Kayla Mecklenburg

"The foster system is so broken and I learned that giving up was not an option."

Kayla Chantel Meckle shares #HerStory

"I was placed in a very abusive home when I was 11. The mom I was placed with was abusive verbally, physically and mentally. It is something that wasn't easy to go through and I still go to therapy to get through some major depressive issues. When I was about 22 years old, I ran away and it was the hardest thing I've ever done. I had no one to turn to and I was literally on my own. In the foster care system, I felt like no one wanted me or cared about me. The main thing that I learned was to keep going, no matter what I went through. If you are in the system now, keep your head up - even when you feel like nobody is there for you. Always keep your dreams and hopes up. Even if it doesn’t feel like it sometimes, remember that there is someone who cares for you.” -Kayla Mecklenburg

Kayla has gone on to accomplish so much surrounded by great friends and loved ones. She has followed her passion in the performing arts by enrolling in dance classes, learning the piano and even a baking program. She is also in the process of receiving her business degree from BYU Idaho.

Connect with Kayla through her Instagram: @kayla_mecklenburg