Jaquel P. / Always hold your head high..

During his time in foster care, Jaquel was in ten different foster homes and two different group homes. Where he experienced physical, mental and emotional pain. Despite these challenges and obstacles he still managed to become a high school graduate and achieve various levels of success in adulthood.

He wishes they would have been more supportive. Provided emotional support, more inclusion, and more freedom. As well as assistance, positivity, and been more helpful. He wished for more encouragement.

It was difficult for Jaquel, not being around your biological family. Being restricted on a daily basis. Having unnecessary curfews. Having no biological family support and instead relying on social workers, casa workers, and attorneys.

Education means everything to him. He thinks the biggest factors to his educational success is the fact that he never gave up. He have various hobbies, activities, and miscellaneous support system that he participated in. He read books, movies and participated in various extracurricular activities.

Something that he experienced was holdiays it was horrible. It was sour, It was sad. He watched other kids visit their families during the holidays while he was stuck in a foster home or a horrible group home.

The one thing that helped jaquel throughout his journey. His mentor in his life was Dr. Frank Williams. He met him at a seminar that he was instructing at. His other mentor is Dr. Arthur Hall. These two positively affected his life.

Jaquel goal is graduate college. Be successful. he sees himself being highly successful in a fortune 500 company. Managing a lucrative business and generating a substantial amount of revenue.

He is most proud of earning several certificates including ones sponsored by California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. Athletic coaching from fullerton college,IGETC certificate from El Camino College. CSUGE certificate from College of the Siskiyous, Being inducted to Alpha Gamma Sigma. Being inducted to Golden Key International Honour Society, and making the president’s honors list in december 2019 at fullerton college.

One piece of advice Jaquel gives' “Don't ever give up. Show up everyday to school, sports practice and whatever activity that is recommended. Always hold your head high..”