Sawasdee Krab! สวัสดี ครับ! (Hello!)
My name is Sunet Gaewwien, but you can call me “Mac.” I live in a small village in Loei province, Thailand. It is north of Bangkok, bordering Laos. There are no beaches here, but we have many beautiful lakes. Our province is also home to Phu Luang (King Mountain) Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can see waterfalls, wildflowers, and high cliffs.
Right now, I am a 7th grader at Ban Tub Kee School. My dream is to be a professional football (soccer) player for Thailand when I grow up. . I love playing soccer; I always practice with my friends after school. We have a lot of fun together, but sometimes I feel a little out of place.
“It was a little embarrassing to be one of the only kids without a new uniform, but I didn’t complain because I knew that my parents couldn’t afford to buy me one ”
At the start of school last semester, I saw my friends all wearing new school uniforms. It was a little embarrassing to be one of the only kids without a new uniform, but I didn’t complain because I knew that my parents couldn’t afford to buy me one. My parents don’t make much money. They do manual labor in the fields, but it’s barely enough to get by. Sometimes we even have to borrow money from our neighbors. They are very kind, but we know that they are struggling too. Some days I cannot make it to school because I have to stay back and work in the corn fields to help my parents make more money. Anything I can do to help lessen their burden. On the first day of school, I was feeling sad about not having a new school uniform. I tried to be happy with my friends, but it was hard when it seemed like everyone had one but me. A teacher called my name, “Mac, it’s your turn to go see the guidance counselor.”
It was in her office that I learned about EDF and how they provide scholarships to students whose families are struggling financially like mine. I could hardly believe it when she told me that there would be enough money to not only buy me a new school uniform, but also to spend on some school supplies!
I told my parents about it. They were so surprised and delighted; my mom even cried a little. So I applied for the scholarship and was accepted! I promised to study hard and complete at least lower secondary school (through Grade 9). There’s nothing to hold me back from my dreams now!
To anyone who has given to EDF: Thank you so much for this scholarship! You have given me the gift of education. My parents and I are so grateful for your generosity. Thank you for seeing less fortunate students like me as important enough to receive this gift. I know it will open up so many opportunities for me. I promise to study hard!
Khob Khun Krab! ขอบคุณครับ! (Thank you!)