I come from a very, very poor family that was highly dysfunctional, with mental health challenges, alcohol, and drug addictions. I was first put into foster care at age 10 months due mostly to neglect. I was back and forth between my bio-parents and the foster care system until 5 years old. At age 5, I was permanently removed from my family along with my two brothers and one sister. By age 7, my siblings and I had all been separated, and my bio-parents' parental rights were terminated. My siblings were all adopted out separately within one year of the parental rights being terminated. I was not as fortunate; I was in foster care until age 17.5 years of age. I was in 14 different families, 14 different schools and 3 group homes before finding my forever family at age 14. I was adopted by a loving older couple at age 17.5. Here is a link to an article about my adoption. https://www.newstimes.com/local/article/We-are-you-and-you-are-now-us-How-a-16005641.php, and here is a TV interview about it. https://www.wtnh.com/on-air/connecticut-families/you-are-now-us-teen-finds-forever-home-with-60-year-old-adopted-parents-in-new-milford/ I spent over 5,000 days in foster care. None of my bio-family ever attended college; most did not even finish high school. When I found my forever family (originally my last set of foster parents who became my adoptive parents), I was so angry, confused, and shut down. Through a lot of therapy and much love from my forever parents, I learned to trust, love, and see the possibilities of what I could achieve. Because they believed in and loved me, I was able to heal and believe in myself. Going to college and getting a degree means the world to me. It will not only help assure my financial stability, provide me opportunities I never even dreamed of before, but it will also allow me to give back to children like myself. I am currently in college, Arcadia University in Glenside, PA. I am studying psychology to become a psychologist or licensed social worker who works with long-term foster children. I wish to continue to pursue my psychology degree to obtain not only a BS but eventually an MS in psychology. My long-term goal is to become a therapist or licensed social worker specializing in helping long-term foster children. Eventually, I hope to rise in the field and be able to make an impact on the institutional and government levels to help improve laws, conditions, and experiences of foster children nationwide. Most of all, I will be ending the cycle of trauma, abuse, and neglect that I come from and my bio-family has experienced for generations. College, along with the love, support, and all the mental health support my forever family provided me, is key to being able to break this cycle. I hope you will help me and award me this scholarship. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship.

I come from a very, very poor family that was highly dysfunctional, with mental health challenges, alcohol, and drug addictions. I was first put into foster care at age 10 months due mostly to neglect. I was back and forth between my bio-parents and the foster care system until 5 years old. At age 5, I was permanently removed from my family along with my two brothers and one sister. By age 7, my siblings and I had all been separated, and my bio-parents' parental rights were terminated. My siblings were all adopted out separately within one year of the parental rights being terminated. I was not as fortunate; I was in foster care until age 17.5 years of age. I was in 14 different families, 14 different schools and 3 group homes before finding my forever family at age 14. I was adopted by a loving older couple at age 17.5. Here is a link to an article about my adoption. https://www.newstimes.com/local/article/We-are-you-and-you-are-now-us-How-a-16005641.php, and here is a TV interview about it. https://www.wtnh.com/on-air/connecticut-families/you-are-now-us-teen-finds-forever-home-with-60-year-old-adopted-parents-in-new-milford/ I spent over 5,000 days in foster care. None of my bio-family ever attended college; most did not even finish high school. When I found my forever family (originally my last set of foster parents who became my adoptive parents), I was so angry, confused, and shut down. Through a lot of therapy and much love from my forever parents, I learned to trust, love, and see the possibilities of what I could achieve. Because they believed in and loved me, I was able to heal and believe in myself. Going to college and getting a degree means the world to me. It will not only help assure my financial stability, provide me opportunities I never even dreamed of before, but it will also allow me to give back to children like myself. I am currently in college, Arcadia University in Glenside, PA. I am studying psychology to become a psychologist or licensed social worker who works with long-term foster children. I wish to continue to pursue my psychology degree to obtain not only a BS but eventually an MS in psychology. My long-term goal is to become a therapist or licensed social worker specializing in helping long-term foster children. Eventually, I hope to rise in the field and be able to make an impact on the institutional and government levels to help improve laws, conditions, and experiences of foster children nationwide. Most of all, I will be ending the cycle of trauma, abuse, and neglect that I come from and my bio-family has experienced for generations. College, along with the love, support, and all the mental health support my forever family provided me, is key to being able to break this cycle. I hope you will help me and award me this scholarship. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship.

