Cristian C. / Stay dedicate, committed, and consistent

The way that being a former foster youth impacts my determination is that the struggles I faced made me a stronger and wiser and that helps me stay motivated to accomplish the things I never thought I could achieve. The biggest accomplishment that makes me proud is changing my life around and becoming a man of Christ.

My biggest challenge I faced in the foster care system was my drug addiction. I have been sober for a few months and my temptation of using again was a huge battle within myself. I was blessed with staff and a group of AA guys that came to my group home and shared their struggles with drug abuse. They related to me and that help me overcome my addiction.

The biggest factors to my educational success are facing my fears and not believing that I'm a failure, because I’m smart and intelligent just as you are.

My advice to foster youth in the foster care system now is that I believe in you!! Make a change for your future, education is key. I have 3 words: Dedication, Commitment, and Consistency. God bless you and your family.