Self-Reliance Profiles

 Elkin says everybody in the Bronx speaks Spanish. So it’s not easy to

improve your English skills.

“My English was very limited.” That was seven years ago, when Elkin first moved to New York from Columbia. But things

started changing three years ago when he began taking EnglishConnect, an Englishlearning program from The

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “I have more confidence talking to people,” said Elkin.

The goal of EnglishConnect is to help learners increase their English proficiency in a gospel-centered environment. Over the course of 25 lessons, students improve through personal study and group practice. “I am grateful for God’s help,” said Elkin.

As part of the class, Elkin accepted the challenge to practice English 10 hours every week. He attended English speaking church services and practiced at work. Soon his boss noticed a difference.

“I asked someone to translate for me,” said Elkin, “but my boss said, ‘you don’t need anyone because your English is the best.’” Today, Elkin is trusted with more responsibilities at work because of his talent and English skills. “I saw the fruits of my labor,” said Elkin.

This father of two children says EnglishConnect has inspired him to learn. What do you need to do to progress in the classes? “You need to have a desire”. Elkin says the changes in his life are a miracle. Now Elkin is volunteering his time as a teacher for EnglishConnect classes.

People express themselves through painting, singing, music and dance

but Vanessa wants to express herself through fashion. This 23-year-old Brooklyn native is studying to be a fashion designer with a focus on modesty and sustainability. “Fashion can be powerful and elegant,” said Vanessa.

Along with college classes and volunteering at fashion shows, Vanessa has been preparing for her future by taking a Self-Reliance course called Find a Better Job. The group course is a resource offered by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For Vanessa, the 12-week classes gave her a sense of purpose as she faced the challenges that come with searching for a job.

“I was the youngest in the class,” said Vanessa, “it helped me step out of my comfort zone.” 

Vanessa says the facilitator-led class offered tips in polishing her resume, improving her cover letter and pitching herself to a potential employer.

Vanessa is a Returned Missionary and she appreciated the spiritual side of the classes as she prepares for the competitive field of fashion. “Believing in God is a wonderful foundation,” said Vanessa, “and helped me know what I needed to get better at.” She said the class members lifted each other up through communication and prayer.

Vanessa encourages others her age to sign up for the classes. Good advice from a young woman with designs for the future.

With a degree in Visual Arts, Joelennys jumped at the chance to work on community mural projects around New York City. “People are working on a common goal,” said Joelennys who also goes by the nickname “Jay Jay”. He could say the same thing about the Self-Reliance class he is facilitating, where a group of people working together creates a sense of family, “there are people out there who really care.”

The classes are a resource from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They range from Personal Finance and Emotional Resilience to Starting a Business and Education for Better

Work. “Job hunting can feel hopeless and hurt your soul,” said Jay Jay, that is why he says group courses like this are so important.

The 10- and 12-week classes not only include goal setting, videos and group discussions, there is also a religious principal in every meeting. “The spiritual aspect is important,” said Jay Jay, “we focus on the positive through Jesus Christ.”

Joelennys is a recent convert to the Church and he’s quick to share his enthusiasm for both the Gospel and Self Reliance program. He says the classes are not just for people with challenges in their life, he says everyone should take a class, “If you don’t have a need, you can help others.”

From an artist’s perspective, Jay Jay says a successful mural project and Self-Reliance course both require the same things . . . hard work, collaboration, and a vision.

"We are very good at improvising.” That’s what Theresa says she learned growing up in Zimbabwe, but the change that altered her life was far beyond anything she could have imagined.

At the age of 33, this successful businesswoman suddenly went blind. A genetic disorder, she had no idea she had, took away her sight. She has improvised. Today, Theresa teaches math using a textbook she knows cover to cover. But it was a different class that

truly impacted Theresa’s life.

“This class was different,” said Theresa, “you could feel the Holy Spirit.” She is talking about the Self-Reliance courses offered through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints called

Emotional Resilience. “The classes cause you to do a soul search, teach you how to listen and not be judgmental.”

The 10-week group classes are led by a facilitator and encourage reading, discussion, goal setting, and personal reflection. “I had a lot of anger issues in me,” said Theresa, “going back to when I went blind.” She says the faith-based courses helped her better understand and manage her feelings. It also helped her develop lifelong friendships. “I was intimidated by one of the members of the group, now she’s one of my favorite friends.”

