Ania W.
Maywood, Illinois
I have always been the only girl in my family, and I was never good at saying no. I didn’t know what was right or wrong. I ended up getting hurt and felt like I didn’t have anyone. Like me, teens need guidance and help to find the right direction. Determination and support lead to success. I want my life to be an example that helps others believe they can succeed. Being in the foster system doesn’t define you! When young people know someone is rooting for them to keep going, they have the potential to be great in life. Just one permanent connection can change that for you!
No matter where you come from, you can succeed. I grew up without a father and barely had anyone I felt comfortable enough to talk to. When I was younger, I was a victim of rape. During that time, I thought a lot about who cared about me and my needs. Having permanent and supportive connections in my life helped me to be strong.
My social worker and my aunt got me through everything and helped me become the person I am today. Through all my difficult times, I had my social worker to talk to, and he listened to me. My aunt showed me different ways to navigate through hard times and how to be a better person. From my personal experience, having someone there to mentor you and be there for you through hard times will help you succeed. Having connections with certain people in my life led me to scholarships and job opportunities.
Today, I am a previous high school honor roll student, high school graduate, a certified food service worker, and a nursing assistant student who is certified in CPR and is looking forward to being a nurse practitioner in the near future.
You can be anything in the world as long as you put your mind to it. Even if it’s not family, supportive connections and caring adults can come from anywhere. Don’t let the foster care system define you. Allow people to see how unique you are. Getting involved with your community will provide opportunities to excel. The supportive people in my life empowered me to be better. The same thing can happen to you — just trust the process.
