A Healed Heart for Yoseline

Originally written by Yoseline, on July 12, 2013

Over the course of my experience in MAPS 4 college, I have not only learned about the opportunities of being a part of this organization offers me, but the meaning of life itself. I know that may sound quite drastic for me to say, but it is true. When I first entered MAPS, I thought it would be a place for me to get help on homework, as well as make new friends, while all working hard to achieve our own individual academic goals. Little did I know at the time that it was so much more.

I remember my first day in MAPS, Sarai Koo seemed very disciplined and professional, but there was a whole different side of her I did not yet have any idea about. In MAPS I grew as a person because I was able to mend my broken heart, I have been let down by people I loved, but Maps and Sarai taught me that no matter how many times your heart has been broken, you should continue to love and have compassion for others. I am now a restored soul thanks to Sarai’s valuable lessons that I will carry on for the rest of my life because her words, her messages, and her kindness have impacted my life.

Not until later, did I realize that her words and messages were a reflection of God’s message to treat others with compassion and encourage others. All my life I had heard God’s message a certain way, but after hearing it in Sarai’s interpretation I can truly say that I feel more enhanced as a person because I actually understood and took in her words. I think what I liked most about Sarai’s clever way of teaching us how to treat others and core values, was the way she delivered it, she never forced us to listen or to use what she was teaching us. We always had a voice. We were able to talk, share our stories, and share our opinions. Never had I felt as safe, comfortable, and more accepted as a person than I did in MAPS 4 college.