Where in the World is Miami Wednesday: Meet an International Student from Myanmar
By Fatimata Ndiaye & Halie Best
In this week's, Where in the World is Miami Wednesday, we meet Angel, a senior double majoring in Marketing and Supply Chain & Operations Management, with a minor in Chinese, from Myanmar.
Angel chose Miami because of its high rankings for both the Farmer School of Business and in undergraduate teaching. She knew she'd get a top notch education at Miami, and that the faculty would be invested in her success.
Upon arriving at Miami University, Angel jumped right into American and the university culture. She joined organizations for international students, as well as a business organization. She also became a Resident Assistant in an on-campus residence hall. This helped her become acclimated and have the best years of her life at Miami.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is Angel Thwe. I’m from Yangon, Myanmar. I’m a junior double majoring in Marketing and Supply Chain & Operations Management, with a minor in Chinese.
How did you get to know about Miami University and what made you choose it?
I was researching colleges back in high school and decided to apply to Miami University as one of my options. Miami was my final choice because it has a highly regarded business program. I also chose Miami because it is well known for undergraduate teaching. I wanted to go to a school where I mattered, where my teachers and faculty cared about my success.
What has been your most memorable experience at Miami?
My first winter during my freshman year! It was my first time seeing snow followed by multiple snowball fights in front of my freshman dorm.
What has been the biggest difference between your home country and the U.S.?
People in the U.S. are more outgoing and generally more extroverted. It is a lot easier to strike up a conversation with a complete stranger here than back home!
What has been the biggest similarity between your home country and the U.S.?
Everything in the U.S. and back home is so different, but I think no matter where you are, you can always find people with the same interests. My friends here are what makes Miami my home away from home.
What organizations are you involved with on campus, and why?
I work as a Resident Assistant in an on-campus residence hall. It is a great learning experience and you basically get paid to hang out with people! I am also in a business organization called TAMID Group. We do consulting projects with real companies where I get to apply what I learn in my classes. I am also active in a few international students affiliated clubs.
What does Love & Honor mean to you?
Love & Honor to me is about being kind and open-minded. It is about meeting new people outside your comfort zone, helping each other and making meaningful connections.
What do you like to do for fun?
I usually just hang out with my friends, binge watch TV shows. I also go to events on campus like Art after Dark or movie showings at the Armstrong Student Center.
What is your favorite place to eat on campus?
My favorite is the Red Zone. They have the best hot dogs and wings on campus! You can also play pool or air-hockey while waiting for your food.
How has Miami’s focus on a Liberal Arts-based education helped you?
Overall, I think it makes me a better-rounded person. Some of the most fun and memorable courses I have taken at Miami are not even related to my major. It gives me the chance to study subjects I am interested in that are outside my chosen major/career path.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering pursuing their education at Miami University?
Learn to say “yes”. Miami’s community offers so many academic, social and professional opportunities that you can take advantage of. All you have to do is say “yes” to them. It is scary to try new things but those experiences are what makes college the best years of your life.
Catch us next week as we continue to travel around the world to feature the amazing opportunities that Miami students are taking and the experiences our alumni have had since graduating!
Would you or someone you know want to be featured in a future Where in the World is Miami Wednesday?