Theresa admits, she originally didn’t think the Self Reliance classes would help her, now she believes every member should participate. “I feel it’s one program that helps so many.” Helping members to learn, to adapt, and to improvise.

“My bucket list is to learn as much as I can in this life.” It’s not a bad goal for Ada or for anyone else, “Think positive, don’t be afraid.”

Ada’s mother set a good example. When Ada was in her 20’s, she watched her mother go back to school to get her high school equivalency credential or GED. In a way, Ada is now back in school by taking part in the Self-Reliance courses offered through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Ada started by taking the group course, Personal Finance. The 12-week class helped her with budgeting. Along with practical information, there is a spiritual side to the classes. “The positive

spiritual messages helped a lot,” said Ada. She says the classes helped her develop more self-confidence.

She learned from the lesson materials, the videos and personal challenges. She also learned from the examples and comments shared by people in her class. 

Now Ada is facilitating her own class called, Starting and Growing My Business. It came out of her desire to start an interpreting and translation business. “I was afraid to start something on my own,” said Ada, “now I’m very excited.”

Ada says whether the class is about starting a business, emotional resilience or finance, everyone should get involved. “If people really want to progress spiritually and temporally, these are the courses that will help you.”

Life hasn’t been easy for Juanita. For three years she lived on the streets of New York and in a women’s shelter. Today, she is helping facilitate a class in Personal Finance, part of a group

course in Self Reliance offered by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“My life has not been the same since I came to these classes,” said Juanita. She took her first class after joining the LDS Church. It was called Education for Better Work. Then she took Personal Finance, followed by another course called Emotional Resilience. “It taught me how to maintain my emotions,” said Juanita, “helped me restrain my mind and not have outbursts.”

Juanita says group members helped her see life from a different perspective. She says even though she was on food and rental assistance, the finance class taught her how to live with a limited budget, “Now I like paying my bills,” said Juanita.

Juanita says religious principles taught in the classes have changed her life and helped chart a clear path ahead. “The Savior likes it when you have order in your life,” said Juanita. She encourages others to take the Self Reliance courses, “you are not the only one going through struggles.”

Today the woman who once lived on the streets is taking college classes and hopes to eventually work in the field of Human Resources. She says she relies on the Lord to guide her, “Every class has taught me something about myself.”

Things really started to change for Kris when he joined a Self-Reliance class in his Brooklyn Ward. Kris loves math, from equations to a good game of chess, but his finances needed some work. So Kris joined a 12-week Personal Finance class. “It helped create a desire to improve,” said Kris, “a lot of things stuck with me."

The faith-based classes meet weekly. They include instructions and videos, along with comments and commitments coming from group members. “I liked that we had accountability,” said Kris, “the group felt like a family.

He also liked the fact that the classes are built on a spiritual foundation. “I think it is the key, the main ingredient,” said Kris. While he enjoyed getting together every week, it wasn’t always easy for Kris. He worked an overnight shift and went from his class to work, but he said he always looked forward to meeting together.

Kris plans to graduate from college soon, but he has also continued to take Self-Reliance classes. He says there can be a gap between education and learning. What would he say to others thinking about taking one of the classes? “Make sure your mind is ready to take a class,” said Kris, “and have a strong desire to understand.”

Kris says he has gone through a lot of positive changes since taking that first class. He says the Gospel has helped him reach a new level of happiness, freedom, and peace. And for someone who loves math like Kris, those benefits are easy to add up.

When Sheyla came to the United States from the Dominican Republic, at the age of 17, no one in her family could speak English. Today she and her husband Juan have taught hundreds of immigrants English skills through EnglishConnect, a program sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offering faith, fellowship and growth. “If I had a megaphone, I’d tell everybody about EnglishConnect,” said Sheyla.

Juan agrees. As a child, Juan had to translate every day for his mother. Now through EnglishConnect he’s hoping all families can improve their English skills. That’s why Juan and Sheyla are volunteering their time to teach. “We know this is what the Lord wants us to do,” said Juan.

Sheyla says knowing English makes a huge difference in the quality of people’s lives. “Not knowing English makes people vulnerable,” said Sheyla, “it isolates them.” She says it’s important for parents to take the classes to keep their family together.

The free classes concentrate on vocabulary and conversation. Juan says he’s seen professionals move to the United States and struggle with their confidence. “They feel diminished because they can’t express their knowledge,” said Juan.

