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Waiyan Oo

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Finalist

Bio

I am a student leader and community organizer. I came to the United States after fleeing the military coup in Myanmar (Burma), and I now live independently with my younger sister while supporting our finances. My work centers on supporting displaced communities and advancing freedom and democracy. I organize monthly large-scale fundraisers and direct aid to people affected by the crisis back home. I also work directly with refugee students, helping them navigate immigration, housing, financial aid, and access to higher education. I am completing my mathematics coursework at the College of San Mateo and plan to transfer to a four-year university as a political science major through Foothill College.

Education

Foothill-De Anza Community College District

Associate's degree program
2026 - 2027
  • Majors:
    • Political Science and Government
  • GPA:
    4

College of San Mateo

Associate's degree program
2024 - 2025
  • Majors:
    • Mathematics and Statistics, Other
  • GPA:
    3.5

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Community Organization and Advocacy
    • History and Political Science
    • Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Public Policy

    • Dream career goals:

    • Organizer

      Help Myanmar, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
      2025 – Present1 year
    • Peer Mentor | Student Assistant

      College of San Mateo Student Services and Athletic Center
      2024 – 20262 years
    • Staff

      Jersey Mike's | Thai Kitchen | CSM and Stanford Farmers Market
      2024 – Present2 years

    Sports

    Karate

    Junior Varsity
    2016 – 20204 years

    Research

    • History and Political Science

      Do not wish to disclose — Fellow
      2026 – Present

    Arts

    • Guitarist and singer

      Music
      2019 – Present

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Yaung Ni Live in SF Benefit Concert — Event Organizer
      2025 – 2025
    • Advocacy

      Suu Myat Than Scholarship Foundation — Scholarship Reviewer
      2024 – 2025
    • Public Service (Politics)

      Free Burma Action Committee — Organizer | Working Committee
      2024 – Present

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Politics

    Philanthropy