Even though I am only in my early twenties, I have experienced the miracle of divine guidance in my life. I was born in Burma, but because of the turmoil and strife in this land, my family sent me to a refugee camp in Thailand so that I could receive an education. In Burma I was provided a minimal education up to the fourth grade because my family could not afford more. I was their hope for a better future, so after five years I was relocated to the United States to live with an uncle. While there, friends introduced me to the missionaries. Even though my uncle was opposed to my joining the Church, I did so. I was often asked to translate at church meetings, so I began to attend an ESL program. There I developed my love for learning and felt a sincere desire to become a teacher.

My branch president referred me to the LDS Humanitarian Center to continue to learn English and to gain work experience. Because of the education I had received in the refugee camp and my former ESL training, I was able to excel rapidly in English. I soon moved to the highest level of ESL taught at the LDS Humanitarian Center. My teachers noticed that I had the natural ability to be in front of others, and asked me to substitute in the lower ESL classes. I was also asked to do data entry for the ESL instructors. They noticed that I was a hard worker and a quick learner. As a result, I was made a lead in the baling department. This provided me with the opportunity to save money, pay rent to my uncle, and purchase a car.

As my time at the LDS Humanitarian Center was coming to an end, I realized that I needed to find new employment. My job coach and development specialist contacted a local school district to see if they had opportunities for me to become a teacher’s aide or an interpreter for the Burmese students in the district. I was offered a three-week business partnership. Although I was not hired by this school district, I was hired in a neighboring district to be a teacher’s aide. I also am an on-call translator in a school district.

I am continuing to work towards my goal of becoming a teacher and feel that I am well on track to realize that goal. I continue to be divinely guided toward a life filled with purpose and a future filled with hope.