Not everyone begins life on equal footing. For many, the path to success demands twice the effort. That was the case for “Ging” Kanyarat Sridangnoi, a 25-year-old from Uttaradit, whose dream of earning a college degree once felt out of reach. Financial hardship forced her to leave school behind–until she found Grab. What started as a means to make ends meet became the bridge that led her back to education, and ultimately, to graduation.

Putting Dreams on Hold for Her Family

Born and raised in Nam Pat district in Uttaradit province, Ging is the only child of a daily wage earner. Her parents worked hard to support her through high school, but going further wasn’t financially possible. Despite her passion for learning and belief that education could transform her future, she had no choice but to put her dreams on hold.

At just 18 years old, Ging left school to work full-time and help support her family. She moved to the city and took a job as a restaurant server, earning just 300 baht a day–barely enough to get by.

How Grab Drove a Path to Education

Known for her kind nature and warm personality, Ging quickly became well-loved by customers and coworkers, including a Grab driver who regularly stopped by the restaurant to pick up food. One day, after working there for three years, a driver suggested that Ging to consider joining Grab herself.

At first, Ging didn’t seize the opportunity immediately. Instead, she tried working at a small beverage stall in a mall. But after the shop unexpectedly closed, she found herself unemployed for about a month. Amid the uncertainty, she remembered the chance that had once been offered.

With the savings she had from waitressing, Ging got her old motorcycle ready and signed up to drive with Grab. “I thought I’d just give it a try,” she said. “But once I started, I realized this was more than just a job–it was an opportunity that changed my life.”

Her daily income from driving Grab nearly doubled, rising to 400–500 baht, all while working the same hours. That financial boost gave her the confidence to dream again.

As the months passed, Ging kept saving diligently. Eventually, after nearly a year on the road with Grab, she had enough to enroll in a diploma program at Uttaradit Polytechnic College. She continued driving in the evenings and on weekends, balancing work with her daytime classes.

“It’s the flexibility that I love,” she shared. “I can choose when to work, so it doesn’t interfere with my studies–And I get to turn my free time into income.”

For Nong Ging, Grab allowed her to independently cover her tuition, transportation, books, and living expenses–and even send money home to support her family.

“Some people might think that driving with Grab isn’t stable,” she said proudly. “But for me, Grab is the bridge that’s helping me reach my dream.”

After years of perseverance, Ging graduated with her diploma. A moment made even more meaningful by the presence of several fellow Grab drivers who had once inspired her journey and came to celebrate with her.

From Colleagues to “Family”

Although she keeps in close touch with her parents and returns home during holidays, Ging never feels alone while living and studying in the city. She’s found another family–one made up of fellow Grab drivers who have supported her every step of the way.

“On my graduation day, the drivers came to celebrate with me”, Ging shares with gratitude. “It meant so much. I realized I don’t just have a family back home–I have another one right here, always by my side.”

Diploma in hand, Ging isn’t stopping. Her next goal is to earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting. With unwavering determination and a heart full of hope, she’s proving that opportunity, when paired with effort, can truly change lives.