“When you speak the language, you stand a little taller,” said Sheyla. She says God’s power also plays an important role as people find strength in the Spirit while learning. The classes can also help students with the goal of citizenship and a better job.

What do you need to be a good EnglishConnect teacher? Juan says two things, “patience and love, love, love.”

Marie loves art. The paintings of Haitian artists hang on the walls of her home. But another thing she loves is her membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. And that includes a Church sponsored Personal Finances class she just completed. “The class changed my behavior.”

Today a sale doesn’t tempt Marie like it used to. “When something was on sale, I wanted to buy three or four items,” said Marie. Now she only buys what she needs, a lesson learned from her class.

Marie facilitated the two-hour group course every Thursday night. She said talking about personal finances for 12 weeks not only changed lives, but brought the participants closer together. “You create a bond,” said Marie, “we all give each other advice.”

Each meeting started with a prayer and a Gospel principle, it was a way to bring the Spirit into the class. 

They spent time discussing financial themes like budgeting, eliminating debt, establishing an emergency fund, investing for the future and blessing others. “The class teaches priorities,” said Marie.

She says the material is inspired. Marie says she learned that worrying about debt can also take time away from acknowledging the Lord’s blessings. “We need to be grateful to the Lord,” said Marie.

Marie says she liked the class so much she would take it again. But now she’s interested in participating in one of the four other Self-Reliance classes like Emotional Resilience, “because I’m sure there’s something I could learn from every one of them.”

Glenda helps her husband with his custom cabinetry business. But when it comes to her finances, Glenda admits, sometimes things don’t always fit. “I would often come up short on my budget every month,” said Glenda.

So when she overheard two women at church talk about a free Personal Finances class, she jumped at the chance to join. The 12-week class is part of a Self-Reliance program offered by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Glenda met online with other women to talk, study, and learn how to improve their financial habits, “the class helps organize your life.”

The faith-based course is led by a facilitator who directs the lesson and

discussion. Each class starts with a prayer and a Gospel principle. The

class then uses instruction, examples, videos, discussion, and commitments to help each person progress. For Glenda, the discussions were often the best part of the class.

“We could talk to each other, laughing about the mistakes we’ve made in life,” said Glenda. The other women in the class helped her set spending priorities. Glenda, who is originally from Guatemala, says the class also helped her create a budget, “if you don’t put it down on paper, you don’t see it.”

Glenda says she learned a lot of her financial lessons the hard way and wishes she had the class available earlier in her life. She says the class helped her put God first and include prayer in setting priorities. “The class helps you find balance,” said Glenda. She now believes she has the right tools to succeed.

Johnny is up before the sun to make his deliveries. This early jump on the day helps him succeed in his job, but it is not the only thing that has brought success into his life. Johnny says the three Self-Reliance classes he has taken have helped him become a better person.

“Every person we meet is a VIP to our Heavenly Father,” said Johnny, reading the quote from Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf. He said he first heard the quote while taking an emotional resilience class and he’s never forgotten it. “When I go through challenges, I get sad,” said Johnny, “but then I realize I’m very important to Heavenly Father.”

The group Self-Reliance classes are offered by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and include topics like improving your education, finding a job, and starting a business. Johnny served as a facilitator for two of his classes, including Personal Finances. He

says it helped him organize himself.

But Johnny says the course that had the biggest impact was emotional resilience. The classes start with a spiritual principle and include instruction, goal setting and group discussion. “I could relate to others' experiences and how they got help,” said Johnny.

He found the courses can help beyond the two-hour class time. “It helps people keep coming to church,” said Johnny. “Don’t let your challenges keep you from attending.”

Johnny recommends the classes to everyone, “if you put God first it’s going to help you.” And that’s a promise He can deliver.

It was a phone call Carol will never forget. It was from Lorenzo, a man

she had been dating long distance for 6 years. He said he was coming to Costa Rica from New York to get married. “To whom?” she asked. “To

you!”

That’s one of many fun stories Carol can tell about her life. She grew up on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. She served a full-time mission in the Dominican Republic. She met Lorenzo, her future husband, in an

Institute class of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Eternal Marriage. And when her young family moved to New York, it was to Brooklyn, next to her mother-in-law, who she dearly loved.

But her latest stories are about a facilitator-led Personal Finances class

she just finished and retirement that is only a few months away. Carol is now a widow and wants to make sure that her finances are in order before she retires.