I come from a very, very poor family that was highly dysfunctional, with mental health challenges, alcohol, and drug addictions. I was first put into foster care at age 10 months due mostly to neglect. I was back and forth between my bio-parents and the foster care system until 5 years old. At age 5, I was permanently removed from my family along with my two brothers and one sister. By age 7, my siblings and I had all been separated, and my bio-parents' parental rights were terminated. My siblings were all adopted out separately within one year of the parental rights being terminated. I was not as fortunate; I was in foster care until age 17.5 years of age. I was in 14 different families, 14 different schools and 3 group homes before finding my forever family at age 14. I was adopted by a loving older couple at age 17.5. Here is a link to an article about my adoption. https://www.newstimes.com/local/article/We-are-you-and-you-are-now-us-How-a-16005641.php, and here is a TV interview about it. https://www.wtnh.com/on-air/connecticut-families/you-are-now-us-teen-finds-forever-home-with-60-year-old-adopted-parents-in-new-milford/ I spent over 5,000 days in foster care. None of my bio-family ever attended college; most did not even finish high school. When I found my forever family (originally my last set of foster parents who became my adoptive parents), I was so angry, confused, and shut down. Through a lot of therapy and much love from my forever parents, I learned to trust, love, and see the possibilities of what I could achieve. Because they believed in and loved me, I was able to heal and believe in myself. Going to college and getting a degree means the world to me. It will not only help assure my financial stability, provide me opportunities I never even dreamed of before, but it will also allow me to give back to children like myself. I am currently in college, Arcadia University in Glenside, PA. I am studying psychology to become a psychologist or licensed social worker who works with long-term foster children. I wish to continue to pursue my psychology degree to obtain not only a BS but eventually an MS in psychology. My long-term goal is to become a therapist or licensed social worker specializing in helping long-term foster children. Eventually, I hope to rise in the field and be able to make an impact on the institutional and government levels to help improve laws, conditions, and experiences of foster children nationwide. Most of all, I will be ending the cycle of trauma, abuse, and neglect that I come from and my bio-family has experienced for generations. College, along with the love, support, and all the mental health support my forever family provided me, is key to being able to break this cycle. I hope you will help me and award me this scholarship. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship.

I come from a very, very poor family that was highly dysfunctional, with mental health challenges, alcohol, and drug addictions. I was first put into foster care at age 10 months due mostly to neglect. I was back and forth between my bio-parents and the foster care system until 5 years old. At age 5, I was permanently removed from my family along with my two brothers and one sister. By age 7, my siblings and I had all been separated, and my bio-parents' parental rights were terminated. My siblings were all adopted out separately within one year of the parental rights being terminated. I was not as fortunate; I was in foster care until age 17.5 years of age. I was in 14 different families, 14 different schools and 3 group homes before finding my forever family at age 14. I was adopted by a loving older couple at age 17.5. Here is a link to an article about my adoption. https://www.newstimes.com/local/article/We-are-you-and-you-are-now-us-How-a-16005641.php, and here is a TV interview about it. https://www.wtnh.com/on-air/connecticut-families/you-are-now-us-teen-finds-forever-home-with-60-year-old-adopted-parents-in-new-milford/ I spent over 5,000 days in foster care. None of my bio-family ever attended college; most did not even finish high school. When I found my forever family (originally my last set of foster parents who became my adoptive parents), I was so angry, confused, and shut down. Through a lot of therapy and much love from my forever parents, I learned to trust, love, and see the possibilities of what I could achieve. Because they believed in and loved me, I was able to heal and believe in myself. Going to college and getting a degree means the world to me. It will not only help assure my financial stability, provide me opportunities I never even dreamed of before, but it will also allow me to give back to children like myself. I am currently in college, Arcadia University in Glenside, PA. I am studying psychology to become a psychologist or licensed social worker who works with long-term foster children. I wish to continue to pursue my psychology degree to obtain not only a BS but eventually an MS in psychology. My long-term goal is to become a therapist or licensed social worker specializing in helping long-term foster children. Eventually, I hope to rise in the field and be able to make an impact on the institutional and government levels to help improve laws, conditions, and experiences of foster children nationwide. Most of all, I will be ending the cycle of trauma, abuse, and neglect that I come from and my bio-family has experienced for generations. College, along with the love, support, and all the mental health support my forever family provided me, is key to being able to break this cycle. I hope you will help me and award me this scholarship. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship.

