“I started in foster care at just 17 days old. Life was full of challenges and obstacles, but I was determined to rise above them. At age 5, I was adopted by a family in a small town. At first, it felt like I was living in a real-life Cinderella story—with strict rules and little freedom. By age 10, I was sent away because I was considered ‘too much.’ The trauma I experienced left little room for healing.

I was placed in a treatment facility in Missouri, where I stayed for two and a half years. It was there that I began to discover my true potential. I explored new interests, found joy in learning, and started to excel in school. From facility to facility, my journey continued until I was 14. Just before high school, I was placed in a foster home with people I barely knew. It was a bumpy start, and I was hesitant to trust or enjoy life.

School became my constant, my anchor. I joined the cheer squad, theatre, and choir, slowly finding confidence in myself. At 15, I began searching for a permanent home. After many interviews, weekend visits, and calls, I met a family willing to take a chance on me in April 2020. Despite the challenges of that year, I felt an immediate connection. By May, I moved in permanently and finally felt truly welcome.

My new family supported my dream of becoming a teacher. With my new family's encouragement, I pursued my passion and am now student teaching at a local elementary school—four years later.

What made the biggest difference was love, support, and encouragement. Hearing “I’m proud of you” and feeling believed in even when I wanted to give up, helped me persevere.

My advice to foster families and youth: don’t give up. Keep fighting for what you believe in, let your voice be heard, and most importantly—be yourself. Mom and Dad, if you read this, thank you for giving me the chance to be me. You’ve given me the opportunity of a lifetime, and I couldn’t have done this without you.