Good evening! My name is Michelle Jaimes; I am currently in the foster system. I have been in DCFS since 2019. DCFS has been in and out of my life as a little girl. This was due to child endangerment, neglect, and abuse. However, I was never taken out of the home. Until one day, I was finally put into the system due to sexual exploration done by my guardian. My mother had signed over her rights to a woman named Sheila, who would one day traffick me for her personal use. After being rescued by FBI agents, I was then placed in a residential called Cherish House. This program is run by an organization called Reclaim13. Reclaim13 is committed to freeing children from sexual exploitation. I was at Cherish House for two and half years, until I turned eighteen. I then was transferred to the adult program called Courage House. My experience with foster care has shown me that education is truly important. That I can dream big and small; however, without education along my side I am unable to help those around me with knowledge. I plan to help those in the foster system by providing them with hope. Hope seems small to many but to others, it can mean everything. For instance, when coming to the Cherish House, I was filled with fear. But if I had a mentor to look up to who experienced the foster care system like me my worry would have faded a lot less. This would be due to hope. By having, hope that I can become like that man or woman. That I can overcome obstacles; and challenges just like them. I hope to one day be that difference in a child's life. That I can guide them positivley with my education and mentorship.