From Hope to Achievement: The Journey of Nay Oke
In a heartwarming testament to resilience and determination, Nay Oke’s journey from a small, unknown village in Shan State to a successful career with Uniteam Global Business Services is a story of courage, ambition, and unwavering spirit.
Despite facing immense challenges early in life, Nay Oke’s inner strength and resolve propelled him forward, empowering him to shape a future he once thought impossible. His journey highlights how self-belief, paired with his relentless drive, allowed him to overcome the odds and carve out his own path.
A Challenging Beginning
“My name is Nay Oke, a boy from a village tucked away in Shan State,” he begins, his voice carrying a blend of humility and strength. His early years were marked by hardship and the constant uncertainty of survival, where access to education and a stable home seemed like distant dreams.
A turning point arrived when Cyclone Nargis struck in 2007, bringing him to the doors of Myittar Yaung Chi Orphanage. “Arriving at Myittar Yaung Chi felt like entering a world I had only imagined,” he recalls with quiet wonder. The orphanage was not just a shelter – it was his first encounter with hope. “For the first time, people spoke to me about the future. I told myself, ‘Finally, I am in the right place. Perhaps, I have a chance for a bright future here.’” Myittar Yaung Chi became more than simply a place to live; it became the family he had never had, nurturing him not only with food and safety but with hope, purpose, and a guiding sense of belonging.
Guiding Lights
At the heart of Nay Oke’s journey are those who offered him unwavering support and left an indelible mark on his life. “Our principal, his wife, and our tuition teacher became my role models,” he shares, his gratitude evident. Under their guidance, he transformed from a child with uncertain prospects to a young man brimming with hope and resilience.
One moment stands out vividly in his memory – a conversation with Captain Wilk, not just a mentor, but a figure of profound influence and respect. Reviewing his school report, Captain Wilk encouraged Nay Oke to aim higher. When Nay Oke replied, “I shall try my best,” Captain Wilk gently corrected him: “Trying is not enough; say, ‘I shall do my best.’” That single moment lit a fire within Nay Oke, instilling in him a lasting commitment to excellence. It was a mindset that would carry him forward in life.
A Spark for Learning
Nay Oke’s love for learning started in an unexpected way: a cartoon magazine. One afternoon, as he slowly leafed through the pages, struggling with the words, May May Htay Htay, the principal’s wife, sat beside him and read the story aloud. Her kindness and warmth kindled in him a newfound joy for reading. “That moment made me realise how enjoyable reading could be,” he recalls with a smile. From that day, he sought out stories, cartoons, and books – each one unlocking new worlds of imagination and curiosity. His love for reading became a lifelong tool for exploration and self-discovery.
The Path to Education and a Career
With every passing year, Myittar Yaung Chi nurtured his talents, p
roviding opportunities that allowed him to blossom. “My weekends and summers were filled with lessons in computer skills, drawing, English, and swimming,” he says, eyes alight with fond memories. These experiences became stepping stones, shaping his academic path and building a foundation for his future. He went on to pursue Marketing Management at the University of Co-operative and Management, discovering a love for critical thinking and problem-solving that would guide him towards a career in finance.
Today, as a valued member of the finance team at Uniteam, Nay Oke continues to build on the skills he once only dreamed of having. He is studying towards a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) qualification, with plans to pursue an MBA. His determination and commitment to self-improvement reflect his deep belief in the power of education and hard work.
Words of Encouragement
To young people facing difficult circumstances, Nay Oke shares a message of hope and resilience: “We all face our own struggles. A positive mindset can help us tackle challenges, no matter how big or small. Focusing on even the smallest positive things gives us strength.” He also believes in the beauty of giving, sharing the lesson that “giving will never make you poor.” His words reflect the gratitude and kindness that have been central to his journey.
From a young boy facing an uncertain future to a driven professional crafting his own path, Nay Oke’s story reminds us of the incredible power of resilience, self-belief, and the courage to dream. His journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative potential that lives within each of us.
