Scholars in the Arts
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Scholar Films
Harun's most recent film, In the Name of the Son, is based on his experiences growing up in wartime Bosnia
Thethan Soe
“Growing up near the slums in Myanmar, I witnessed, every day, the consequences of living in a city with an inadequate infrastructure.”
- Program: 2008 Graduate Scholarship Recipient
- Hometown: Yangon, Myanmar
- Four-year College or University: Lehigh University
- Graduate School: University of Pennsylvania
- Academic/Career Pursuits: Architecture, Business, Urban Design / City Planner
- Other Interests: Architecture, Design, Nonprofits
Biography
PROFILE: Thethan Soe became interested in architecture at the age of ten when he first took an art class in his native Myanmar. He excelled at school and graduated with a score high enough to be accepted into Myanmar’s medical school, the country’s only competitive university. Believing that doctors were not the only professionals to contribute to a community’s welfare, Thethan focused on learning English with the dream of pursuing an American education. At the same time, he interned at United Construction in Myanmar, an experience that taught him how design and space can improve people’s lives.
Accepted to Lehigh University, Thethan came to the US in 2004 to pursue an architecture degree. The experience of studying in America has been invaluable. “Through my studies, I have gained a better sense of how to utilize my personal interest in design and architecture to spur the changes needed for my country to thrive.” Thethan’s background in architecture has given him an effective foundation for advanced studies in urban planning, where he hopes to deepen his understanding of the relationship between housing development and social progress.
INSPIRATION: Thethan credits his parents with teaching him “principles such as honesty, respect, responsibility, hard work, and acceptance,” which guide him in his everyday life.
ASPIRATION: Thethan’s ultimate goal is to improve living conditions in his native Myanmar and other developing countries by making low-income housing safer and cleaner.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: In Myanmar, Thethan volunteered as a tutor with the Mon-Ta-Wha Monastery Education Center and for the Myanmar Network for Sustainable Development, supervising the construction of rain collectors and water storage ponds. In the US, he co-founded the Lehigh University/United Nations Partnership NGO Committee to help under-funded NGOs build a stronger relationship with the United Nations. The Singapore-based Youth Challenge recently appointed Thethan as its UN delegate.
ACCOLADES: Thethan has received numerous honors and awards, including the President’s Volunteer Service Award, the Scholar of Promise Award, and the Modern Languages and Literature Abroad Grant. He is a member of Phi Beta Delta and Phi Eta Sigma.
INTERESTING FACT: Thethan excels in writing Burmese poetry and has won awards in essay and poetry contests in his native country.
Other Scholars Like Thethan
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University of West Florida
John Kiess
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Lauren Mattern
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Mollie McCartney
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