"But from the system, I learned it was my right to participate in decisions made about me. I learned to be strong and stand up for myself and advocate for others. Ask questions! ‘Nothing about you without you.’ If you don't know something, ask. If you're confused, ask. Know that your voice matters. Know you have rights and you deserve to know what's going on with YOU!”

“For any outburst I was put in isolation with a straitjacket and shot up with thorazine... I now have the most amazing mentors, friends, professors, supervisors, and confidence I have ever had. Allow others in to help you lay the bricks to all the roads you want to build for your journey.”

"Whatever you do, just don't give up. Never stop trying to be a better person than you were the day before, never stop trying new things, and never ignore an opportunity that comes your way because you don't think you're good enough. You ARE good enough, and you deserve more than what the system gave you.”

"I was afraid of the pain, afraid of the instability, afraid of being abandoned again. Ultimately, I was afraid of being vulnerable in a world so much bigger than me and having to wonder if I would survive. So I began to #SpeakUp. I began to write, and I began to give others hope that we could make it because I believe we have to fight for people who don’t yet know they are worth fighting for.”

"If you are in the system now, take a deep breath and remember: you are SAFE! Oftentimes, we get stuck in survival mode and forget it's OK to address our pain. Processing the past leads to clarity in the present and preparedness for the future. Also, remember you are not alone — if you maintain a strong support circle, you can achieve anything!”

"Don’t let your circumstances define who you are. It's a common misconception that children in foster care are bad kids. Kids aren't usually in foster care for something they have done. We can’t change the fact that we ended up in foster care as a result of our original caregiver's failure... But you CAN change how people see you. Work on yourself and surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed. You have purpose! You are of value! You are worthy!"

The one piece of advice I can give to my fellow foster sisters and brothers is to find what it is that makes you happy and go for it! Pursue your passion. It is never too early to know what you want to do with your life. Create a plan for yourself as early as possible...or welcome to the beautiful struggle.”

"To those currently in the system: remain strong, faithful, persevere and know you are not alone. Don't ever let anyone say you can't do anything because THEY ARE WRONG. You can do and be whatever you want to be. You can conquer anything or anyone that attempts to keep you down. The only thing that will limit or stop you is the limits you set for yourself.