I come from a very, very poor family that was highly dysfunctional, with mental health challenges, alcohol, and drug addictions. I was first put into foster care at age 10 months due mostly to neglect. I was back and forth between my bio-parents and the foster care system until 5 years old. At age 5, I was permanently removed from my family along with my two brothers and one sister. By age 7, my siblings and I had all been separated, and my bio-parents' parental rights were terminated. My siblings were all adopted out separately within one year of the parental rights being terminated. I was not as fortunate; I was in foster care until age 17.5 years of age. I was in 14 different families, 14 different schools and 3 group homes before finding my forever family at age 14. I was adopted by a loving older couple at age 17.5. Here is a link to an article about my adoption. https://www.newstimes.com/local/article/We-are-you-and-you-are-now-us-How-a-16005641.php, and here is a TV interview about it. https://www.wtnh.com/on-air/connecticut-families/you-are-now-us-teen-finds-forever-home-with-60-year-old-adopted-parents-in-new-milford/ I spent over 5,000 days in foster care. None of my bio-family ever attended college; most did not even finish high school. When I found my forever family (originally my last set of foster parents who became my adoptive parents), I was so angry, confused, and shut down. Through a lot of therapy and much love from my forever parents, I learned to trust, love, and see the possibilities of what I could achieve. Because they believed in and loved me, I was able to heal and believe in myself. Going to college and getting a degree means the world to me. It will not only help assure my financial stability, provide me opportunities I never even dreamed of before, but it will also allow me to give back to children like myself. I am currently in college, Arcadia University in Glenside, PA. I am studying psychology to become a psychologist or licensed social worker who works with long-term foster children. I wish to continue to pursue my psychology degree to obtain not only a BS but eventually an MS in psychology. My long-term goal is to become a therapist or licensed social worker specializing in helping long-term foster children. Eventually, I hope to rise in the field and be able to make an impact on the institutional and government levels to help improve laws, conditions, and experiences of foster children nationwide. Most of all, I will be ending the cycle of trauma, abuse, and neglect that I come from and my bio-family has experienced for generations. College, along with the love, support, and all the mental health support my forever family provided me, is key to being able to break this cycle. I hope you will help me and award me this scholarship. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship.

I come from a very, very poor family that was highly dysfunctional, with mental health challenges, alcohol, and drug addictions. I was first put into foster care at age 10 months due mostly to neglect. I was back and forth between my bio-parents and the foster care system until 5 years old. At age 5, I was permanently removed from my family along with my two brothers and one sister. By age 7, my siblings and I had all been separated, and my bio-parents' parental rights were terminated. My siblings were all adopted out separately within one year of the parental rights being terminated. I was not as fortunate; I was in foster care until age 17.5 years of age. I was in 14 different families, 14 different schools and 3 group homes before finding my forever family at age 14. I was adopted by a loving older couple at age 17.5. Here is a link to an article about my adoption. https://www.newstimes.com/local/article/We-are-you-and-you-are-now-us-How-a-16005641.php, and here is a TV interview about it. https://www.wtnh.com/on-air/connecticut-families/you-are-now-us-teen-finds-forever-home-with-60-year-old-adopted-parents-in-new-milford/ I spent over 5,000 days in foster care. None of my bio-family ever attended college; most did not even finish high school. When I found my forever family (originally my last set of foster parents who became my adoptive parents), I was so angry, confused, and shut down. Through a lot of therapy and much love from my forever parents, I learned to trust, love, and see the possibilities of what I could achieve. Because they believed in and loved me, I was able to heal and believe in myself. Going to college and getting a degree means the world to me. It will not only help assure my financial stability, provide me opportunities I never even dreamed of before, but it will also allow me to give back to children like myself. I am currently in college, Arcadia University in Glenside, PA. I am studying psychology to become a psychologist or licensed social worker who works with long-term foster children. I wish to continue to pursue my psychology degree to obtain not only a BS but eventually an MS in psychology. My long-term goal is to become a therapist or licensed social worker specializing in helping long-term foster children. Eventually, I hope to rise in the field and be able to make an impact on the institutional and government levels to help improve laws, conditions, and experiences of foster children nationwide. Most of all, I will be ending the cycle of trauma, abuse, and neglect that I come from and my bio-family has experienced for generations. College, along with the love, support, and all the mental health support my forever family provided me, is key to being able to break this cycle. I hope you will help me and award me this scholarship. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship.

