Madeline A. / Be strong don’t let nobody knock you down!”

“Appreciate what your parents do for you, because you have everything, the love of a parent that we do not have.”

Madeline grew up in foster care at a young age, Growing up in the system she faced depression. She remembered all her past and she felt alone that nobody was there for her. Madeline says she had to fight every night because she had problems sleeping due to her depression. She thought that she was alone and didn't have anyone on her side to look out for her. However after that she took therapy to help her heal her heart and past.   

While in care, what brought me comfort was I learned how to do sowing and that kept and continues to keep my mind occupied. I also listened to music that helped my mind to relax and I usually played soccer”.

One of Madeline's major accomplishments that make her proud is that she was able to fight her depression. She also got her GED and kept studying. She will be graduating from college in 2 semesters, by the start of next semester. Her advice for those experiencing foster care like herself is: 

“Just keep working harder because the more that you keep working the more that you get out, Be strong don’t let nobody knock you down!” 

Madeline says she experienced a lot that changed her for the better. The thing she needed most was more love. She thought they were more interested in the money that the agency paid for her. Rather than her and what she needed, or maybe give a hug sometimes when she felt bad or lonely. In 5 years Madeline see’s herself with a bachelor's degree of her own, having her own house and car. She just moved into her new apartment.