From the teens
"I learned how to let
go of the things that held me back. To live my life and not hold
grudges. This experience taught me how to express my feelings and tell
others how I feel, and that keeping my feelings bottled up inside hurts
me more."
Rashad
~ 16
"I really, really, really, like this workshop. It helped me unwind, untangle, and "delete" all my dark thoughts and dark history. I cried a lot! But in the AYM program that's really good. I feel happy now that I can do what I am capable of without anything keeping me from doing that. I know that I still have obstacles, but with this program I can get through them better than without it. I would totally recommend this program for any teens or young adults in need."
Ashley ~ 14
"I
learned to open up to people and not let the past tear my mind to
pieces. Not to store my hurt like pack rats, but throw away the
memories that disturb me the most.
Michael ~ 17
"I am writing this letter with love and respect. I just wanted to thank you for bringing this program to us, it helped me to be the person I am today, a strong, independent, successful leader. It awakened my mind to bigger and better things, than to do drugs and be out on the streets... and I thank you for that. It changed my life, and I hope you still have this program going for all the other people that are lost."
Naomi ~ 18
This was an
amazing experience. I feel more free and peaceful inside. I
learned that I can only feel what I want to feel. The coaches are really
awesome.They listen and understand you."
Jennifer ~ 13
"I think everyone I know could benefit from this program. If I had the capitol, I would sponsor
AYM and take it to the people around the world. This is something our
communities need! Because of AYM, I was able to open up, share my
heart, my hurt, and my tears with complete strangers and know that
those
people now love me and I love them. I learned that I am important.
I can make a difference, and that there are people in this world that
care. AYM encouraged and allowed me to let go of burdens and make
room for happiness and peace. It really is a life-changing experience
and I pray that the love from AYM continues to spread forever!
Alejandra ~ 20
"This WAS an awakening for me. I didn't expect what would happen, but I did realize that I am not the only person having the same problems I have been going through. I feel like I just took a deep breath of fresh air. It's hard to admit your mistakes but remember it's not the end. You can tell your story.... doesn't mean you have to live it! Signed the new..."
Olivia ~ 16
New Beginning, New You
By: Indigo Angilique
There we stood terrified,
staring at a line.
Being told that it's our time
and now we've got to put the bad
behind.
That it's okay
to let it go,
and
that we no longer need to hide.
As we eased and inched
our way
to the edge
of this line
A loving
soul does stand there
right
in front of us
With
other loving people helping
and encouraging us to move forward
To forgive the past mistakes that
others have made
Release all the anger, rage, and
hate
that really weigh
us down
Let go of the
grudges that
tear us
up inside
And to feel
the love that is waiting for us
on the other side.
Something
so easily said,
"just
let it go and cross the line"
is not so easily done.
Terrified and frightened
of the emotions that come up,
we start to think twice.
For fear has now overcome us,
but even though this did happen
one by one we all overpower that
feeling
with open,
closed, sore, painful and sensitive wounds.
We let go,
even if it was just a crumb,
pushed on forward and crossed the
line.
Released the bad
Embraced the new
A better beginning,
for me and you.
"I've learned so much in AYM. I have more confidence than I did before. Not to be walked on, don't be shut down. All the suffering is gone. I forgive myself. They taught me how important I am and how life is important. Even if it was emotional, this WILL change my life. I feel like a new me, different, clean and happy. I have nothing to hide anymore. This smile I have is for real now, not fake. Thank you AYM! You've honestly changed me, I love you and myself! They taught me how to let go, believe, and I am grateful for what I have. I know I have been forgiven. Thank you!
Ashley ~ 13
"I
learned I can be a confident and powerful person. I also learned to not
be afraid to show my emotions and problems that may occur."
Clarissa ~ 17
"This
program was fun to come to because you do different work. You get to
express yourself and see the difference in your attitude. It's cool to
come here, this is your second family, and your second home too."
Leo ~ 14
"Coming here, I
assumed that releasing your tears was a sign of a gullible and weak
person. However, in the AYM program, I came to understand that tears can
represent a symbol of healing and those tears create a pathway that
comes with understanding, love, and faith in yourself. Without this, I
would still be holding a grudge. Hope you keep doing this for more
years
and EXPAND!! Thank you so much!!"
Melody ~
17
"This program was amazing. I
thought I had my life in check, but they helped me see what
causes my
anger and random spells of sadness. This program helped me let go of my
sorrows
and freed me from my guilt."
Audry ~ 14
"My
experience at AYM was love, fun, and very inspirational. It helped me
learn about how to overcome the hardships in my life. I love the fact
that they didn't judge you when you did something different than usual.
Also, you were able to cry in front of everyone without them laughing
at you, in fact they cried with you!"
Shanelle ~ 16
This program is very successful and empowering and has made me a determined human being and I am grateful to be apart of it. I thank you for putting together such a good program and helping me fulfill and change my life for the better!
Erica~ 19
"This was a
life changing experience, and something I will remember forever!"
Brianda ~ 17
"My
experience here was the greatest ever, it brought out more than I ever
knew a person of group can
do! I want to say, the coaches, staff, Jani
and Dave are the best people who really helped me and let me
see past my
anger and opened up a door for me and the people here. We all opened
and formed a loving family. First, all I saw were people frowning or
hurting faces, but now everything changed and all bad
and negative stuff
was left behind us and forgotten. We all moved on and formed a loving,
caring, strong family of leaders. So I would do this program as many
times as I could, because it is so great!"
Dontre ~ 14
"My
experience here made me think differently about my family. I realize
that my grandma and my mom are always in my face because they love me
and want me to be safe. Even though I have a horrible father,
I forgave
him."
Jazmine
~ 13
"When I came to
the AYM program I got here with beliefs that I was
good for nothing,
and other horrible thoughts that were all piled up inside of me. I
learned that when you share your feelings with other people that care,
you feel a great relief inside your heart. I
learned that everyone has a
purpose in life, and that not everything
is your fault. I thank the AYM
program so much because it changed a
lot in me. I am actually happy for
a reason now. Thank you guys!"
Paloma ~ Age 14
