Maria S. / Don't let your past determine your future

"Don't be mad at everyone it's not everyone’s fault that you are where you are look forward and don't let your past determine your future!."

Maria reflects on having to take care of her siblings she don't think she overcame it yet she was always supposed to be the adult instead of the child. What brought her comfort while in care was keeping in mind and having faith in god. She was comforted by reminding herself, “This too shall pass, God grant her the serenity to accept the things she cannot change the courage to change the things she can and the wisdom to know the difference this too shall pass. “

"They don't have to experience having their family taken away or put in a place where they know no one and a new school during the school year or Having to wear the same clothes every other day also waking up to just live another day."

She felt that when it came to some things she wished her foster parents had helped her with. She felt they should had their backs. They could've showed love and not put our parents down while they’re in court. Talking about their families behind their backs, she wish they would've kept in touch.

She would like to see more foster parents try and not give up on these kids and young adults. She feels to help foster youth the general public can donate books and school materials. Donate job interview clothes and a housing program that exceeds age 23. A mentor program that will stay available until aging out of the system.

When it comes to education she explains what it means for her. Education means a future and many different things to master in and make a career of her past life and become someone her daughter is proud to look at. She think growing up in the system it made it easier towards her education. For her to succeed in order to make something out of her life, for her to pass and move forward through the trauma.

An accomplishment she is most proud of is getting her high school diploma and being halfway through her bachelor program. In 5 years she see herself with her bachelor’s degree and maybe pursuing her master’s in san diego. Her goals in life is to just live, succeed and not give up.