Rejection, Growth, and the Confidence to Succeed

By Valencia Putri Bilqhis | Star in TDC Surabaya, Indonesia

My name is Valencia, and I am an LP4Y alumni, or as we are called here, a STARS. I would like to share a little about my life journey and how Life Project 4 Youth completely changed the direction of my life.

When I look back, my journey has not always been easy. I had to stop attending university because of my family’s financial situation, and later I decided to move to another city.

There, I spent quite a long time unemployed. My family tried to build a business, but it faced many ups and downs, especially during the COVID 19 pandemic.

At that time, I felt that something was missing. I wanted to work, to grow, and to move forward. However, the reality was that every job application I submitted ended in rejection. Eventually, I reached a point where I completely lost my sense of direction. I was confused, doubtful, and unsure of what step to take next.

Then, my cousin Aldo, who is also an LP4Y alumnus, suggested that I join LP4Y. At first, I refused. I thought the training program was too long. But three months later, I made a decision that would ultimately change my life, and I joined.

Honestly, everything I found there exceeded my expectations.

I realized something very important: the reason I kept getting rejected was not because I lacked ability, but because I was not prepared, especially for job interviews. I did not know how to answer questions properly, I often felt nervous, and sometimes I answered without thinking carefully.

At LP4Y, I was trained.

We regularly practiced interviews, including sessions with Catalysts from different countries. Through these experiences, I learned not only how to answer questions effectively, but also how to communicate with confidence, even in English.

The transformation was real.

Within just three months, I gained not only valuable skills but also confidence in myself. What impressed me the most was not only the program itself, but also the people, the Catalysts and fellow Stars who constantly supported and encouraged one another to grow together.

To make a long story short, I started working at Laritta Bakery, a well known bakery in Surabaya, earning the Surabaya minimum wage after only three months in LP4Y. Although I did not stay there for long due to personal reasons, I was determined not to return to square one.

I continued searching for opportunities and eventually found one at Decathlon. I was accepted and immediately shared the exciting news with my Catalysts. Interestingly, at the same time, LP4Y was planning a partnership with Decathlon. It felt like a meaningful coincidence.

However, my journey was not over yet. Just before joining, I was presented with a work contract that did not align with my personal principles. At the same time, another opportunity appeared at Veolia Services Indonesia.

I was extremely conflicted because I knew this decision could shape my future.

At that moment, I was at a critical crossroads. If I failed, I would have had to leave Java and start over from scratch in Batam. After carefully considering my options many times, I decided to apply to Veolia.

The process was not easy. I made mistakes along the way, including sending an email incorrectly. But after seven long days of waiting, the news finally arrived: I was accepted by Veolia.

At that moment, I knew that none of my efforts had been in vain.

It was not only because I had secured a job, but because I could finally see the results of the journey I had gone through. I had transformed from someone who struggled with interviews into someone who was praised by HR professionals from a major company for communication skills and confidence.

That is the change LP4Y brought into my life.

LP4Y did not just provide me with skills; it changed the way I see myself and my future.

Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to LP4Y, the Catalysts, and all my fellow STARS who have been part of this journey.