“I knew something about budgeting,” said Carol, “but did I really follow my budget? No, not really.” She said the members of her weekly group class helped open her eyes to solutions as they shared their own insights, experiences and shortcomings. “Things were said that you might not think about.”

Because of the class, Carol is now working on creating an emergency fund. She shared her experiences on how paying tithing has helped her through the years. “I go over my bills after paying my tithing,” said Carol, “it helps me see solutions to financial challenges.”

Carol wishes her adult children could have taken the class when they were younger. Now Carol plans to facilitate her own Self-Reliance class, but that’s another story.

Había globos y un fondo de tercio pelo con letra dorada que decía

"Graduación de 2024". Cada graduado recibió un certificado y

podía decir unas palabras a los que asistían a la ceremonia de

EnglishConnect. La mayoría de las personas hablaron en español,

pero Angelica se paró y habló en inglés, "Fue un reto personal", dijo

Angelica después, mendiante un intérprete.

Fue su primera vez de tomar la clase de EnglishConnect 1, un

programa que ofrece la Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los

Últimos Días. En su juventud en Puebla, México, nunca tomó una

clase de inglés, "Nunca pensaba que viviría en otro país". Pero

ahora su familia vive en Yonkers, donde su hijo de 14 años, Ryan, ha

sido su inspiración. "Me motiva lo que él ha aprendido".

Ryan tenía 9 años cuando se mudó a Nueva York. Su padre le ayudó a aprender inglés al principio, después aprendió en la escuela y ahora toma clases avanzadas. Ryan ha visto a su mamá aprender

y siente orgulloso por ella. 

Angelica dice que practica su inglés usando una aplicación en su teléfono y también al escuchar música. Dice que quiere poder hablar inglés con personas en la escuela de sus hijos y en la iglesia. Dice que le ha costado pero que sabe que el Padre Celestial le está ayudando.

“Ahora es el momento para aprender”, dice Angelica, “para lograr su plenta potencial como hijos de Dios". Dice que las clases han sido divertidos. Su próximo reto personal...tomar clases adicionales de EnglishConnect y algún día tomar clases universitarias. Ryan sabe que su madre lo puede hacer, "Mamá ha avanzado mucho”.

There were balloons and a velvet backdrop with gold letters that

read, “Graduation 2024.” Each graduate received a certificate and could say a few words to the people attending the

EnglishConnect ceremony. Most spoke in Spanish, but Angelica stood up and spoke in English, “It was a personal challenge,” said Angelica afterwards through an interpreter.

This was her first time taking EnglishConnect 1, a program 

offered by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Growing up in Puebla, Mexico, she never took an English class, “I never thought I would live in another country.” But now her family lives in Yonkers where her 14-year-old son, Ryan, has been her inspiration. “I'm motivated because he has learned.”

Ryan was 9-years-old when he moved to New York. His father helped him learn English at first, then he learned in school, now he is taking Honors classes. Ryan has watched his Mother learn and is proud of her.

Angelica says she practices her English using an app on her phone, also by listening to music. She says she wants to be able to speak English to people at her children’s school and at church. She says it’s been hard but she knows Heavenly Father is helping her.

“Now is the moment to learn,” said Angelica, “to reach your maximum potential as children of God.” She says the classes have been fun. Her next personal challenge . . . to take more EnglishConnect classes and some day to take college courses. Ryan knows his mother can do it, “Mom has made a lot of progress.”

Marjorie didn’t have the right ingredients when her cupcake business failed in 2015. It had nothing to do with the flour or frosting but with Marjorie’s experience as a businesswoman. That is why she

just completed, Starting and Growing My Business, a self-reliance course offered by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“I know what I did wrong,” said Marjorie, “and I can fix it.” The faith-based classes taught her key principles she can use if she wants to try again. “I never managed my money the way you have to for

business.”

Majorie attended the 12-week class with others looking to start their own business. The facilitator led course includes spiritual insights, videos, training, challenges, and discussion. “I love it because you hear from everyone in the class,” said Marjorie, “you hear each other’s experiences.” She said the spiritual lessons influenced the class and helped people feel close. It also reminded everyone the importance of

honesty in business.

Marjorie moved to America from Ecuador in 1996 for the “American Dream.” Her husband and children are her testers for the things she makes in her kitchen. “They always love my baking,” said Marjorie. This time Marjorie says she will concentrate on making cakes for special occasions and start with an online business.