I come from a very, very poor family that was highly dysfunctional, with mental health challenges, alcohol, and drug addictions. I was first put into foster care at age 10 months due mostly to neglect. I was back and forth between my bio-parents and the foster care system until 5 years old. At age 5, I was permanently removed from my family along with my two brothers and one sister. By age 7, my siblings and I had all been separated, and my bio-parents' parental rights were terminated. My siblings were all adopted out separately within one year of the parental rights being terminated. I was not as fortunate; I was in foster care until age 17.5 years of age. I was in 14 different families, 14 different schools and 3 group homes before finding my forever family at age 14. I was adopted by a loving older couple at age 17.5. Here is a link to an article about my adoption. https://www.newstimes.com/local/article/We-are-you-and-you-are-now-us-How-a-16005641.php, and here is a TV interview about it. https://www.wtnh.com/on-air/connecticut-families/you-are-now-us-teen-finds-forever-home-with-60-year-old-adopted-parents-in-new-milford/ I spent over 5,000 days in foster care. None of my bio-family ever attended college; most did not even finish high school. When I found my forever family (originally my last set of foster parents who became my adoptive parents), I was so angry, confused, and shut down. Through a lot of therapy and much love from my forever parents, I learned to trust, love, and see the possibilities of what I could achieve. Because they believed in and loved me, I was able to heal and believe in myself. Going to college and getting a degree means the world to me. It will not only help assure my financial stability, provide me opportunities I never even dreamed of before, but it will also allow me to give back to children like myself. I am currently in college, Arcadia University in Glenside, PA. I am studying psychology to become a psychologist or licensed social worker who works with long-term foster children. I wish to continue to pursue my psychology degree to obtain not only a BS but eventually an MS in psychology. My long-term goal is to become a therapist or licensed social worker specializing in helping long-term foster children. Eventually, I hope to rise in the field and be able to make an impact on the institutional and government levels to help improve laws, conditions, and experiences of foster children nationwide. Most of all, I will be ending the cycle of trauma, abuse, and neglect that I come from and my bio-family has experienced for generations. College, along with the love, support, and all the mental health support my forever family provided me, is key to being able to break this cycle. I hope you will help me and award me this scholarship. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship.

