My journey
From Burma to Michigan, and toward a career keeping the lights on
My story is why I study engineering, why I interpret, and why I teach the Rohingya script. Here it is, chapter by chapter.
Born
Rakhine State, Burma
Left home
2015 · age 12, alone
Arrived in Michigan
2016
Next
B.S. EE · Dec 2027
Chapter 1 · Childhood
Growing up Rohingya in Rakhine State
Burma (Myanmar)
I was born into a Rohingya community in Rakhine State (Arakan). Rohingya children faced severe restrictions, persecution and poverty, and my formal schooling ended after fifth grade. In 2012, waves of violence swept our region, and life became more dangerous every year.
Chapter 2 · 2015
Leaving home alone at 12
Andaman Sea · Thailand
In 2015 I left Burma alone on a crowded fishing boat with more than 200 people. After 11 days at sea with little food or water, we were left in the Thai jungle, where I survived for six days on leaves and river water before police found me.
Chapter 3 · 2015 – 2016
Detention in Thailand
More than a year
I spoke only Rohingya. I was held in a police lockup, a jail, an orphanage and an immigration detention center for more than a year. While there, I taught myself to make toys and crafts from plastic bags, milk cartons and string. The United Nations finally offered me resettlement.
Chapter 4 · 2016
A new start in Michigan
Grand Rapids, Michigan
I arrived in West Michigan near the end of 2016 with the help of the United Nations and Bethany Christian Services. That December I saw snow for the first time. I learned English and caught up in school.
Chapter 5 · Class of 2022
High school, aviation and wrestling
Kenowa Hills High School · Kent Career Tech Center
I studied aviation electronics at the Kent Career Tech Center and earned NCATT certifications. I joined the National Honor Society, wrestled varsity, earned the O-K Conference Scholar-Athlete Award, worked at Alfano’s Pizza and an automotive plant, built my first website, and graduated in 2022.
Chapter 6 · 2022 – 2025
Engineering at Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, Michigan
I started electrical engineering at WMU and co-led the 11-member electrical team on WMU Bronco Racing’s first formula-style electric race car, which passed every technical inspection at FSAE Michigan and the Pittsburgh Shootout in 2024. I joined the Sunseeker Solar Car Project in 2025.
Chapter 7 · 2023 – today
Becoming a professional interpreter
Rohingya ↔ English
After volunteering as an interpreter, I began interpreting professionally in January 2023 for 911 emergency, medical, legal, government and community services.
Chapter 8 · 2024 – 2026
Speaking up
Universities, film festivals and public radio
I spoke on panels at Central Michigan University and Northern Michigan University and at the Kalamazoo Refugee Film Festival. In April 2026 I received the WMU/AAUP First-Generation Scholarship and addressed the WMU Board of Trustees.
Chapter 9 · 2027 and beyond
What comes next
Power systems
A substation internship at Black & Veatch in Summer 2027, the FE exam, my B.S. in Electrical Engineering in December 2027, a master’s degree, and the Professional Engineer license, while growing the free Rohingya Learning Center.
Education is the universal key to unlocking any door that exists in the world.
From my college essay
Goals
Where I’m headed
Near term
Black & Veatch substation internship · Summer 2027
FE Electrical & Computer exam · 2027
B.S. Electrical Engineering · Dec 2027
Long term
M.S. Electrical Engineering
Professional Engineer (PE) license
Career in power systems
For my community
Free Hanifi Rohingya courses
English & digital skills
STEM for Rohingya learners
Want to hear this story in person?
I speak to schools, universities and organizations about refugee education and engineering careers.