Cindy G. / Embrace learning opportunities and life lessons

My biggest challenge in the foster care system was hopelessness. I felt unwanted and sad about being separated from my siblings, and shocked due to the never-ending transitions with new families, schools, and towns. I struggled with learning, forming connections, and my future looked bleak. I was stressed and depressed for years while facing and dealing with the issues of the adults in my life and the accompanying frequent court hearings. I overcame this hopelessness by embracing just about every opportunity that was offered to me— from counseling to parenting and independent living skills classes to going on fun outings.

I learned to make the best out of my circumstances by giving my all in everything I did, excelling in school, taking programs seriously, networking, and advocating for myself. This helped prepare me for my independent transition to adulthood.

Changes I would like to see occur within the foster system are keeping siblings placed together and more awareness and screening for abuse in foster homes.

Another change I would like to see is providing teens with assistance in obtaining necessary documents (birth certificate, social security card, ID card), driver's ed, employment, bank account, and encouraging youth to save their employment earnings. This will better prepare youth for the realities of adulthood and give them a cushion in their plans for living arrangements after foster care.

I take on goals, commitments, and challenges that I know will produce a better long-term result. That means I do things even when I feel reluctant to do them and even when it is hard. I have never given up on myself, even when there was a good reason. During difficult times, I remember the difficult years I had as a child, and I know that if I could stay determined and get through that, I can stay determined and get through things now.

For me, education has been a way out of social and economic inequality. When I aged out of foster care, I had no reliable job, money, car, or even solid familial relationships. My living arrangements were temporary, and I had no emotional support for transitioning into adulthood. Adulthood was scary to me because I felt directionless and had lots of unanswered questions.

Education has given me knowledge, independence, confidence, and motivation. It has also fostered my maturity and has helped me with finances, employment, and networking. I believe education was fundamental in helping me succeed after foster care. In 5 years, I hope to be on my way to earning a master’s degree, a homeowner, and a successful businessperson.

My advice would be: how you react to your situation will determine how you come out of your situation. Embrace learning opportunities and life lessons.