Disrupted but Determined: Kyaw’s education story
- Parami Communications
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Like many young people in Myanmar, his future was suddenly disrupted by the global pandemic in 2020 and political unrest in 2021, and eventually faded away. Kyaw Toe Toe Han, a Mandalay Institute of Technology (MIT) student, was known for his academic excellence and active participation in social and campus life, including serving on the student union. With just over one year left to graduate, everything changed.
His life was turned upside down. For his family's safety, Kyaw left his hometown and relocated to a remote area with limited internet and phone access. Life became about survival. Despite the hardships, his parents did everything they could to support him.
Struggling to make ends meet, he lost the motivation to study. "I thought my dream was gone," he said. But then a friend came to visit. "You've already spent over a decade on education," the friend told him. "Don't give up now. You should finish what you started."
Kyaw's only hesitation was not wanting to continue at a government school. Then, he heard about Parami University. Friends and seniors from his previous university who had attended Parami's workshops encouraged him to apply. So, he traveled 45 minutes from the remote area where he was living to a town where he could get the internet, just to submit his application.
He was accepted. Today, he holds an Associate of Arts degree from Parami and is pursuing a degree in Statistics and Data Science (SDS).
"This journey still feels unbelievable," he reflected.
He came from a traditional rote-learning background, where success was measured by memorization and exams. Parami's emphasis on assignments, regular study, and critical thinking was a refreshing shift. Parami is not like other online universities. Students have live classes with professors and peers.
"My professors don't just lecture—they listen. They value our opinions. My first impression of Parami is a sense of community that truly supports students."
Even in an online setting, that sense of community thrives. He joined the student leadership and helped draft the student constitution, believing that quality education is about academics, engagement, leadership, and community-building.
"Quality education inspires students to give back to their community and teaches them to look at problems from different perspectives with integrity and ethics." He noted that Parami's inclusive model, welcoming students from diverse backgrounds, prepares students to make that kind of impact.
"I don't want to work for a big company. I want to go back to my community—where young people don't have the same opportunities—and help them pursue education, just as I have."— Kyaw Toe Toe Han
He chose the Statistics and Data Science (SDS) concentration because he sees its potential in every sector, including business and social development.
Kyaw highlighted the importance of data in solving issues in different contexts. "If you understand and analyze data, you can create real change. For example, if you know your customers' behavior in business, you can meet their needs and stay competitive by predicting future trends. That same thinking applies to solving community issues, too."
A Message to Youth
"You may face struggles and challenges, but don't give up. Parami is here. Your socio-economic background does not define you. Your dedication and motivation do. Keep going!"
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