bright.

“I can finally become a civil engineer which I have dreamt of since high school. The university is also my dream university in Thailand, which happens to be a top university,” she says. “With a degree from Thammasat, I can see a secure future. My younger-self wouldn’t believe this is actually happening to me!” 

Pyay Myo Khin has lots to think about over the next four years, but she does have some future plans.

“After graduation, I want to become a reliable person for my family and for my community. If the political situation becomes stable, I would like to seek a job in my country to contribute to reconstruction projects,” she says. “If not, I want to work at an international firm in the Asian region.”

There is no doubt that the BEAM Education Foundation provided significant support to Pyay Myo Khin in attaining her dream university and scholarship.

“Honestly, I wouldn’t have gotten to this point without the help from my teachers and friends. I had never dreamed of getting a scholarship to pursue an international degree until I met them,” she says. “Their encouragement has pushed me towards the fullest potential of myself. The program had me experience things which will lie in my heart for a lifetime.”

Of course, if you are considering applying for a CYLD scholarship with BEAM, Pyay Myo Khin has some advice!

“Do your best in everything you do! Studying is really exhausting, but always try to look after your future-self. The result will always be worth it, so give your best effort while you can,” she says.

“Another tip is to do extracurricular activities that are related to your majors: online or in person. It will really be useful when you create your portfolio, an important thing in applying for a scholarship.”

When asking Pyay Myo Khin what she thought was the best thing about BEAM, she thought of all the people in this vibrant educational community.

‘Gaining friends, and teachers who support me. I’ve never felt the type of encouragement from my environment, before I got into BEAM. It is like my second family,” she says.

BEAM Education Foundation’s teachers are so proud of Pyay Myo Khin’s achievements and wish her well for an exciting and rewarding future.

Do you need more inspiration? Please read Su Wati Nwe’s story here.