I come from a very, very poor family that was highly dysfunctional, with mental health challenges, alcohol, and drug addictions. I was first put into foster care at age 10 months due mostly to neglect. I was back and forth between my bio-parents and the foster care system until 5 years old. At age 5, I was permanently removed from my family along with my two brothers and one sister. By age 7, my siblings and I had all been separated, and my bio-parents' parental rights were terminated. My siblings were all adopted out separately within one year of the parental rights being terminated. I was not as fortunate; I was in foster care until age 17.5 years of age. I was in 14 different families, 14 different schools and 3 group homes before finding my forever family at age 14. I was adopted by a loving older couple at age 17.5. Here is a link to an article about my adoption. https://www.newstimes.com/local/article/We-are-you-and-you-are-now-us-How-a-16005641.php, and here is a TV interview about it. https://www.wtnh.com/on-air/connecticut-families/you-are-now-us-teen-finds-forever-home-with-60-year-old-adopted-parents-in-new-milford/ I spent over 5,000 days in foster care. None of my bio-family ever attended college; most did not even finish high school. When I found my forever family (originally my last set of foster parents who became my adoptive parents), I was so angry, confused, and shut down. Through a lot of therapy and much love from my forever parents, I learned to trust, love, and see the possibilities of what I could achieve. Because they believed in and loved me, I was able to heal and believe in myself. Going to college and getting a degree means the world to me. It will not only help assure my financial stability, provide me opportunities I never even dreamed of before, but it will also allow me to give back to children like myself. I am currently in college, Arcadia University in Glenside, PA. I am studying psychology to become a psychologist or licensed social worker who works with long-term foster children. I wish to continue to pursue my psychology degree to obtain not only a BS but eventually an MS in psychology. My long-term goal is to become a therapist or licensed social worker specializing in helping long-term foster children. Eventually, I hope to rise in the field and be able to make an impact on the institutional and government levels to help improve laws, conditions, and experiences of foster children nationwide. Most of all, I will be ending the cycle of trauma, abuse, and neglect that I come from and my bio-family has experienced for generations. College, along with the love, support, and all the mental health support my forever family provided me, is key to being able to break this cycle. I hope you will help me and award me this scholarship. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship.

I come from a very, very poor family that was highly dysfunctional, with mental health challenges, alcohol, and drug addictions. I was first put into foster care at age 10 months due mostly to neglect. I was back and forth between my bio-parents and the foster care system until 5 years old. At age 5, I was permanently removed from my family along with my two brothers and one sister. By age 7, my siblings and I had all been separated, and my bio-parents' parental rights were terminated. My siblings were all adopted out separately within one year of the parental rights being terminated. I was not as fortunate; I was in foster care until age 17.5 years of age. I was in 14 different families, 14 schools and 3 group homes before finding my forever family at age 14. I was adopted by a loving older couple at age 17.5. Here is a link to an article about my adoption. https://www.newstimes.com/local/article/We-are-you-and-you-are-now-us-How-a-16005641.php I spent over 5,000 days in foster care. None of my bio-family ever attended college; most did not even finish high school. When I found my forever family (originally my last set of foster parents who became my adoptive parents), I was so angry, confused, and shut down. Through a lot of therapy and much love from my forever parents, I learned to trust, love, and see the possibilities of what I could achieve. Because they believed in and loved me, I was able to heal and believe in myself. Going to college and getting a degree means the world to me. It will not only help assure my financial stability, provide me opportunities I never even dreamed of before, but it will also allow me to give back to children like myself.

I come from a very, very poor family that was highly dysfunctional, with mental health challenges, alcohol, and drug addictions. I was first put into foster care at age 10 months due mostly to neglect. I was back and forth between my bio-parents and the foster care system until 5 years old. At age 5, I was permanently removed from my family along with my two brothers and one sister. By age 7, my siblings and I had all been separated, and my bio-parents' parental rights were terminated. My siblings were all adopted out separately within one year of the parental rights being terminated. I was not as fortunate; I was in foster care until age 17.5 years of age. I was in 14 different families and 3 group homes before finding my forever family at age 14. I was adopted by a loving older couple at age 17.5. Here is a link to an article about my adoption. https://www.newstimes.com/local/article/We-are-you-and-you-are-now-us-How-a-16005641.php, and here is a TV interview about it. https://www.wtnh.com/on-air/connecticut-families/you-are-now-us-teen-finds-forever-home-with-60-year-old-adopted-parents-in-new-milford/ I spent over 5,000 days in foster care. None of my bio-family ever attended college; most did not even finish high school. When I found my forever family (originally my last set of foster parents who became my adoptive parents), I was so angry, confused, and shut down. Through a lot of therapy and much love from my forever parents, I learned to trust, love, and see the possibilities of what I could achieve. Because they believed in and loved me, I was able to heal and believe in myself. Going to college and getting a degree means the world to me. It will not only help assure my financial stability, provide me opportunities I never even dreamed of before, but it will also allow me to give back to children like myself. I am currently in college, Arcadia University in Glenside, PA. I am studying psychology to become a psychologist or licensed social worker who works with long-term foster children. I wish to continue to pursue my psychology degree to obtain not only a BS but eventually an MS in psychology. My long-term goal is to become a therapist or licensed social worker specializing in helping long-term foster children. Eventually, I hope to rise in the field and be able to make an impact on the institutional and government levels to help improve laws, conditions, and experiences of foster children nationwide. Most of all, I will be ending the cycle of trauma, abuse, and neglect that I come from and my bio-family has experienced for generations. College, along with the love, support, and all the mental health support my forever family provided me, is key to being able to break this cycle. I hope you will help me and award me this scholarship. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship.