Marjorie would like to be a pastry chef someday, but that’s in the future. Today she is trying out recipes in her own kitchen and praying for inspiration. She says between her business plan and the Lord, she has the ingredients to succeed.

Lisa’s home is filled with memories. Family pictures cover the walls and

pencil marks on a doorway measure growing children. Lisa is caring for

her mother while her family is living in the house she grew up in. At the same time, Lisa has been able to care for herself by taking an Emotional Resilience class offered by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“It was healing for me,” said Lisa. In fact, Lisa keeps a copy of her class manual close by where she has highlighted passages on nearly every page. “It’s important to know your individual worth and divine identity,” said Lisa.

The 10-week group class is led by a facilitator and includes spiritual

principles, instruction, videos, time to ponder, and time to share experiences. Lisa says at times the classes were emotional and always beneficial, “Trials are hard but help us grow.”

Lisa says she learned the importance of balance in her life, both body and mind, and making decisions with guidance from the Holy Ghost. Other reminders include correcting negative thinking, learning from challenges and developing a “faithful viewpoint.”

At times, Lisa reaches for her phone to write down positive experiences in her life, an idea she picked up from the class. In all, this married mother of three says the Self-Reliance classes have helped her respond to challenges with faith and patience. She loves to look back and remember her class experiences, a comfortable task in a home dedicated to memories.

It took Wesley 14 months to plan and build a wooden bridge over a small creek by his house…but he has spent a lifetime building spiritual bridges. “Not only building a bridge over challenges,” said Wesley, “but also building bridges to understand other people.”

When Wesley was a young boy, an accident claimed his father’s life.

“Until I was in my late 20’s I thought my dad died because I wasn’t good enough,” said Wesley. That misguided belief colored how he looked at many circumstances in his life. He went through self-analysis into his early 30’s to deal with his feelings.

Many years later, when Wesley was serving in his Ward’s Bishopric he

heard about Self-Reliance classes. He decided to take the Emotional

Resilience course. It was a profound experience. “Where was this when I was 25,” said Wesley, “because this would have saved me a lot of pain.”

Wesley said he had successfully dealt with the trauma of his youth through various self-help programs, but this was the first coming from a spiritual perspective. He said the facilitated group helped class members know how to become more like Christ and created an organized way to deal with issues.

The class members drew closer together, sharing experiences, solutions and testimonies. Wesley still reviews the notes from his class and says the 10-week course is for everyone regardless of age or experiences, “It’s nice to have information before you need it.”

And like the old lumber Wesley used to create his beautiful bridge, he now uses his own life experiences to rise above the waters of adversity.

Ken took an interesting approach to his self-reliance classes. “I’m a fan of Mac & Cheese,” said Ken. He says when he uses a simple recipe to make it, it isn’t very good, “the effort you put in is the effort you get out.” So when Ken signed

up for an Emotional Resilience class, he was all in, and it changed his life.

“It helped me get back in the Church,” said Ken. Ken says he started drifting away from activity when he was 19. But 12 years later, he felt he needed a new direction. After taking a Self-Reliance class in personal finances, he took a second in emotional resilience. “It helped me put a stake in the ground,” said Ken, “something I can hold onto, like laying down a foundation.”

Ken says he was also looking for connection with people. The 10-week group class included spiritual insight, group discussion and making personal goals. “It caused me to look inward,” said Ken, “I have to take accountability for my own life.” And that’s what he did, looking for ways to establish a spiritual foundation.

Ken says he needed to accept Christ’s forgiveness in his life. “It laid the groundwork to repent and come back,” said Ken, “it will change your life forever.”

Ken now has a calling in his Ward and attends the Temple. He says the classes were part of his conversion and recommends them to everyone, “even if you don’t need it.” For Ken, it is all about the effort.

Metta loves living in the heart of New York City, but admits it is challenging at times, “living here can drain you emotionally." But she says it is more than just the crowds of people, work and constant entertainment. There is something else that can wear on you: “My generation has so many distractions,” said Metta. And one of those key distractions is often no further than the phone in your hand.

Metta says our phones are addictive and can keep us from what we really need in our lives, to be closer to God. It is one of the lessons she learned in the Summer of 2022. Metta was a college Senior in Virginia, taking an Emotional Resilience class with other members of her YSA Stake, “I signed up not knowing what it was,” said Metta.

