Merissa A. / “I think if younger me could look at where I am right now, they would be very relieved that our struggles have not been for nothing.”
For Merissa, earning a college degree was about more than walking across a graduation stage. It was proof that the obstacles she faced did not get to decide where her story would end.
This year, Merissa graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. And this fall, she’s taking the next step in her journey: starting a master’s program in Rehabilitation Psychology. It’s a milestone that feels especially meaningful when she looks back at everything it took to get here.
“Since I turned 18 I have struggled with housing insecurity. Due to this it has been really hard to handle school and parts of me wanted to give up because the odds were never in my favor. I had no family support.”
There were moments when continuing her education felt almost impossible. Merissa says she struggled the most while earning her associate degree and that was the point when she came closest to giving up.
But she kept going. Enrolling in a master’s program is the accomplishment she is most proud of today.
“I think if younger me could look at where I am right now, they would not only be very confused but also very relieved that our struggles have not been for nothing.”
Throughout her journey, Merissa found motivation in being a role model for her younger siblings. She wanted to shed light on everything that they could achieve by showing them what was possible.
“I really wanted to show them an example that I could do it, too,” she says. “Not only have we experienced the foster system, but we are [also] first-gen college students.”
Now, Merissa is not only building a future for herself. She’s showing her siblings what it can look like to keep going, even when the odds feel stacked against you. Her experience has also shaped what she hopes other young people in foster care know that they don't have to navigate everything alone.
“Take advantage of all the help and support you can get. Do not be embarrassed; you do not have to struggle alone. There are so many programs rooting for our success, and plenty of people in those programs can help guide you.”
For Merissa, consistent support and community made a difference in her own journey. She found that she did best when she had regular connections with college counselors and programs that checked in with her each month.
“It helped keep me more accountable of my grades, as well as gave me someone to talk through issues and help make a plan to tackle those issues while focusing on school.”
Her story is a reminder that success after foster care isn't just about individual determination. Having someone to turn to can make a difference. However, Merissa believes there is more work to be done. For example, she hopes the foster care system can expand resources for young people who enter guardianship, including youth like her younger brother, who is now living with their grandmother. When it comes to how the broader community can help, Merissa keeps it simple:
“Advocate for them, [and] learn more about foster care.”
Today, Merissa is continuing to turn her experiences into momentum. She’s a college graduate, an incoming master’s student, and an example to the younger siblings who have been part of her journey. Her story is greater than the challenges she has faced.
Like Merissa, you can use your voice to tell your story and help others understand the foster care experience. Share your story here.
