If you have graduated the IAMME Program, please use
this link to add your story.
ALUMNI REFLECTIONS... (excerpts from correspondence of past students)
I had reached the breaking point when Mr. Mathias showed up at my school for the first time. Many teenagers suffer through depression and anxiety and has bad things happen to them within the prime of their teenage life. Well, this was the first time I had ever gotten so slow I did not respect myself anymore. I turned to God at the end of it all and begged Him to give me the wisdom and guidance to lead me to forgiving myself and the others who hurt me. I was miserable each day and was upset at myself for being upset. I admitted all of this to myself and Mr. Mathias the first Friday he was with my class. Soon after Mr. Mathias looked at me and told me "I want you to not say anymore negative things about yourself." This quote changed my life. I had been judging myself and allowing myself to dwell on the past. While I was judging myself, rather harshly, I hated myself. This quote brought me back to reality. In all honesty it took me 2 weeks until I really started doing this. Once I did, you can't even imagine how much it changed me. I am happier now and have realized that I am BEAUTIFUL and that I can do amazing things with this life God has provided me. I am perfect to Him and that's the only Man I am worried about. As long as God knows I'm pushing myself to live for him and believe that He made me in His vision, how can I not be a beautiful and perfect girl? I cried in front of my entire class today, twice, and those tears truly were full of gratefulness to the IAMME program and Mr. Mathias for making myself believe that I can accomplish my goals and that I AM BEAUTIFUL and I am not some fat, pale, sad girl anymore. I have the confidence to speak in front of crowds without being self conscience anymore and I cannot put in words how much this means to me. I now wear my cheerleading uniform with the confidence that people are not staring because I am fat, but because I am a confident and beautiful girl, NOT meaning to be conceited in ANY WAY!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. - Sara A. posted 12/2/2011
"I found out that I can be whatever I want to be and I have the power to choose that destiny. Before the IAMME Program, I hated my job and I wanted to quit. After completing the program, my attitude changed for the better at work. (If you act enthusiastic then you'll be enthusiastic.) I received Employee of the Month for the month of November in 2010, which was during the program. I can't say it was just the program that helped me change. Anyone can complete a booklet someone gives them. It takes a man like Mr. Mathias to really have someone realize they should change, and you have to be willing to change." - Samantha W. posted 4/14/2011
"... I do hope you know the influence you have had in my life. I often find myself recalling, in everyday conversation, the lessons you taught me so many years ago. Lessons like: the choice to remain positive in such a negative world (It's a GO light, not a stop light); or about setting goals (Without a road map, you'll never know where you are going or when you arrive). Pardon my paraphrasing, but you get the idea. These coupled with my faith have been my foundation. Please know that you and Amy will always hold a special place in my heart." - Merrill J. (Looking back 20 years)
"... Believe it or not I actually started believing that I did not have a voice. That I did not have an opinion that mattered. But then you came along and showed me you would listen. You showed me you cared. You showed me you believed that I matter. I'm not just another kid. I have an opinion and I truly do matter. You may not realize it, but you made a great impact on my life. The words "I don't know" are not in my vocabulary anymore. There is always room for improvement, you can always do better. Always try your hardest. Believe in yourself. Look on the bright side. This, you have taught me, and so much more. I have set my goals, and I am truly striving for them with every ounce of my being. You are not just another speaker for some high school educational company, you are an inspiration. I am honored to have met you and to have the privilege of listening to you and being heard by you." - Sanja T.
"A year after the IAMME Program I was still working as a cashier at a grocery store. One customer, who always came through my line, said that he wished his employees had a great attitude like mine. So I asked what he does for a living, and he was the president of a local financial investment firm. I took his card and was hired within a month. I spend the following 14 years in the financial field. I have enjoyed a high level of success, not just financially, but in quality of life also. All because I applied to my life the enthusiasm I learned from Frank Mathias and the IAMME Program." - Jeff M.
"... Mr. Mathias came into our class with the biggest smile and left with that same smile glued to his face every session. He made an effort to know each and every one of us as an individual by the end of the four weeks. I congratulate him because Mr. Mathias did what most teachers can't even accomplish in a year! I just want to let you know that I feel Mr. Mathias was such an inspiration. I feel I learned so much from him. I learned I am special, I am different, and there is nobody and won't ever be anybody like me. I AM ME." - Maggie E.
"I wanted to write this letter to thank you very much for everything you have done. Not just for me, but for other students as well. You opened my eyes to what I can achieve in life and made me more confident in myself. I have been able to express more of my opinions to people and describe my feelings in different ways to get my point across, and people have actually started to listen. I have learned to write down my goal and work daily towards achieving them. You put your life into your job and make us all feel welcomed when you visit us. My senior year and life has changed because of your class and I deeply appreciate it. You are a wonderful person who is caring and helpful. Your class has truly benefitted me and my life!" - Jenna H.
"I would like to thank you for the time you spent here at our school. I really enjoyed your company. Because of you and the program I think I have changed for the better and I really appreciate that you took the time to care for me and make that change. You're a very fun, caring person and there definitely are not enough of you to go around. You touched my heart in many ways. I have more confidence now and I try harder. You have made me see my future in much brighter ways. Thank you so much for everything. I'm truly going to miss you! I can't wait until you come back. - Kristin S.
