I am Karen, one of the ethnic groups from Myanmar subjected to ethnic cleansing for many decades. When I was five months old, civil war struck our village and my family had to flee to a refugee camp on the border of Thailand, where I lived for 12 years.
During summer, it was really hot, and during the rainy season, we got wet because our houses were just made out of bamboo and leaves. The food was rationed weekly – rice, fish paste and yellow beans, and that was it for 12 years. But that kind of suffering was considered normal. My mother reminded us every day that we were very, very lucky because we had been saved, and we hadn’t had to run from the bullets, fleeing from one place to another…
It was only when we came to Australia that I realized we were not lucky living in that refugee camp at all. That’s how perspective changes.
Although I didn’t receive a proper education in the camp and knew almost no English when I came to Australia, I’m now in my third year of a double degree in Business and Law. When I was a kid, I never dreamed that I would get the chance to study at university. All I wanted was to be a soldier when I grew up so I could defend my people. Every day, we heard of village after village being burned, of women being gang-raped, of our people being tortured, and killed, and it was very hard to ignore.
Now, in my spare time, I’m volunteering with settlement services helping other refugees and migrants. Through this work, I have realized that even when refugees come from different countries, our stories are the same – the same feelings, the same fears, and the same relief that we are now safe.
Like most girls from my cultural background, I’m a bit shy and conservative. But I wanted to do this interview to break the stereotype about refugees. If we are given the right resources and the right opportunities and if we seize those opportunities, we can achieve anything other people can, and build a new life. But many refugees have had traumatic experiences – some have been tortured, or had family members killed – so when they come here, they are sometimes very scared to open up to the larger community. They think that it’s safer to stay in a corner and be quiet.
It takes other people to break down the wall, to welcome them, to come and say, ‘We want you here. We are the same human beings. We have this right. You have the same right.’
Mu Soe
Myanmar
Arrived 2008
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#Karen #refugees #Burma #Myanmar #migrant #migration #Australia #storiesnotstereotypes #inspiration
An inspiring story. Perhaps a must read for those who think we should not help those so badly affected by wars and from countries other than Australia.
Thank you for sharing Mu Soe. Your story is amazing in so many ways & so beautifully expressed. Love, peace, good health & happiness to you & your family. xo
I’ve missed these posts so much…so glad to be reading them again! Mu, you arrived in Australia a year before we did but under very different circumstances. Thank you for your story, it makes hard days on our farm seem so much more bearable. It’s a reminder of the terrible suffering so many endure daily. Best wishes to you as I’m sure many exciting opportunities await! Beautiful girl <3 x
New Humans of Australia needs to be made into a TV series. We need to see these stories more than ever. Thank you.
You were lucky even in the camp because your mum loved you and raised you well. You are just luckier now because of the opportunities open to you. Good luck to you and thanks for sharing. You’ve reminded me how important it is to be grateful for what I have.
Love to you Mu Soe and your wonderful mother who showed you the true meaning of humanity!!! Fight, survive and succeed!!! The face of refugees may change but it always seems to have a similar story… one day I hope the world wakes up to the plight of humans who just want to live…. well done to you and your family ????????❤️
Thanks for being so brave and sharing your story! My parents migrated from Myanmar nearly 50 years ago and I was extremely fortunate to be born in Australia. I often wonder what my life would be like if my parents were unable to migrate. I am so inspired by you! You have every right to be here and deserve every opportunity you are afforded! Welcome!!!
Australians are a very tolerant bunch and generally welcome refugees. You only have to look at the supportive comments for this young lady. This issues with refugees is how they attempt to integrate – breaking into peoples houses, stealing their cars, robbing service stations etc as one certain ethnic groups youth are doing is not integrating. We welcome anyone, but dont then *#@# in our face.
Mu Soe, it’s a pleasure to read your story and how you have overcome insurmountable odds. Most of the “Lucky Country” citizens just don’t understand what refugees have experienced in their past. Welcome and furthermore, well done. You are an inspiration for all Aussie’s.
The Karen community is one of the most amazing communities I’ve worked with – both the men and women lead with dignity, pride, enthusiasm and a wholehearted willingness to embrace diversity. You welcomed me into your community, I learnt so much from the Karen, their culture, their strength and their heartache.
So many told me that before coming to Australia, they NEVER held citizenship anywhere in their lives, they were quite literally stateless.
You come from one of those most giving and beautiful communities Mu. Well done on your achievements and sharing your story. I am glad you have a safe place for you and your family, it’s so important that we continue to accept refugees.
My mother was a refugee, and she is the very reason why I’ve had the opportunities I’ve had in my life, here in Australia.
Poe Kwee this story Reminded me of you and your brothers and sisters.. you are one strong young lady who will go far and beyond .. it is an honour to know you personally and to hear your heart wrenching journey from Burma – Thailand to Sydney. All the very best for you and your brothers and sisters’ great future in Australia ❤❤❤❤❤❤
Welcome to Australia, and its wonderful that you work to help others who also choose Australia as their home. I hope your life here is rewarding and happy.
Beautiful. I tutor a Rohingyan boy who has been here for 3 years. His goal is to study at university. Thankyou for sharing your story… Im sure when i show him he too will feel inspired.
How lucky is Australia to have these refugees! How much value will they give to our country? Give other refugees the same chance!
I still have friends over there now. Pictures that I just want to report orr delete or ignore because my poor western brain doesn’t want to see the horror. Against that thought, I brace myself and make myself look. I run the text through an online translator to get a better understanding of why. I want to do something, anything when I see this. But I know that from where I stand, all I can do is witness and be educated. The mates I have don’t want to leave. They made their decision to stay years before I met them. But it’s not easy to stay and it’s not easy to leave. Thank you for this perspective. It’s important.
Thank you Mu Soe for sharing your truly courageous & inspiring story. Refugees like you & your family are making Australia great.
It is a privilege to have you and your family here in Australia. May I offer you a belated welcome from my family.
Voice for the “internally displaced persons” (IDPs) and refugees on the Burma (Myanmar) – Thai Border who are faced with food shortages and forced repatriation – International aid has been acutely reduced due to the false notion that democracy is being realised under Aung San Suu Kyi and her government. Civil war and persecution is continuing in Burma. Rohingyas are currently experiencing ethnic cleansing (at least hundreds killed by the Burmese military in recent days – they have nowhere to flee to). Voice for the persecuted ethnic minorities in Burma. Australia should increase it’s intake of refugees from Burma, currently just over 1,000 pa.
Thank you for sharing your story. Unfortunately there are many people in Australia that take what they have for granted and sharing stories much like this is a reminder that we are very blessed and fortunate in this country
What a stunningly gorgeous girl, inside and out. Mu Soe, the world needs thousands more people like you. Keep shining bright! Australia is so lucky to have you.
Thanks for speaking out! I hope you can (with help from Australia) help others suffering so badly in Myanmar to find their way to safety ❤️
A beautiful read. Thank you for sharing. I am very sure Australia knows your value, and I hope we will learn from your experience. Be well
Thank you Mu Soe, for sharing your story. Australia is a better country for your contribution. I wish you and your family, the very best
I am so proud to know you. I was not a refugee but I was also from Myanmar and was shy and reserved and scared. I came to England with my family and after a year I was sent to the USA. I had no family here, they remained in England. I stayed homesick and scared but I had to learn to survive on my own, which I did. Found a job and went to college at night. Anyway now I have my own family, my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. There’s twenty of us and I am very happy and blessed.
These brutal, horrific things are happening to children.
And in Australia people are getting outraged about something written on a cake.
#priorities