Kept trying, applying, and believing: AA graduate Lu Htoi’s journey to becoming the first in her family to graduate

Lu Htoi, an Associate of Arts (AA) graduate

How far would you go to pursue your dream of higher education?

For Lu Htoi, an Associate of Arts (AA) graduate from Kachin State, the journey meant years of hard work, uncertainty, and perseverance. As the first person in her family to graduate from university, she overcame financial hardship and family responsibilities while holding on to a single dream: to continue her education.

Addressing fellow graduates, faculty, family members, and supporters at Parami University’s 2026 Commencement Ceremony, Lu reflected on a journey marked by sacrifice, resilience, and hope. She shared how years of working to support her family, combined with an unwavering determination to pursue higher education, eventually led her to Parami University.

She emphasized in her speech, “Even when life felt impossible, I kept trying, kept applying, and kept believing—because sometimes, a small opportunity can change everything.”

The following is the full commencement speech delivered by Lu Htoi at Parami University’s 2026 Commencement Ceremony. 

Commencement Speech by Lu Htoi

What does it mean to be the first in your family?

People often say being "the first" sounds inspiring—and it is. But behind that word are struggles that are not always seen. Being the first means walking a path no one in your family has walked before. You move forward without knowing what lies ahead. And sometimes, you carry not only your own dreams, but also your family's hopes.

Today, I stand here as the first person in my family to graduate from university. I was the first to pass matriculation. The first to board an airplane. The first to connect with people from around the world. And now, the first to earn a university degree.

Let me share my story of becoming "the first," because it was not easy.

After passing matriculation in 2019, I was accepted into the Computer University in Myitkyina. However, due to financial difficulties and a lack of support, I could not attend. Instead, I began working. I worked three jobs, from 7:00 in the morning until 7:00 at night, and sometimes until 10:00 PM, depending on the workload. I became the breadwinner for my family while quietly holding on to one dream—to go to university someday.

I still remember one night when I told my mother how deeply I wanted to continue my education. She looked at me gently and said, "Lu… Anu has no money to support you. Should I sell this house so you can go to university?" We had nothing except our small wooden home—the only shelter our family had.

Her words broke my heart. That night, I cried silently and kept asking myself and praying, "Why does going to university have to be so difficult?" How could I ask my mother to sacrifice the only home we had just so I could study? In that moment, it felt like my dream was slowly fading away.

But God heard the prayers I cried through tears.

In 2024, just before Kachin State Day, the internet briefly returned in Myitkyina. During that brief moment, I saw a Facebook video of Dr. Kyaw Moe Tun introducing Parami University—a place where education could be accessible without financial barriers.

I watched that video again and again, almost unable to believe it. And deep inside, something told me: This is my university. This is the place I have been waiting and praying for.

Looking back now, Parami University did not simply accept me—it gave me hope again. It gave me a future again. It became the turning point of my life.

But this is not only my story. It is the story of many students here today. We all faced struggles, doubts, and uncertainty. Yet somehow, we made it to this moment together.

To my fellow graduates—congratulations.

These past two years were not easy. We studied through unstable internet, power cuts, tight deadlines, and uncertain days. Online learning also gave us a very unique student experience—attending lectures from our rooms, sometimes without even changing clothes, and yes, occasionally without even washing our faces first. Right, fellow graduates?

Despite everything, we still submitted our assignments and reached graduation today.

I would like to sincerely thank our professors and staff for their patience, guidance, and dedication. Your support shaped us in ways words cannot fully express.

I am also deeply grateful to the Daughters Rising organization for supporting my educational journey. Without your support, this path would have been far more difficult. And especially to Carl and Stacey—thank you for your financial, mental, and spiritual support throughout this journey.

If there is one thing I would like to leave with everyone today, it is this: even when life feels impossible, one small opportunity can truly change everything. There was a time when I had no money, no clear direction, and no certainty about my future. But I still tried. I still applied. And I still believed—even when that hope was very small.

My name is Lu Htoi. I am the first in my family to graduate from university—but I will not be the last.

My generation, and the young people of my country, must continue to have access to quality higher education.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026 and the Class of 2028 of Parami University.

Lu Htoi’s achievement stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and the life-changing impact of accessible education. From working multiple jobs to support her family to becoming the first university graduate in her household, her journey demonstrates how determination, combined with opportunity, can transform lives.

As Parami University celebrates the Classes of 2026 and 2028, Lu’s story serves as a reminder that behind every graduate lies a story of courage, sacrifice, and hope—and that one opportunity can open the door to a brighter future.