Daja W. / Do not be afraid of the unfamiliar.

My most challenging experience in the foster care system was developing the courage to open up and expose myself to what at the time, felt to be a complete stranger. I’ve never really had someone, other than my grandmother, who genuinely seemed to care about my well being.

My one piece of advice would be to not be afraid of the unfamiliar. Be willing and curious enough to tap into yourself with the guidance of another person who actually has your best interest at heart. Don’t be afraid to trust. Allow another to take the initiative that you may have lacked in the past, to examine your desires of life, your future, and overall goals. I have always been someone who put other’s needs before myself and for the first time, I was able to confront Daja... on a much deeper level. 

The foster care system has taught me to take myself into consideration. Do not allow the barriers of society or negativity to dictate your very own circumstances.

What I needed most when emancipating from the foster care system was support. I needed that extra push to succeed, to be that somebody I knew deep down that I had the potential to be. I needed the motivation to keep going, to excel, to become different from my surroundings and to adapt to what I am not used to.