Hsu Mon Nyein

Idea generator, Job-seeker, Musician, Student, Writer/Editor

Odd, Observant, and Inquisitive I am an 18-year-old apprentice translator at TED, passionate about creative writing, music, and languages. I am a self-taught guitarist and a former visual artist, with experience in drawing that I hope to return to in the future. I am fluent in English (C1-C2) and have a strong interest in learning new languages, currently beginning Chinese. Beyond my creative pursuits, I am an avid reader, especially of Chinese novels in English that explore martial arts, impossible feats, and immortality. I am committed to personal growth and discipline, working out regularly to strengthen both mind and body. I love animals and actively support charitable foundations, donating monthly to rescue organizations. As an INTJ, I approach life with introspection, strong will, discipline, and stoicism, always seeking to align my actions with my principles while exploring unconventional ideas. I don’t have too many hobbies, but I believe in following the heart. As the saying goes, “Jack of all trades, master of none,” yet we only live once, so why not pursue what brings us joy and live fully?

Strings, Sketches, and Stories I am passionate about expressive, non-conformist, imaginative writing that knows no bounds. I am also an amateur, self-taught guitarist, enjoying creating music to bring comfort or joy to others. I was once deeply involved in drawing, and though life pulled me away, I hope to return to this creative pursuit in the future. Lastly, I love learning languages and have a natural aptitude for them; for example, I am currently learning Chinese and feel confident progressing rapidly, even considering advancing past the beginner level. I am not seeking recognition, these pursuits are driven purely by passion and a love for limitless, unparalleled creation.

Crazy Is Just the Beginning We are often told to stop daydreaming, to stop imagining, and to be “practical.” Especially in Asian communities, it feels like expressing unconventional thoughts is almost a sin, as if having a mind that dares to wander is dangerous. But the truth is, everyone is a little crazy, everyone has convictions they hold fanatically, they just don’t always know how to express them. I believe we must dream the impossible, attempt the impossible, and chase the impossible. Just because others don’t do it doesn’t mean we can’t. Who decides what reality is, or what the standards for success are? I refuse to be suppressed or overwhelmed by these dogmas. Failure doesn’t scare me, because it’s a path to discovering my own way. Success is personal, and fulfillment comes from courage, imagination, and the willingness to follow the mind and heart that society sometimes calls “crazy.”

When Passion Met Opportunity I initially set out looking for a job, but the reality of the job market quickly became apparent, especially for someone young, newly of age, and still an undergraduate. The process felt harsh and unforgiving, and opportunities were limited. Around that time, my sister shared a post about a volunteering opportunity for deaf and blind children, as well as children with mental impairments and cognitive challenges. I was immediately drawn to it and checked their page to see if there were any available spots. Unfortunately, all positions were already filled. I told myself, maybe next time 😔. Still, I didn’t want to stop there. I continued searching for volunteering opportunities, mostly through Facebook. In retrospect, my mindset was simple: even if volunteering isn’t paid, it offers something just as valuable, experience, growth, and the chance to use one’s skills meaningfully to help others. That belief led me to a TED post about volunteering as a translator. The moment I saw it, something clicked. I have always loved English deeply, and the more I researched, the more I discovered that translation wasn’t just about language, it was about making ideas accessible 🌍. Knowing that TED welcomed advanced speakers made the opportunity feel real and attainable. At first, I searched for Chinese-related content, particularly talks inspired by mythology and mystic lore, stories like those by Ji Hao that explore China’s legends and history. While I didn’t find exactly that, I found something equally engaging: translating peculiar riddles and ideas that caught my attention from the very beginning 🧩. It reminded me that curiosity often leads us somewhere unexpected, yet meaningful. When I received the email confirming my acceptance as a translator at TED, I felt an overwhelming sense of joy and gratitude. I was genuinely ecstatic, not just because it was TED, but because this opportunity allowed me to expand my perspective, refine my language skills, and contribute to something larger than myself ✨. Although the role isn’t paid, I value it deeply. It aligns with who I am, what I care about, and the path I want to walk. Perhaps this is where the stars, or the firmament, are quietly guiding me, and where I am slowly becoming the person, I aspire to be 🌌.

If We’re All the Same, Who Are We? Being the odd one out, the outcast, the oddball, not because I want to rebel or defy society, but because I prioritize staying true to myself. So many people hide behind masks, sugarcoating, flattering, fawning, or living with two faces, trying to please, fit in, or follow what others consider “normal.” I notice these patterns and have learned to navigate life differently, quietly, authentically, and without compromising my inner truth. I embrace standing apart, even when it makes me unconventional or misunderstood, because authenticity is more valuable to me than conformity. I am good at seeing the subtle hypocrisies of social behavior, at honoring my own convictions quietly, and at cultivating a life where my mind, thoughts, and actions resonate with who I truly am, even if it means being called strange, unusual, or a misfit.