“Having the understanding of policies, history of international education, and resources to support international students through the program will certainly help my future career in working with international students.”

Hometown

Yangon, Myanmar

Department

Educational Foundations

Related Degrees

• PhD, Education: Global & International Education

Why did you choose to pursue to pursue the PhD in Education, Global and International Education program?
I grew up in Yangon, Myanmar and studied at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA for my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Having experienced various education systems and received pivotal opportunities through education, I am enthusiastic to work with and support college students in their personal and academic journey. My program (EDEF) also provides me with insights to global and international education and understanding of diversity, policy, and changes in the field, which I believe will aid my research interest in international education and students.

Did anyone in particular inspire you to pursue a career in education?
As an undergraduate student, I admire and respect student affairs professionals. Their work, dedication, and patience working with diverse students and meeting the needs aspire me to work in student affairs. These professionals include my residence hall directors, International Student Service directors, and writing center staff.

How is the COE program impacting or benefitting your career path?
This COE program is expanding my scope of interest in student affairs to understanding the larger field of international education. The current news and policies impact the international students in the U.S. directly. Having the understanding of policies, history of international education, and resources to support international students through the program will certainly help my future career in working with international students.

Do you participate in any clubs or organizations in or outside of school?
I currently work closely with the EDEF Hui with activities and gathering. I am also an East-West Center (EWC) student affiliate so I live near the campus at Hale Mānoa. I am an active member of the EWC association, participating as a board member and working as a residential community associate (similar to an RA role) in the dorm.

Why did you want to be a Social Media Ambassador for your program?
I enjoyed seeing the COE Instagram with informational yet fun and relatable posts and reels. I also noticed a few friends who were COE social media ambassadors and got inspired by their creativity. It is a great program for students to share their knowledge and creativity with others on social media, which is a very prevalent tool for this generation to get informed.

Anything else you’d like to share?
I look forward to supporting international students and being a lecturer in an education program. Currently, I work as a GA at the Center for Japanese Studies (CJS), mainly responsible for the center’s communications (email, newsletter, website, and social media management). In my free time, I like to swim, hike, surf, and watch TV shows. This year, I am planning to run a half marathon in April 2026. Wish me luck 😀