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Being in foster care is hard. This is an important time when us kids are growing up but we have to move a lot and never really know if we really are staying at a home or for how long. Unpredictability is really hard. I wasn't used to living the way that foster parents lived their lives and being around new people all the time in their home. It was scary. Sometimes I wasn't even sure what town I was in that night. The foster parents that took their time to explain what may seem like simple things, like what food was available for snacks or showed me around the neighborhood was always appreciated and helpful. Feeling connected takes time. Be as supportive as you can without  pushing boundaries. 

Without my foster parents I don't know if I could have gotten through 12th grade. In my last placement I thought my life was over but they stayed committed to me. I am thankful to those foster parents, they didn't give up on me so I know I can't give up on myself. 

I had a mentor that spent time with me and when I was on track, we went to do  fun things. If I wasn't on track, they still showed up but we would focus on how to get back on track, which taught me discipline. After foster care I still stay in contact with my mentor and it shows how impactful someone can be, even if they aren't a huge part of a youth's life story.