Upper New Review Special Edition features stories from Parami students

Led by Mia Sasaki, an instructor at Parami University, undergraduate students published their stories in the special edition of the Upper New Review this semester. The Upper New Review seeks to expand its reach across multiple platforms as a hybrid digital media publication that combines environmental literature and the arts, emphasizing place-based creative expression in diverse forms.

This special issue of the Upper New Review presents nine captivating stories from Myanmar—a country rich in cultural diversity yet marked by decades of political struggle and conflict.

“When we tell our stories, these narratives are inextricably linked to place,” wrote Mia Sasaki, an instructor at Parami University, in the publisher’s note. She explained that these places are often dear to us—connecting us to the land, the people, and the ecosystems around us. While stories reflect the places that shape the storyteller, they are also often interwoven with struggle.

The stories reflect the enduring strength and hope of Myanmar’s youth, many of whom have experienced displacement, loss, and disrupted education since the 2021 military coup. Together, these narratives honor their courage and offer readers insight into a nation navigating both grief and hope amid ongoing challenges.

Explore the stories from Parami community members here.