Tyeresha B. / The Key is to Love Yourself

Tyeresha Barnett, affectionately known as Tye Tye, is a remarkable individual whose life has been a testament to resilience and triumph. She has navigated the complexities of the foster care system, facing challenges with unwavering strength.

"In foster care, the fear of being separated from my siblings was the most daunting challenge. I always love being around my siblings at all times," reveals Tyeresha, reflecting on the emotional hurdles she conquered.

Tyeresha’s journey sheds light on the unique experiences of foster youth, from facing criticism and depression to grappling with the lack of privacy and the upheaval of life routines. "Being criticized in foster care, feeling depressed, lacking privacy, and experiencing mental health problems are aspects kids who've never been in foster care don't have to go through," she articulates.

"Finding someone to talk to, someone you can build trust with, who shows empathy and care for what you are going through, is crucial," she emphasizes.

She speaks about the significance of acknowledgment and understanding from foster parents. "Acknowledging what I went through and making me feel I'm not alone would have made a significant difference," she states.

Despite the challenges, Tyeresha’s social skills thrived in foster care. "Foster care taught me how to interact with peers, respect each other, and understand one another. Using these skills in life helps you get to know who you are dealing with," she reflects.

Education became a beacon of hope for Tyeresha who views knowledge as the key to success. "The word knowledge means education to me. Having the knowledge, the hard-earned time spent and putting in the effort on whatever you learn, it will pay off," she shares.

Now advocating for foster youth, Tyeresha encourages open communication and support from the public.

"Don't build up judgments from the past to ruin who you are today. Foster parents, guardians, and counselors are here to help you grow, not fail," she advises…The key is to love yourself and have confidence in yourself and everything will be alright.”