Eleno Z. / You have the ability to build a successful and happy future for yourself.

"I learned it's not about who you know but who cares for you and what you know is true and real and loving."

Eleno reflects on his 12 years spent in foster care. One of the biggest challenges he faced in the foster care system was the lack of stability and continuity in his living situations. Moving from one foster home to another, having to adjust to new environments, rules, and expectations. Having to form new relationships with caregiver, other foster siblings was extremely challenging and emotionally taxing.

"I wish more people realized that a child's placement in foster care isn't necessarily the consequence of their wrongdoing.."

Eleno would like to see adjustments made to the foster care system that put the stability and well-being of the children involved first. This entails giving foster parents additional assistance and resources, making sure kids are raised in secure and caring surroundings, and providing mental health and educational support to enable kids to flourish.

" Keep in mind that your circumstances do not define who you are."

His experience with his foster parents and foster homes, ElenoI was reassured by his foster family’s generosity and the assistance of social workers during my time in foster care. During one of the most trying times of his life, their support and concern made him feel important and safe. Making connections with other foster youth who could empathize and understand him and his experiences was also a source of comfort to me. In addition, He found that doing things like painting, listening to music, and going outside in the fresh air helped him feel calm and comforted when things were hard.

"Seek out encouraging people, make use of the tools at your disposal, and never forget that you are strong enough to go through whatever challenges you face.."

Eleno advice is despite any obstacles, you have the ability to build a successful and happy future for yourself. Eleno is most proud of his perseverance and capacity to overcome adversity. Those are the aspects of his life from his foster care experience that he is most proud of. Even though he was going through a lot at the time, he was still able to find the will and fortitude inside myself to keep going and never give up on my goals. He learned from this experience how important it is to never give up hope, no matter how bad things become.

Eleno envision himself as a social worker continuing to advance and mature in five years. In the future, He wish to have more expertise in a variety of social work fields, such as child welfare, mental health, and healthcare. In addition, He see himself assuming a leadership position in an organization—possibly as a program manager or supervisor—so that he can further influence the lives of people he assist and contribute to the advancement of social work practice.