MAPS has helped me in the college and life process by challenging me to not limit myself. Before I had joined, I was only really involved with band, where it was looked down upon to join something that involved planning events or making posters. But after MAPS I was able to see the value in the collaboration and planning process. Now that I am in college, I am making an effort to join groups that will build my skills so that I am a better-rounded individual.

In the gang scene, Manuel recalls that “Every day, somebody from the gang was getting jumped. I got jumped.” During one night of drinking, he was even shot at by members of a different gang whom he had challenged. When he got home, he says, “I found two holes in my shirt where the bullets went through.” Realizing that he could have died, Manuel had an epiphany. He realized that he had to get himself out of the gangs. He ended his late night parties and gang fights. He stopped drinking and smoking. However, at school it was difficult to escape racial tensions.

After a few meetings I started coming out of my shell and other members of MAPS noticed that I was more outgoing and I felt it was easier to talk to the members. Now it’s easier for me to talk to people I may not know and voice my opinion, which I had a lot of trouble with before.

My sister and I were very fortunate and believe it was the grace of God that led us to Sarai and MAPS. My mother attended 24 Fitness and was connected with Sarai who was a gym trainer. At first my mother forced my to try MAPS out, but soon after I realized it was not like any other strict hagwons. Sarai actually helped us out personally—not just with academics but with much more.

MAPS was the place where I smiled, laughed, cried, and blossomed. It became my safe haven, where I vulnerably expressed my frustration about society, deepest feelings about my past, and my journey to independence.

I feel the biggest mistake people (especially my age) make is charging down career or life paths without careful consideration of their personal ambitions, happiness, and legacies. They hear talk of good money or stability, and barrel down pathways hoping they’ll like the lives they end up with. This, I feel, is why so many people look at themselves when they’re 30 and find themselves unhappy. They’ve climbed to the top of a mountain they never wanted to stand on.

I think my work with MAPS as a SPICES Facilitator has given youth the opportunity to learn/think more about themselves, and the adult they want to become.

MAPS not only prepared me for a career in the field of Education and nonprofit work, it also provided me with a support system throughout the job hunt, resume and job interview assistance, networking opportunities, and many memories!

I am currently an Undergraduate Finance Associate for the Walt Disney Company and also a full-time student in my 3rd year at the California State University, Fullerton in the University and Business Honors Program. Through my volunteer experience with MAPS…

I currently work as a software Quality Assurance engineer at Belkin International. My experience at MAPS definitely helped to get the current position. MAPS was an eye opener to American culture and problems. Sarai has an amazing personality and just knowing her and her achievements was a great inspiration to me. I owe a lot to MAPS 4 College.

Originally written by Helen, on September 14, 2013

The courage to believe in students, believe in people, believe in our ability, and to devote immense time and energy to our future while resisting conventional societal wisdom that tells you money is the key to success and happiness has the grandeur of Homer’s epic heroes. And it has an even grander effect than winning war.

It changes lives.

Originally written by Alondra, on March 19, 2014

MAPS is something that lives inside of me. It’s what made me happy and sad and excited and cared for. When someone asks me about a certain topic, I always relate it to something that has to do with MAPS because MAPS is everything I know. I mean, I know a lot of things and I’ve experienced many great events out on my own, but none of those experiences would have been the same if I hadn’t gone through MAPS. I am a totally different person than when I first started MAPS.

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.

By Genessis, originally published on March 26, 2014

MAPS 4 College ended up being something completely different than I thought. I went into MAPS thinking it was going to be just another organization, just another extra-curricular, just another thing to write down on my college applications. I was wrong. This program was about to make a huge impact on my life and I didn’t even know.

Originally written by Adrian, on May 11, 2014

My name is Adrian Hernandez. I am currently 18 years old and soon to be attending USC for a major in Film and Television Production. I am confident that MAPS made the latter possible, and can make such achievements possible for others my age.