AMCHAM Thailand Foundation Scholarship Alumna: Murnee“Merny” Yeejehwae

AMCHAM Thailand Foundation Scholarship Alumna: Murnee “Merny” Yeejehwae

Meet Murnee “Merny” Yeejehwae, a distinguished alumna of the AMCHAM Scholarship Program for the academic years 2020–2022! Hailing from Pattani and now residing in Malaysia, Murnee shares her inspiring journey and the transformative impact of the AMCHAM Scholarship.

My name is Murnee Yeejehwae. I received the AMCHAM scholarship when I was in a third year, majoring in English, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Thaksin University in Songkhla in 2021. I am so proud to receive this scholarship that changed my life forever, so that I could study and fulfill my dreams in university and graduate just like others. My first years were more difficult without a scholarship. AMCHAM helped me a lot to complete my life as a student in university, they gave me opportunities, providing me to survive without bothering my parents at all. Even though I received the scholarship, I was still doing a part-time job as a Master of Ceremonies (English-Malay), being an interpreter sometimes and translating short stories or books occasionally.

I am from Pattani but my family moved to Hatyai when I was 16 years old. My parents run a small shop, selling breakfast in the morning. I am the oldest of four, so I had to take on high responsibilities than the others. My brothers and the youngest sister are still in school, so I have to take care of them as the oldest sister. AMCHAM helped me a lot to fulfill my dream and studies. Time flew but memory stays, I will always remember the moment when I received an email from AMCHAM saying that I was one of the selected students.

If anyone is interested in applying here are tips on how to obtain an AMCHAM scholarship. First of all, you have to maintain an average GPA equal to or above 2.80 and maintain an average grade for English of B or 3.00. Secondly, you must complete at least 20 hours/year of community service. It is considered not too difficult to obtain if you make much effort to get it.
AMCHAM scholarship not only provided me with a tuition fee but also gave me a lot of chances to improve my skills and abilities for my a brighter future. For example, they held mock interviews for applying for a job. I can confidently share that this scholarship motivates me to learn more and study hard to maintain my grades.

AMCHAM ORIENTATION AND CAREER CAMP

The best part of being a student scholarship recipient is that you can attend the camps in Bangkok. You can join the Orientation Camp after being selected, then the Career Camp in your last year the study. Firstly, the Orientation camp. This camp will help you how to manage your money with your tuition fee and allowance, they will introduce you to know more about AMCHAM scholarship and all affiliates who supported the scholarship. You will be able to meet up and have dinner with American Royal Ambassador as well. Secondly, the Career Camp can help me to improve my confidence and prepare to apply for a job. The activities, such as an English mock call interview for applying for a job, can help you a lot to plan what is your next move is after graduation.

They will provide you with tips on how to achieve that and they will invite successful AMCHAM recipients to encourage and give tips after graduation on how we should deal with our lives, share their experiences, and provide recommendations. Moreover, you can do plenty of activities with your members. However, I was not able to attend this camp physically due to Covid-19, so this was arranged by virtual camp meeting online instead.

For both camps, AMCHAM will host you in a hotel for around 2-3 nights. I am really happy to join the camps. This is such a nice service and the best opportunity ever.

It has been 2 years since I received the AMCHAM scholarship. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in English. After graduation, I interned at Phuket International Airport as a passenger service agent.

After the internship was completed, I applied as a teacher at Hatyai Witayakarn School, in Hatyai Songkhla Thailand. In addition, I had the chance to work in Malaysia, which I had dreamed about. I am so pleased to work in customer service, and Microsoft projects overseas which taught me how to live independently abroad.

To sum up, I would like to take this memorable opportunity to sincerely thank all donors and AMCHAM staff who always took care of me and provide me with every opportunity for studying. I wish everyone could obtain such a good opportunity for study as we did.