Cooke Scholar Service: Thet Kyaw
Cooke Scholars and Alums are making a difference—not just in their careers, but in their communities. This blog series celebrates Scholars who volunteer their time to causes and communities close to their hearts. Whether mentoring young people, organizing community events, serving on boards, or supporting neighbors in need, these alums show that service is a powerful extension of leadership. Each blog will offer a glimpse into the unique ways Cooke Scholars continue to give back.
Introduction
Thet Kyaw is a 2024 Undergraduate Transfer Scholar pursuing his Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion and Disease Prevent Studies at University of Southern California.
What kind of volunteering or community work do you do and what is the name of the organization?
The volunteer work I’m currently doing is called Ku-Nyi, which basically means "help" in my native language, Burmese. I started by assisting Burmese people around me with pending asylee or TPS status in finding jobs and applying for EADs. Later, I realized I wanted to do more than that. That’s when I began helping many older Burmese individuals with finding primary care providers (PCPs), booking hospital appointments, and applying for healthcare benefits.
I realized that many Burmese immigrants like us struggle to access healthcare in the U.S., so I started serving as a kind of linkage—helping directly when I could, and when I couldn’t, finding the right person to connect them with. Growing up in refugee camps as a child, I’ve always wanted to help people, no matter the circumstances. That desire continues to inspire me and gives me a deep sense of fulfillment.
What has surprised or impacted you most about your experience?
The thing that has surprised me the most is how much people like us need help, yet often hesitate to ask for it. It also had a significant impact on my future career. Before, I always thought I wanted to work as a humanitarian aid because I enjoy traveling. But now, after starting this initiative, I’ve realized it’s about much more than traveling the world and helping people—I feel more connected to my career goals and happy with the path I’ve chosen.
How do you balance service with work or other responsibilities?
Balancing everything was a bit hard for me at first, especially as I was transitioning to a four-year university while also working around 30 hours a week. However, I tried to think of this volunteer work more like a hobby—something fun and fulfilling rather than just another responsibility. I set up about 10 hours a week to it and formed a small team with two other people, where we divide our responsibilities. Often, I also focus on teaching others how to navigate certain processes so that, through their own experiences, they can go on to help the wider community.
What advice would you give to someone looking to get more involved?
The advice I would give is that sometimes, we just need to take the first step—and everything will work out perfectly.