My path to college was never going to be straightforward—spending years in group homes and hospitals caused me to miss out on the opportunities my peers had. This did not deter me. I am now a Behavioral Health & Child Welfare activist making systemic changes based on my experiences as a kid in those systems. My dream is to achieve my Master's in Public Policy and work in leadership to change the places I grew up in for the better. I am currently a consultant with the New Jersey Department of Children & Families (DCF), expanding on my work as an inaugural member of the DCF Youth Council. I also was instrumental in the creation, lobbying, and passage of the NJ Sibling Bill of Rights and reviewed proposals for a $1.4 million grant, developing a peer-to-peer mentoring program for foster youth. The work I spearheaded continues to change the lives of youth affected by child-serving systems across the state. With the help of scholarships I'll be able to continue my advocacy on a national level.