KAYLA COOK / YOU CAN DO ANYTHING AND BE ANYBODY YOU WISH TO BE

"Being in foster care doesn’t have to be a negative thing. It means strength and perseverance. I believe in you."

Kayla Cook shares #HerStory:

"Something that stood out for me when I was in foster care was when a Sunday school teacher wouldn’t let me stand up in Sunday school and tell the class what I wanted to be when I grew up. I didn’t understand and I asked her why I couldn’t and she responded with “No one expects you to be anything. You’re a foster child and you’ll never be able to be anything when you grow up.” I knew in that moment I would prove her wrong. As well as others who told me I couldn’t.

What I needed most when leaving the foster care system was someone to explain to me what was happening. Also extended counseling or a support group with other foster children would have been great so that I didn’t feel so lost or alone.

Foster care taught me strength and resilience at a young age. It taught me to appreciate the little things. It also taught me to be kind to everyone including myself.

Just remember that you can do anything and be anybody you wish to be. Work hard and never give up on your dreams."