The class of eight college students met around a picnic bench behind the church. One of the students volunteered to be a facilitator for the 10-week class.

“I remember liking it as soon as it started,” said Metta. She said the two-hour classes felt so personal and applicable, “it gave me tools to live a more abundant life despite its imperfections.”

The faith-based group course includes Gospel principles, training, goal setting, and class discussion. “When you open your mouth, that’s when the Spirit can teach you,” said Metta, “especially strengthening your testimony of truths.” She says you become less judgmental of people because you understand them better, and “it also made me be more honest with myself.”

So who should take the Emotional Resilience course? “It can benefit everyone,” said Metta, “you don’t need to be in a crisis.” It’s been a few years since Metta attended her picnic table classes but the impact continues. “It helped me see the realities of life as they really are and be OK with them.” In fact, Metta always has her notes from that class with her, ironically saved on one of life’s distractions . . . her cell phone.

Nicole adorns her life the same way she adds embellishments to some of New York’s finest wedding dresses. But instead of lace and beads sewn onto fine silk fabric, Nicole wove a full-time mission, a

fashion degree from Paris and a career with a luxury bridal designer into her young life. And with those she adds the memorable experiences of sitting around a table in Harlem as part of a weekly Self-Reliance class, a class she almost didn’t take. “At the time I thought I was too tired,” said Nicole, “but this was exactly

what I needed.

The Starting and Growing My Business class was offered by her Manhattan Singles Ward. She joined two artists and a facilitator to explore their future and share their ideas, interests and talents.

“I loved the encouragement to pray and ponder and seek revelation,” said Nicole, “My attempt before at creating a business plan had been uninspired.”

There was practical advice. Nicole says she learned more about working with clients and contracts. But she says the 12-week class was more than just business ideas, it also provided emotional support. Nicole says it’s easy to get discouraged, “but Heavenly Father is going to be there to help you.”

Two years ago, Nicole moved to New York without knowing anyone. Today her life is woven together with people throughout the city, people from work, church and that self-reliance class she almost didn’t take. “God cares about my life,” said Nicole, “even my sewing.”

It was a stressful two-day test in reading, math, social studies and science. Was she ready? Mariana looked around the classroom. "There were a lot of young people and me.” But she had studied hard and felt it was time to take her GED. 

When Mariana moved to the United States from her native Colombia, she didn’t speak English, “I was lost.” When her two children started school, Mariana began her long journey to learn the language. There were opportunities during the day and classes at night. Teachers encouraged her to take the General Education Development test in

English. “I thought my head was about to explode,” said Mariana.

These are the kinds of experiences Mariana shares as she volunteers to

teach EnglishConnect classes. The 25-week course is sponsored by The

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“I can help guide people to learn English,” said Mariana, “and reinforce what I learned.” The classes open the door to faith and fellowship and help expand vocabulary skills.

Those same skills have helped Mariana progress at work where she uses her English on a daily basis. “Some people don’t take advantage of what they have,” said Mariana. So today she tries to help other immigrants learn the English language. 

It’s been more than 10 years since she passed that GED test. She says that experience and others have not only helped her professionally but personally as well. “My children see it,” said Mariana. “They say I’m happier.” Mariana agrees. 

Sunday morning and Serena’s father is listening to Music & the Spoken Word with the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. It’s a childhood memory that she will never forget. Many years later Serena would join the Church behind those broadcasts, and through her membership, she is creating many new memories.

Some of those memories come from taking two Self-Reliance classes sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her Bishop suggested she take an Emotional Resilience class, “I’ve never had the opportunity to take a class like that,” said Serena. A class that opened up her heart and mind to new ideas about listening and following the Spirit. “I learned a lot in that cloudy time.”

Serena joined seven other people for the 10-week Emotional Resilience course. It included spiritual principles, personal training, commitments, and group discussion. “People shared what they were going through,” said Serena, “as we learned how to cope and deal with challenges.”

The facilitator-led class taught her the importance of managing and controlling emotions, and turning to others, “pray about who you can help,” said Serena, “and you end up helping yourself.”

Serena is now taking a Personal Finances class but says she wouldn’t mind taking another Emotional Resilience class. She says experiences like that help you replenish and make life changing decisions. “I want the Lord to know I’m all in, I’m rolling with You,” said Serena.