I have been blessed by UBSC for preparing me to be a warrior. A warrior set out to fight the battles that take place at such organizations. The board taught me the skills to handle interpersonal issues. They gave me the wisdom to oversee countless programs for immigrant teens and adults.
Some of my experiences felt overwhelming, but I was in the presence of the PROMISE. Through thick and thin, I found that I was guided by God’s hands. Despite the trials, I learned that Jesus will be everlasting and faithful.
Reflecting back, the difficult experiences are but grains of sand on a vast seashore. Compared to the multitude of fond memories, those tribulations are tiny puzzle pieces in God’s providence for me.
Jesus used my time there to say, “I am telling you something.”
19 years ago, a student approached me before class. The boy, Kevin, asked me, “Eleen Jie Jie, can I help you with anything?” I could not find words to respond to him. I was touched by his offer. I was so taken aback that I fought the urge to hug him. I kept my composure in order not to startle him and smiled back.
Kevin offered to clean the floor and toilet. He noticed that those were chores that I regularly performed.
I cannot remember the subsequent events of that day, but still carry the touching memory with me. I still remember Kevin’s sweet remarks he would make. His presence brightened many of my days at UBSC. Shortly after, Kevin moved to Sacramento. I can still hear his voice in my memory, as if it is the comforting voice of Jesus telling me that He is here.

I wish for the Upward center to be open, in my opinion they are very nice people and I know for a fact that this place is more welcoming than most places I’ve been to. Based on the experience I shared with the center I think that there are lots of other fun activities we play, like we played in teams to build a bridge to hold heavy objects and the bridge that holds the heaviest object wins. I think that some parents don’t have the ability to teach their kids like maybe if they just came to the U.S and hadn’t had the chance to study English yet. Those types of people are at the center and are improving their English there. I think if you were to open this place up before they go to school they would excel in their English. In conclusion the reason why I want the place to be open is so that they can have the same fun they had before the whole pandemic.