From Darkness to a Symbol of Hope

At age 15, after periods of family struggles and homelessness, I was placed into foster care through Children’s Protective Services. After I was placed in a group home in Orange County, I went to a family who adopted me. I applied myself and was able to graduate from high school. I knew I wanted to continue with higher education, but my journey to college wasn’t easy. There were so many challenges.

While dealing with some personal problems at home, I enrolled in introductory courses in July of 2022 at Cerritos College. It was during this time that I met with my college counselor to discuss my fall classes. He asked me if I was ever in foster care. When I told him, “Yes,” he informed me about the LINC/Nextup program and how to apply online.

The Linc/Nextup Program and Youth Engagement Project (YEP)

The goals of the LINC/Nextup program are to improve college access for current and former foster youth, increase retention and college graduation rates, support success, and to provide opportunities and resources.

When the Fall semester began, while still adjusting to college (including learning my surroundings and meeting new people), the LINC/Nextup program assisted me with tutoring services and workshops that helped me make my own decisions regarding my college experience and educational plan.

While my fall semester grades were not satisfactory, with the help of these workshops, I improved my study habits, note-taking, budgeting and time management skills. I also learned about self-care, including journaling and how that supports my mental health.

The LINC/Nextup program also assigned me a counselor who assisted me with finding a job. I applied and interviewed for a few jobs, including a youth ambassador position with the Youth Engagement Project (YEP). This position piqued my interest, as YEP was looking for passionate youth with lived experience in foster care hoping to give back to their community and make a difference. My counselor helped me fill out the application, prepare for my interview, and… I got the job!

Shortly after, I was hired as an ambassador with the LINC/Nextup program. In this role, I assist with planning college student engagement events, like Welcome Back Game Night, Friendsgiving, and Laser Tag. I also spoke on a panel for the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), where I shared my goals and challenges in pursuing higher education, including homelessness and school transfers in my younger years. Now, I visit various high schools to encourage foster youth to join LINC/Nextup when they enroll because it will help them connect with other youth and counselors and learn about a variety of educational opportunities.

YEP has helped me develop my public speaking skills and gain confidence through giving various presentations and workshops for schools, organizations, training programs and, most recently, at UC Davis. This also helps me with my political science major. I have been able to strengthen my skills to be transparent and consistent with my work, take on responsibilities, be flexible and inclusive, contribute to decisions and advocate for myself. I feel valued and respected, and believe I am able to use my voice.

Chafee Grant

Earlier this year with YEP, I was on a panel for Chafee Grant stakeholders, where I also shared my experience utilizing the grant and how it helps me pay for my tuition and books, academic supplies and helps me to buy hygiene products. The most beneficial part of receiving the grant is being able to purchase bus passes to get to and from campus. The Chafee Grant also covered a new laptop and wi-fi hotspot for me to use for college.

Giving Back

I'm passionate about giving back to the community and making a difference representing LINC/Nextup and YEP to help foster youth by equipping them with the essential life skills necessary for their transition out of the foster care system. There are people who care about them and want them to succeed, and I am able to reassure them that they are not alone on this journey. I want to encourage foster youth pursuing higher education to do what they love and to push forward and through obstacles and challenges on the path to victory. 

The Future

I have started writing a biography in the hopes of inspiring others. I am still in college, looking to graduate next year. After graduation, I hope to apply for various internships, such as working as a legislative aide, a specialist in intelligence research (FBI), working on political campaigns, etc. These opportunities will assist me in my career development. I plan to go on to get my master’s degree as well.

I encourage all current and former foster youth who are passionate about finding and using their voice to make a difference to look into the LINC/Nextup program on their campus and the Youth Engagement Project (YEP). Many opportunities await, and you won’t be disappointed!