From clinic worker to US PhD: Cox's Bazar's Neela Rakhine turns struggle into success

Overcoming financial hardship, social barriers and countless setbacks, Neela Wan Rakhine from Cox's Bazar has secured fully funded PhD opportunities at three universities in the United States, emerging as a powerful symbol of determination and resilience.

A graduate of the Pali Department at the University of Chittagong (2016–17 session), Neela has chosen Clemson University, where she will pursue a five-year fully funded PhD in Teaching and Learning. She is scheduled to leave for the United States on August 1.

Neela's academic journey was far from easy. After completing her SSC from Cox's Bazar Government Girls' High School and HSC from Cox's Bazar Government Women's College, financial constraints prevented her from enrolling in university admission coaching.

Instead, she worked at a pathology clinic while preparing for admission tests, using her income to finance her education and support her dreams.

Born into a four-member family, Neela's father, Mongfruthen Rakhine, works as a tailor. As the family's only earning member, he struggled to meet household expenses. Despite their limited means, her family remained committed to her education, while Neela never gave up on her ambition.

Reflecting on her journey, Neela said she had faced discouraging comments since childhood. She recalled that a relative once advised her mother that educating a daughter beyond a certain level was pointless because "she would eventually have to manage a household."

Rather than allowing such remarks to define her future, Neela chose perseverance over despair.

"I always believed that the best response to doubt is success," she said.

Today, her journey—from working in a clinic to earning a fully funded doctoral scholarship in the United States—stands as an inspiring example of how determination, hard work and self-belief can overcome even the toughest circumstances.