When Zay Min was researching universities in the US, he had a short checklist to guide him through the application process: Does the university have a nationally recognized business program? Are there opportunities to get involved on campus, especially within his major? And is the campus community diverse and welcoming? Five applications and one tough decision later, the Myanmar native landed on the University of Dayton (UD) in Ohio.
“Growing up, I always wanted to study abroad because I wanted an education that offered both freedom of thought and global perspectives,” said Zay. “I was drawn to the idea of being challenged academically, while also learning from a diverse community of peers from different backgrounds.”
As a Buddhist, he was also drawn to UD’s dedication to helping others: “What truly resonated with me was the university’s deep commitment to community, service, and the common good. [These] Marianist values aligned with my own and made me feel that UD was the right place to grow both academically and personally.” He appreciated that the school’s core principles were similar to his own faith tradition, showing that good works could “transcend specific religions.”
Zay’s Journey to UD
After graduating from high school in Yangon, Zay made his way to Dayton, Ohio, to begin his freshman year. The home of the Wright Brothers and the birthplace of aviation, the Midwest city was 9,000 miles from home. It was the farthest he’d ever been from his family, calling it “equally exciting and overwhelming.”
“The fall weather, new faces, and unfamiliar culture made everything feel fresh, full of possibility, and a little intimidating,” he said.
In adjusting to life on campus, one of his biggest challenges was learning to express himself confidently in classes. He had opinions and wanted to engage, but his Burmese background emphasized deference and modesty.
“Coming from a culture that values respect [for elders] and humility, I was initially more reserved in classroom discussions,” he said. “Over time, I realized that contributing my unique perspective added value to conversations and that authentic learning happens when diverse voices and opinions are shared.”
Feeling Empowered, Finding Purpose
When asked to describe his experience so far in one word, Zay said, “empowering.”
“UD does an incredible job at empowering students to take initiative and make a difference and create impact in meaningful ways, whether through research, leadership, or service,” he said. “I’ve been encouraged not just to study, but to create impact. What I love most about UD is how deeply people care about you, not just about what you achieve, but about who you become in the process.”
Building on his confidence, Zay found his footing by joining extracurricular clubs like the Model United Nations Club, Flyer Consulting, Epsilon Nu Tau, and the Student Government Association. He also founded the Burmese Student Association (BURSA) to foster social and professional support for students from Myanmar.
“Being involved in student organizations helped me find belonging and purpose,” he said.
Bringing Finance and Sustainability Full Circle
A double major in finance and business analytics, Zay sees financial literacy as the key to strengthening not only global markets but also local communities.
“Growing up in Myanmar, I witnessed how economic instability affected people’s daily lives, which motivated me to study financial systems and explore how data-driven insights can create positive change,” he said.
To bring together his academic and personal passions, he joined the Hanley Sustainability Institute (HSI). As a student leader on the circularity team, he focuses on reducing waste, freecycling, and promoting reuse/repair practices.
For his first initiative at HSI, Zay organized a free clothing swap where his fellow students could donate their closet trade-ins and maybe pick up a new outfit or two. The goal was two-fold: students save money and textiles don’t end up in the trash.
What started as a one-off experiment is now a popular monthly event on campus. Zay leads a small student team, overseeing marketing, logistics, and event management. And, of course, as a finance major, he conducts the analytics reporting, which tracks the impact of diverting textiles from the landfill.
His feel good/do good work ethic is also helping to build his resume. He credits the HSI projects with sharpening his leadership, project management, communication, marketing, analytics, and Excel skills.
Zeroing in on a Fellowship
This past summer, Zay continued his work at HSI through the Undergraduate Sustainability Fellowship Program as a zero-waste specialist. Collaborating with his supervisor and teammates, Zay created a Reuse Pop-Up Event. Dorm room essentials collected from last year’s spring move out were offered this semester in a yard sale-style event — minus the price tags. More than 300 UD students lined up to stock their new spaces with free bookshelves, rugs, laundry baskets, office supplies, and kitchen wares.
Zay is working toward a goal of opening a more permanent free store/reuse hub on campus so students can donate their unwanted dorm items.
“Working at the Hanley Sustainability Institute has allowed me to transform value into tangible action and impact,” says Zay.
Advice for International Students
Now a junior, Zay is able to reflect on those first days on campus — quiet observation is replaced with active engagement. Hanging back is now leaning in. Deferring to others has become leading others.
As a first-year college student, it’s normal to feel intimidated and disconnected in your new environment. Zay suggests connecting with likeminded students — join hobby clubs, volunteer, play sports, and apply for campus jobs.
“Get involved. It’s one of the best ways to build confidence, gain experience and skills, make connections, and feel a belonging on campus,” encouraged Zay.
“Your unique perspective as an international student is your greatest strength,” he said.
He also recommended being bold, especially in sharing one’s experience and opinions in and out of the classroom.
“I love this quote by [hockey player] Wayne Gretzky: ‘You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.’ It’s a reminder to go after opportunities, even if you don’t feel ready or think you’re not ‘good enough,’” Zay said.
“Stepping outside your comfort zone can be scary, but it’s also where growth happens,” he continued. “Your voice matters, and there’s always a community ready to hear it.”
Specialized Support Services at UDayton Global
Zay also recommends visiting your international student office and taking advantage of support services. When he first arrived on campus, the UDayton Global (UDG) program was an invaluable source of support for him.
“During our freshman year, [I] took two UDG classes designed to help international students adjust, offering practical tips, introducing campus resources and departments, and encouraging us to become familiar with the place we [students] will call home for the next four years.” Beyond academics, Zay was able to lean on the UDG team for other kinds of campus logistics, too, like his questions about registering for classes, tuition, health insurance, and career services.
“[UDG made] every step manageable and less stressful. UDG advisors and staff members — shout out [to] Nate Prior — have always been approachable and patient,” he said with admiration. “I would tell new students to expect a welcoming, supportive environment where questions are encouraged, resources are easily accessible, and there’s always someone ready to help you succeed academically and personally.”
What’s Ahead for Zay
After graduation in 2027, Zay intends to pursue a job that brings together his finance and business analytics degree with his passion for sustainability, environmental justice, and community impact. Consulting at an eco-friendly finance company, working at an impact-forward investment firm, or joining a social enterprise startup are a few possibilities he’s considering.
“Ultimately, I want to contribute to my home country one day, where I hope to develop circular economy programs that create both environmental and economic benefits,” he said. “My dream job combines finance, sustainability, and social impact, bridging systems that often feel separate and creating meaningful change at the intersection of people, business, and the planet.”
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