My Journey with LP4Y

By Ei Phyo Thaw | STAR in TDC Yangon, Myanmar

My name is Ei Phyo Thaw, but people also call me Ban. I am 18 years old. My family consists of my mother and father, and I currently live with them. They have always supported me in everything I do, and to me, they are the best family I could ever ask for.

I only completed middle school because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the political situation in Myanmar. During that difficult period, I had to stop my education. At that time, I first heard about LP4Y from a Youth named Su Yadanar, who is now a STARS. Later, I learned more about LP4Y through another friend, and we decided to visit the center together.

At first, we were both very nervous. However, when we arrived at the center, the seniors warmly welcomed us and introduced themselves. I immediately felt that this place was special. It was even better than I had imagined. At that moment, I made a decision: I would join LP4Y and work hard to achieve my goals.

When I was younger, I dreamed of becoming a successful specialist doctor. Unfortunately, because of the circumstances in my country, that dream became difficult to pursue. During a time when I felt lost and uncertain about my future, I discovered LP4Y. This organization helped change my life. Through LP4Y, I learned more about myself: what I want to become, what my strengths are, and what I am passionate about. I gained valuable experiences, developed leadership skills, improved my teamwork abilities, and most importantly, learned effective time management.

I had not completed six months at LP4Y or reached the Management Step, but I was able to join a company visit at Mintha Care Co., Ltd. During the visit, I learned that they were looking for interns in the Finance Department, which was an area I was interested in. I immediately submitted my CV. About a week later, I was contacted and offered the internship position.

I was incredibly happy when I received the news. At the same time, I felt a little sad because it meant leaving my friends and Coaches at LP4Y. LP4Y had become my comfort zone, a place where I felt supported, motivated, and valued.

Today, I am working as a Finance Intern at Mintha Care Co., Ltd., and it has been almost six months. This workplace reminds me a lot of LP4Y because everyone is kind and supportive. My seniors patiently teach me whenever I do not understand something, and they always encourage me to learn. I have gained many valuable experiences and practical skills. Since finance is a field that genuinely interests me, everything I learn feels exciting and meaningful. I now have a much better understanding of financial processes, and I enjoy my work every day.

I would like to end by sharing one of my most memorable experiences at LP4Y.

When I first joined LP4Y, I was assigned to the HR & Finance Team. At that time, some seniors had already found jobs, while others were on leave for personal reasons. As a result, I often had to manage many responsibilities on my own, which was quite challenging. However, seniors from other teams always took the time to explain things to me and guide me whenever I needed help.

One day, while working on the cashbook, we discovered a significant discrepancy in the financial records. The numbers did not match, and a large amount of money seemed to be missing. I was extremely worried and even wondered if I would have to take responsibility for the loss. During that stressful moment, all the seniors, Coach Pannu, and I worked together to investigate and solve the issue. After carefully reviewing the records, we finally found the mistake and balanced the accounts.

That experience taught me the true meaning of teamwork. It showed me how people can achieve great results when they support one another and work together toward a common goal. It was one of the happiest and most meaningful moments of my journey, and it is a memory I will never forget.

I am truly grateful to LP4Y for everything it has given me.

The organization has played an important role in shaping who I am today, and it will always hold a special place in my heart.