I come from a very, very poor family that was highly dysfunctional, with mental health challenges, alcohol, and drug addictions. I was first put into foster care at age 10 months due mostly to neglect. I was back and forth between my bio-parents and the foster care system until 5 years old. At age 5, I was permanently removed from my family along with my two brothers and one sister. By age 7, my siblings and I had all been separated, and my bio-parents' parental rights were terminated. My siblings were all adopted out separately within one year of the parental rights being terminated. I was not as fortunate; I was in foster care until age 17.5 years of age. I was in 14 different families and 3 group homes before finding my forever family at age 14. I was adopted by a loving older couple at age 17.5. Here is a link to an article about my adoption. https://www.newstimes.com/local/article/We-are-you-and-you-are-now-us-How-a-16005641.php, and here is a TV interview about it. https://www.wtnh.com/on-air/connecticut-families/you-are-now-us-teen-finds-forever-home-with-60-year-old-adopted-parents-in-new-milford/ I spent over 5,000 days in foster care. None of my bio-family ever attended college; most did not even finish high school. When I found my forever family (originally my last set of foster parents who became my adoptive parents), I was so angry, confused, and shut down. Through a lot of therapy and much love from my forever parents, I learned to trust, love, and see the possibilities of what I could achieve. Because they believed in and loved me, I was able to heal and believe in myself. Going to college and getting a degree means the world to me. It will not only help assure my financial stability, provide me opportunities I never even dreamed of before, but it will also allow me to give back to children like myself. I am currently in college, Arcadia University in Glenside, PA. I am studying psychology to become a psychologist or licensed social worker who works with long-term foster children. I wish to continue to pursue my psychology degree to obtain not only a BS but eventually an MS in psychology. My long-term goal is to become a therapist or licensed social worker specializing in helping long-term foster children. Eventually, I hope to rise in the field and be able to make an impact on the institutional and government levels to help improve laws, conditions, and experiences of foster children nationwide. Most of all, I will be ending the cycle of trauma, abuse, and neglect that I come from and my bio-family has experienced for generations. College, along with the love, support, and all the mental health support my forever family provided me, is key to being able to break this cycle. I hope you will help me and award me this scholarship. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship.

I come from a very, very poor family that was highly dysfunctional, with mental health challenges, alcohol, and drug addictions. I was first put into foster care at age 10 months due mostly to neglect. I was back and forth between my bio-parents and the foster care system until 5 years old. At age 5, I was permanently removed from my family along with my two brothers and one sister. By age 7, my siblings and I had all been separated, and my bio-parents' parental rights were terminated. My siblings were all adopted out separately within one year of the parental rights being terminated. I was not as fortunate; I was in foster care until age 17.5 years of age. I was in 14 different families and 3 group homes before finding my forever family at age 14. I was adopted by a loving older couple at age 17.5. Here is a link to an article about my adoption. https://www.newstimes.com/local/article/We-are-you-and-you-are-now-us-How-a-16005641.php, and here is a TV interview about it. https://www.wtnh.com/on-air/connecticut-families/you-are-now-us-teen-finds-forever-home-with-60-year-old-adopted-parents-in-new-milford/ I spent over 5,000 days in foster care. None of my bio-family ever attended college; most did not even finish high school. When I found my forever family (originally my last set of foster parents who became my adoptive parents), I was so angry, confused, and shut down. Through a lot of therapy and much love from my forever parents, I learned to trust, love, and see the possibilities of what I could achieve. Because they believed in and loved me, I was able to heal and believe in myself. Going to college and getting a degree means the world to me. It will not only help assure my financial stability, provide me opportunities I never even dreamed of before, but it will also allow me to give back to children like myself. I am currently in college, Arcadia University in Glenside, PA. I am studying psychology to become a psychologist or licensed social worker who works with long-term foster children. I wish to continue to pursue my psychology degree to obtain not only a BS but eventually an MS in psychology. My long-term goal is to become a therapist or licensed social worker specializing in helping long-term foster children. Eventually, I hope to rise in the field and be able to make an impact on the institutional and government levels to help improve laws, conditions, and experiences of foster children nationwide. Most of all, I will be ending the cycle of trauma, abuse, and neglect that I come from and my bio-family has experienced for generations. College, along with the love, support, and all the mental health support my forever family provided me, is key to being able to break this cycle. I hope you will help me and award me this scholarship. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship.

