Esther Par
A resettled refugee from Burma, Esther faced a lot of challenges fighting for democracy and education to finally end up valedictorian at her Oklahoma City high school and the first in her family to pursue a college education.
What makes you feel proud?
I am grateful that I have become a person who God uses to bring His glory to the world. Through using me, He has shown his all-mightiness to others. God brought me from a refugee to someone whose stories influenced others. At the same time, God showed His abilities to turn nothing into something.
Who is the biggest influence in your life? Why?
The most significant influence in my life is my Mom. She is the reason I have evolved into the person I am today. I couldn’t have done this interview and shared my stories with the world if it weren’t for her.
“God brought me from a refugee to someone whose stories influenced others.”
What’s been the biggest obstacle in your life so far?
The most difficult experience of my life has been adjusting to a new environment since moving to America in 2011 and learning English as a second language. There are many opportunities that I missed out on due to language barriers, particularly when I have a parent who is unfamiliar with a foreign world.
One year from today, how do you hope you’re different?
A year from today, I hope to pass my TEAS test and enroll in a nursing school. I also hope to influence many more people with my stories, especially to many children in Myanmar.
Esther is one of 100 women we have featured in the inaugural issue of Hundred Magazine. To learn more about her and the other 99 women, buy the issue.
