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From Myanmar to Pierce College—A Journey of Courage, Resilience, and Purpose

When May Lu arrived at Pierce College at 18 years old, she carried more than just a suitcase. She brought with her the hopes of her family in Myanmar and the determination to create a future through education, soccer, and service.

Now 22, May is completing her final semester at Pierce as a biology major on the pre-med track, preparing to transfer to University of California at Los Angeles, her dream university. Her goal: to become a doctor specializing in sports medicine or orthopedics, blending her passion for athletics with her commitment to healing others. She recently received the Scholar-Athlete Award from the California Community College Athletic Association, a statewide recognition for student-athletes who excel in both academics and athletics. “I was so surprised,” she says. “But I’m grateful. I couldn’t have done it without the support of my teammates, coaches, and the people at Pierce.”

But May’s path hasn’t been easy. After growing up in a country of political unrest, she arrived in Los Angeles to live with her grandmother, adjusting to a new culture a new school system, and the emotional weight of being far from her family. “The stress is real,” she says. “But I stay busy—with school, with soccer, with work—so I don’t have time to miss home.”

That focus and perseverance have carried her far. May has played for the Brahma’s women’s soccer team, worked at the Pierce College Bookstore, and even joined the basketball team during her first year. In her sophomore year, May played what she calls her most memorable game—one that ended in a playoff win but sent her to the ER after an injury in the final 10 minutes. Still, she reflects on that moment with pride. “We won. That’s all that mattered.”

May’s dedication on the field extends beyond Pierce. She plays for a semi-pro club in Los Angeles and continues to represent her home country in international competitions. This past winter, she returned to Myanmar to play in a friendly tournament against Nepal, Lebanon, and Kazakhstan, and her team took the championship title.

“I started playing soccer when I was very young,” she says. “I was the only girl on the boys’ team in my middle and high school, but I didn’t let that stop me.” Her talent earned her spots on Myanmar’s U16 and U19 national teams and now the senior team, with upcoming qualifiers for the FIFA Women’s World Cup on the horizon.

Despite all her achievements, May’s heart remains tethered to Myanmar, particularly in recent weeks in the aftermath of a destructive earthquake that hit her country. “When I talk to people here, most don’t know where Myanmar is,” she says. “I want to change that.” Through her social media platforms, May shares updates and stories about her country’s struggles, posting donation links and raising awareness.

Reflecting on her time at the college, May says the most valuable part has been the community. “Pierce is peaceful. It’s open. The people are warm and welcoming. And the campus—it’s just beautiful.” She often jogs around the hills or takes quiet walks near the stadium. “This place helped me grow into who I am.”

May will continue her journey at UCLA this fall and eventually give back to her community here and to her homeland. “I want to work, save, and support my country however I can. But for now, I’m focused on this next step in the US. for at least the next few decades.”