I come from a very, very poor family that was highly dysfunctional, with mental health challenges, alcohol, and drug addictions. I was first put into foster care at age 10 months due mostly to neglect. I was back and forth between my bio-parents and the foster care system until 5 years old. At age 5, I was permanently removed from my family along with my two brothers and one sister. By age 7, my siblings and I had all been separated, and my bio-parents' parental rights were terminated. My siblings were all adopted out separately within one year of the parental rights being terminated. I was not as fortunate; I was in foster care until age 17.5 years of age. I was in 14 different families and 3 group homes before finding my forever family at age 14. I was adopted by a loving older couple at age 17.5. Here is a link to an article about my adoption. https://www.newstimes.com/local/article/We-are-you-and-you-are-now-us-How-a-16005641.php, and here is a TV interview about it. https://www.wtnh.com/on-air/connecticut-families/you-are-now-us-teen-finds-forever-home-with-60-year-old-adopted-parents-in-new-milford/ I spent over 5,000 days in foster care. None of my bio-family ever attended college; most did not even finish high school. When I found my forever family (originally my last set of foster parents who became my adoptive parents), I was so angry, confused, and shut down. Through a lot of therapy and much love from my forever parents, I learned to trust, love, and see the possibilities of what I could achieve. Because they believed in and loved me, I was able to heal and believe in myself. Going to college and getting a degree means the world to me. It will not only help assure my financial stability, provide me opportunities I never even dreamed of before, but it will also allow me to give back to children like myself. I am currently in college, Arcadia University in Glenside, PA. I am studying psychology to become a psychologist or licensed social worker who works with long-term foster children. I wish to continue to pursue my psychology degree to obtain not only a BS but eventually an MS in psychology. My long-term goal is to become a therapist or licensed social worker specializing in helping long-term foster children. Eventually, I hope to rise in the field and be able to make an impact on the institutional and government levels to help improve laws, conditions, and experiences of foster children nationwide. Most of all, I will be ending the cycle of trauma, abuse, and neglect that I come from and my bio-family has experienced for generations. College, along with the love, support, and all the mental health support my forever family provided me, is key to being able to break this cycle. I hope you will help me and award me this scholarship. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship.

