Born to Fly : A Journey of Resilience, Knowledge and Empowerment

A Poem by S Zaung Nau , Member, The Brilliant Foundation

My Story

The year was 2003—a land anew,


I arrived in Perth, with a vision in view.


I knew no one, not a soul in sight,


And the city felt vast, overwhelming at night.

I was just a young girl, unsure but bold,


Facing a world that seemed distant and cold.


Studying as an undergraduate, I held on tight,


For education was my treasure, my guiding light.

From Myanmar I came, where the internet was none,
Google?

I had never heard of one!


Yet, I carried with me a fire inside,


A hunger to learn, a heart open-wide.

I stepped into IT—a world so vast,


Where knowledge was power, and futures were cast. 

I studied hard, prepared with care,


But some called me a nerd, would mock and stare.

Yet I paid no mind, I knew what was true,


For those from poor lands, education is the only way through. 

From coursework to coding, from failures to rise,


Every struggle became a lesson in disguise.

Then came a chance—one I couldn't ignore,


An Honours in IT, then a PhD—opening doors.

But my PhD journey was lonely and steep,


With no one to talk to, stories to keep.

Except for my supervisor, Dora—my guide,


Like an academic mother, standing by my side.

Yet in transport research, I faced much disdain,


Few women of colour had walked this terrain.


Prejudice lingered, doubts filled the air,


Yet I found solace in patterns so rare.

Then came my next step—a lecturer I became,

First in my family to teach, to lead,


First Kachin woman with a doctorate degree.

A daughter of a minority, a voice once unheard,


Now standing here, sharing my word.

Helping others to rise, to build, to grow,


For teaching fulfills me more than they know. 

Beyond the classroom, my heart beats strong,


For community, for culture, for where I belong.

I preserve our Kachin and Burmese ways,


Sharing with Australia, bridging the space. 

From my roots, I draw strength and pride,

A sense of belonging, a life unified.

Lifting others, with kindness and grace,


For this is my purpose, my rightful place.

My Message to the Girls of the Future

To the girls who dream, who dare, who strive,


Know that passion and purpose will keep dreams alive.


It doesn’t matter where you start or how much you know,


What matters is the courage to learn and to grow.

Be curious—let questions lead your way,


For knowledge is boundless, come what may. 

Have resilience—when storms arrive, stand tall,


For those who rise after the fall, conquer all.

Have empathy—lift others as you climb,


A world built on kindness will always shine. 

Hold onto values, let integrity be your guide,


For in truth and honour, you’ll always find pride.

Have perseverance—when doors seem closed tight,

Knock again, push forward, fight for your right. 

And most of all, have purpose—a Northern Star bright,


To lead you through darkness, to fill you with light.

May you walk with courage, kindness, compassion, and grace,


And leave your own mark in this world, in your space.


For no dream is too big, no sky is too high,

When passion is your wings—you were born to fly.

Dr S Zaung Nau is a Senior Lecturer, Course Lead for Logistics and Supply Chain Management at Curtin University, Fellow (Higher Education Academy)

@TheBrilliantFoundation