Life Long Learner

Written by

by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

I have three Appreciation Award.
The first was given to me at SPZP-2000 (First RIT Grand Reunion & Saya Pu Zaw) for founding the RIT Alumni Newsletter in 1999, and serving as Content Provider & Editor for ex-rit website and as Core Organizer for SPZP.

I received the second one at the Birthday Soon Kyway Gathering at Dhammanda Vihara in Half Moon Bay, California in August 2016.

In 2012, the HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering Education) team led by Saya U Aung Hla Tun published the HMEE book.

U Ohn Khine (M70) and I compiled the CD supplement. The books were sold at SPZP-2012 (Sixth RIT Reunion & Saya Pu Zaw Pwe).

Several copies were donated to Universities’ Central Library and YTU (Yangon Technological University).

Bagyee Myat Myo Myint (U Myo Myint) had an exhibition booth at SPZP-2016. He sold several paintings and donated some earnings to SPZP Organizing Committee.
U Myo Aung and I took a photo at the booth.

Ride a stationary bike for 30 minutes daily.
Learn new things.
Listen to Dhamma CDs, Blinkist, “Word of the Day” from Merriam Webster and selected “Language courses”.
Write articles for RIT Updates and my Facebook Groups
Revise old posts on my website hlamin.com

Have an excellent Associative Memory.
Know thousands of names and words.
Do not use notes to write articles, poems & translations. My readers point out typos, errors & inconsistencies. They provide information and suggestions for improvement.

A teacher told me, “You cannot make money by studying History”.
There are Social & Intellectual Currencies.
Learned interesting stories from a former student leader, Say Saya ဆေးဆရာ (who lost his wife to his Political Boss), elders who experienced WWII, barbers and cab drivers.
Docent at Computer History Museum for two years
Member of “History of Myanmar Engineering Education” project. U Ohn Khine (M70) and I compiled the CD Supplement for HMEE book.
Moderator for Rangoon University Centennial FB Group
Speaker for “U Thant Centennial” in SF Bay Area.
I have honored Mentors, Benefactors and Pioneers in my posts.

A manager said, “What’s the use of learning about your colleagues’ hobbies?”
I know only a fraction of sayas & colleagues, but I appreciate their achievements & expertise.

A Veda Saya (who has passed away) predicted that my works will be appreciated.
Wrote many articles over five decades. Almost 3000 posts can be read from my website hlamin.com. They might help researchers, educators, folklorists & historians.
Edited articles and books for selected Sayadaws & friends.
Translated poems & articles.
Volunteered as translator / interpreter at Dhamma Lectures & Meditation Retreats.
Saya Dr. Aung Gyi (former Rector of Rangoon Institute of Technology) said, “I cannot reply to all your mails with links to your posts. I appreciate what you have done for the RIT Community.”
I have served as volunteer for the RIT Community for 26 years. The smiles of our sayas and colleagues give me Second Wind.
I still have good physical and mental health.
About 40% of our Class of 69 are GBNF. Several succumbed to Covid. I had six doses of Covid vaccine. I also had RSV.
U Zaw Min Nawaday (EP70) said, “I hope to die before you, so that our friends can read about me in your posts.” Hope he will live to 100.

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