I am Melody Thansang and I am from Myanmar, also known as Burma. I transferred to Sunrise Christian Academy, located in Bel Aire, Kansas, in the United States, to continue my senior year in high school. 

As Myanmar was (and still is) under political unrest, my family decided on sending me to the States to continue my studies. It sure was a hard decision as we all knew that there would come a point where I would face multiple problems. Nevertheless, I came to the States, because my family wanted me to continue in my studies and I also wanted to do the same. 

Of all the problems that I have faced so far, finance has been the hardest to overcome. Although my family members supported me with all that they have, the point where they couldn't support me came by. My country's political unrest affected everyone's work lives and personal lives. My family members back home lost their jobs and this resulted in a point where my family members struggled, and also couldn't afford to pay my tuition fee for the last quarter of high school.

Learning is a major component of change. Finance should not stop one from learning. Nelson Mandela said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." I hope to change the world, starting with my country with what it's going through. I really hope to continue my studies without the pressure and the anxiety on where I have to stop learning just because I lack the finance to support myself.

I am studying my hardest and also working part-time in the school compound every weekday after school. I am currently managing a GPA of 3.7 and I am keeping up to achieve more than that. I am also participating in extracurriculars such as softball, musical theatre, and also in debate, and forensics. I also had the chance to go for nationals for Forensics and hope to do better in it too! I have done Mary Poppins in Sunrise and it was one of the most awesome events that I have had.

In the future, I hope to provide those that need help with whatever I can do, through what I do best. But I really do not know how I'd do that. Being away from home and my family member is quite lamentable already. My 18-year-old self has never felt this helpless. My family members are going through harsh times whilst trying their best to support me. They have invested in my studies and I want them to receive lots of interest through me. I cannot and will not let them regret what they've done for me. I would appreciate it if you could support me and help me in my journey. Thank you very much.