I am an independent and strong woman who has lived on my own since I was a teenager. When I was just 8 months old, my own mother left me for her new family, and although my father was around, I always felt alone. I have lived with my grandparents since birth, but they were often absent due to work. Sometimes, they took me to their workplace, even to the dumpsite, when I was 5 or 6 years old.
Between the ages of 14 and 16, I worked as a housemaid, and I felt capable of living independently. I funded my own education through various jobs, even though they were not always respectable.
I worked nights and attended school in the mornings, often sacrificing sleep. During my graduation, no one came to support me; I celebrated my victory alone.
Throughout my teenage years, I always felt alone and sought companionship everywhere, which led me to seek love from friends and others. At 17, I became pregnant, which was early, but I had no hesitation because my child brought a sense of completeness to my life. His birth gave me hope and ambition, motivating me to strive every day to support him.
When I saw a post from one of the coaches at Life Project 4 Youth, I didn't hesitate to join. On my first day, I felt excluded, doubting my abilities compared to others. One of the youths spoke to me, saying, "It's part of the process. You're here to build your confidence and skills through training." It made me realize that I wasn't there because I knew everything; I was there to learn.
Day by day at Life Project 4 Youth, I faced challenges, achieved milestones, and learned valuable lessons. They helped me understand my worth regardless of my lack of formal education. They didn't judge my background but gave me a chance to prove myself.
I remember my first challenge at LP4Y: delivering a speech during a company visit to one of their partners, Concentrix. I accepted the challenge to boost my confidence and gain exposure to the corporate world.
They also gave me the opportunity to intern at a bank for two weeks, an experience I thoroughly enjoyed. Becoming a Youth at this organization taught me so much and contributed greatly to my personal growth.
Joining LP4Y changed everything for me. They helped me discover my capabilities and changed my perspective on life. Before LP4Y, I thought my only role was to be a good mother and that I didn't have the right to dream anymore. Now, since joining LP4Y, I have made significant changes in my life. I have allowed myself to learn new things and become stronger in facing life's challenges.
I am very thankful to be a part of this organization. I now feel valued and important because I made the decision to join. I remember my younger self who had many dreams to pursue. I feel like I turned my failure into success.
I didn't realize that "sometimes it's the smallest decisions that can change your life forever."
コメント