"My grandfather was a Member of Parliament elected from the National League for Democracy (NLD). After he died while in detention, I left Burma, dreaming of receiving the best education possible on behalf of my country and my people," she writes. "Prospect Burma helped make this possible by offering me a scholarship to study in the United States in 2000, and each year since then."

Continued hard work and in-depth study has paid off for Khin Oo, who has received numerous awards and accolades both at university and outside of it. The most recent of these was the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Student Award, in recognition of 'unselfish service, noble character and spiritual qualities'. However, her education was not only confined to the classroom:

"I have also had several excellent internship opportunities in Washington D.C," she says. "I find that I can already play an important role by informing the American public of the woeful situation in my homeland. I have written articles for a number of professional and academic journals regarding human rights abuses in Burma, and am an active member of Amnesty International.

"I have also given public speeches in Washington and at my college, and have been interviewed by Voice of America. I have been an active teaching assistant in a variety of courses in Economics and Asian Studies and also work as a peer advisor and assistant to the college's Director of International Programmes. My goal in life is to serve my country in as high a professional manner as possible.

"These achievements reflect the confidence that Prospect Burma has had in me via its generous support of my studies. Your backing is very deeply appreciated, and it is my hope that my work in future years on behalf of Burma and its people will echo your investment in my graduate work."