Kmwe Win

Age: 17

Parents: PoLo and PoDe

Where are you from:

Born in Thailand

If from Albert Lea, what school did you attend?

No formal schooling before fourth grade; no schooling in Thailand because family didn’t have money; needed to pay to go to school and it’s very expensive.

Lived in a refugee camp from birth to 9 years old. At age 9 came to America. Moved to California and started school in fourth grade.

Favorite teacher of all time and why:

Paula Olson, language arts. She helps me a lot, especially when I do not always speak English fluently. She always helps me. I like everything about Ms. Olson!

Favorite book/author:

“The Bamboo People.” It is about war and wanting freedom. I can relate to that. In Thailand right now there is war between the Burmese and Karen army. I still have family in Thailand, and it worries me and my mother a lot.

Current/past activities, volunteer work and accomplishments:

Cook Karen food/food from my home country; sometimes friends and families come over to enjoy the good food. Make clothing, sew, crochet. In my home country I learned how to weave clothing.

Volunteer: Translate in Freeborn County and hospital and schools.

Accomplishment: Made it to senior year and will likely graduate on time.

What do you want to do after high school?

Study for human services

What advice would you give to younger students in Albert Lea?

Don’t give up! Fight obstacles. Keep going!