“I love the English language,” says Myashgaa M. “It has a vast vocabulary with which a person could effectively express their thoughts, it is the international language, and it has fascinating personality.”  This 1,000 Dreams Fund Scholarship recipient grew up in Mongolia, where fluency in the English language can significantly impact a person’s future. “People of all ages want to learn English here,” she says. “Parents and grandparents want to send their children to quality language lessons. After getting my degree, I hope to return to Mongolia and teach English more professionally.”

In August, Myashgaa will attend the University of Northwestern St. Paul in Minnesota and pursue a degree in ESL Education.

What is your professional dream?

There are limits to how much — and to whom — a person whose first language is not English can teach. My dream is to overcome many of those restrictions, extend my limits, and become a well-trained English teacher for people who want to learn English as an additional language. I know the ability to speak English can unlock new paths in person’s life. I want to support people in reaching their goals by increasing their accessibility to information and education, and communication with people from various backgrounds and cultures.

How will you use the 1,000 Dreams Scholarship?

This scholarship will be used for textbooks, school-related materials, and school-related activities.

How is this scholarship helping you get closer to your dream?

As I move from the culture, environment, and people I’m most familiar with, there will be cultural, financial, and mental challenges. Not only does this scholarship provide important financial relief, but it has also motivated me, which will affect my studying and mental health positively. Thank you!

​What advice do you have for other young women who are wanting to pursue their dreams?

It is not too late to realize your dream and it is not too late to pursue it. Don’t look down on people, and never forget that you and everyone else are humans. You have weaknesses, so does everyone else. Reflect on your mistakes, but don’t dwell on them… process them to your advantage. And be gracious and patient when other people make mistakes.

Be kind and loving towards everyone because this world often lacks love. Respect everyone and spend time talking with people of all ages – older, peers, and younger. Everyone is in various stages of their life and there is always something to learn from anyone!

​Have you had any setbacks? How did you move past them?

I was a pretty closed person. I was not confident and always avoided leadership roles. I also felt embarrassed because my schooling got behind. I think growing up in Asia made that feeling of embarrassment more intense. Like many other Asian countries, Mongolia tends to put a strong emphasis on graduating high school and then going to university right away. I felt behind.

But God helped me to realize that my story is mine. I don’t have to keep comparing my life to others’ and trying to conform to the world’s standards. I have my strengths and weaknesses — every individual does. But it is those differences between us that create beauty.

I began to live more gratefully and to be thankful for the things I have and the people I’m surrounded by — rather than focusing on what I lack. I allowed myself to be stretched and learned more about my abilities.

What’s next for you? What is your next goal?

I’m about to begin the next chapter of my life. I will move to Minnesota to begin university in the fall. My goal is to study for a B.A. in ESL Education. After, I hope to return to Mongolia and teach English for awhile.