In a remarkable journey of resilience and determination, Sa Myer Oo, born in the Karen-Kayah region of Myanmar, has risen to prominence as one of the finalists in the prestigious Miss Finland 2023 competition. Her life story is an inspiration to many, as it reflects the triumph of the human spirit over adversity.
Sa Myer Oo's journey began in the tumultuous backdrop of Myanmar's Karen-Kayah state, where her parents, like countless others, sought refuge from the ravages of conflict in the early 1990s. Their quest for safety led them to a Karenni refugee camp in neighboring Thailand, where Sa Myer Oo was born.
Growing up in a refugee camp is an experience few can fathom, but it was Sa Myer Oo's reality for the first eleven years of her life. The challenges were numerous, and opportunities were scarce. However, even in the face of adversity, she harbored dreams of a better future.
The turning point in Sa Myer Oo's life came through the intervention of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). With their assistance, she embarked on a life-changing journey to Finland, a country that would become her new home.
Today, at the age of 27, Sa Myer Oo has transformed her life in Finland. She transitioned from working at a child care center to pursuing a degree in sociology, with her final year just around the corner. Her educational pursuits and career aspirations have been fueled by an unyielding spirit to create a better life for herself.
Although she did not secure the coveted Miss Finland crown in the 2023 competition, Sa Myer Oo's accomplishment is no less significant. Her dedication and determination saw her among the top 10 finalists, an achievement she proudly holds dear. Her presence on such a prestigious stage is a testament to her unwavering commitment to her dreams.
Note: Paula Susanna Joukanen was crowned Miss Soumi 2023 (Miss Universe Finland 2023) at the finale of the national pageant held at Aino Areena in Järvenpää on Saturday, 9th September 2023. Paula will now prepare to represent Finland at Miss Universe 2023.
Sa Myer Oo's personal journey to define her identity has also been a profound one. She once explained, "I'm always asked here. It's very difficult for me to answer where I'm from. I'm from Myanmar. But I don't have a Myanmar passport. I've never been to Myanmar. It's very difficult. I don't know how to answer. I'm from Thailand. I was born in Thailand. I'm not Thai either. But when I turned 18, I got a Finnish passport. After traveling with this passport, I even shed tears on the first flight. I have no passport all my life. I was stateless." Her story underscores the complexities faced by stateless individuals and the profound significance of finding a sense of belonging.
Sa Myer Oo's journey from a refugee camp to the Miss Finland stage is nothing short of inspiring. Her story serves as a beacon of hope for young Burmese girls and anyone facing adversity. It demonstrates that with unwavering determination, resilience, and the pursuit of one's dreams, even the most formidable obstacles can be overcome. Sa Myer Oo's remarkable journey is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the boundless potential within us all.
Miss Suomi 2023 Top 10 finalists announced
The Top 10 finalists competing for Miss Suomi 2023 are Anni Seppänen, Jenna Rintamäki, Lumi Liikanen, Maisa Alatalo, Paula Joukanen, Rimi Riutta, Sa Myer Oo, Scharliina Eräpuro, Serina Suvila and Sofia Singh.