I come from a very, very poor family that was highly dysfunctional, with mental health challenges, alcohol, and drug addictions. I was first put into foster care at age 10 months due mostly to neglect. I was back and forth between my bio-parents and the foster care system until 5 years old. At age 5, I was permanently removed from my family along with my two brothers and one sister. By age 7, my siblings and I had all been separated, and my bio-parents' parental rights were terminated. My siblings were all adopted out separately within one year of the parental rights being terminated. I was not as fortunate; I was in foster care until age 17.5 years of age. I was in 14 different families and 3 group homes before finding my forever family at age 14. I was adopted by a loving older couple at age 17.5. Here is a link to an article about my adoption. https://www.newstimes.com/local/article/We-are-you-and-you-are-now-us-How-a-16005641.php, and here is a TV interview about it. https://www.wtnh.com/on-air/connecticut-families/you-are-now-us-teen-finds-forever-home-with-60-year-old-adopted-parents-in-new-milford/ I spent over 5,000 days in foster care. None of my bio-family ever attended college; most did not even finish high school. When I found my forever family (originally my last set of foster parents who became my adoptive parents), I was so angry, confused, and shut down. Through a lot of therapy and much love from my forever parents, I learned to trust, love, and see the possibilities of what I could achieve. Because they believed in and loved me, I was able to heal and believe in myself. Going to college and getting a degree means the world to me. It will not only help assure my financial stability, provide me opportunities I never even dreamed of before, but it will also allow me to give back to children like myself. I am currently in college, Arcadia University in Glenside, PA. I am studying psychology to become a psychologist or licensed social worker who works with long-term foster children. I wish to continue to pursue my psychology degree to obtain not only a BS but eventually an MS in psychology. My long-term goal is to become a therapist or licensed social worker specializing in helping long-term foster children. Eventually, I hope to rise in the field and be able to make an impact on the institutional and government levels to help improve laws, conditions, and experiences of foster children nationwide. Most of all, I will be ending the cycle of trauma, abuse, and neglect that I come from and my bio-family has experienced for generations. College, along with the love, support, and all the mental health support my forever family provided me, is key to being able to break this cycle. I hope you will help me and award me this scholarship. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship.

I come from a very, very poor family that was highly dysfunctional, with mental health challenges, alcohol, and drug addictions. I was first put into foster care at age 10 months due mostly to neglect. I was back and forth between my bio-parents and the foster care system until 5 years old. At age 5, I was permanently removed from my family along with my two brothers and one sister. By age 7, my siblings and I had all been separated, and my bio-parents' parental rights were terminated. My siblings were all adopted out separately within one year of the parental rights being terminated. I was not as fortunate; I was in foster care until age 17.5 years of age. I was in 14 different families and 3 group homes before finding my forever family at age 14. I was adopted by a loving older couple at age 17.5. Here is a link to an article about my adoption. https://www.newstimes.com/local/article/We-are-you-and-you-are-now-us-How-a-16005641.php, and here is a TV interview about it. https://www.wtnh.com/on-air/connecticut-families/you-are-now-us-teen-finds-forever-home-with-60-year-old-adopted-parents-in-new-milford/ I spent over 5,000 days in foster care. None of my bio-family ever attended college; most did not even finish high school. When I found my forever family (originally my last set of foster parents who became my adoptive parents), I was so angry, confused, and shut down. Through a lot of therapy and much love from my forever parents, I learned to trust, love, and see the possibilities of what I could achieve. Because they believed in and loved me, I was able to heal and believe in myself. Going to college and getting a degree means the world to me. It will not only help assure my financial stability, provide me opportunities I never even dreamed of before, but it will also allow me to give back to children like myself. I am currently in college, Arcadia University in Glenside, PA. I am studying psychology to become a psychologist or licensed social worker who works with long-term foster children. I wish to continue to pursue my psychology degree to obtain not only a BS but eventually an MS in psychology. My long-term goal is to become a therapist or licensed social worker specializing in helping long-term foster children. Eventually, I hope to rise in the field and be able to make an impact on the institutional and government levels to help improve laws, conditions, and experiences of foster children nationwide. Most of all, I will be ending the cycle of trauma, abuse, and neglect that I come from and my bio-family has experienced for generations. College, along with the love, support, and all the mental health support my forever family provided me, is key to being able to break this cycle. I hope you will help me and award me this scholarship. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship.

I come from a very, very poor family that was highly dysfunctional, with mental health challenges, alcohol, and drug addictions. I was first put into foster care at age 10 months due mostly to neglect. I was back and forth between my bio-parents and the foster care system until 5 years old. At age 5, I was permanently removed from my family along with my two brothers and one sister. By age 7, my siblings and I had all been separated, and my bio-parents' parental rights were terminated. My siblings were all adopted out separately within one year of the parental rights being terminated. I was not as fortunate; I was in foster care until age 17.5 years of age. I was in 14 different families and 3 group homes before finding my forever family at age 14. I was adopted by a loving older couple at age 17.5. Here is a link to an article about my adoption. https://www.newstimes.com/local/article/We-are-you-and-you-are-now-us-How-a-16005641.php, and here is a TV interview about it. https://www.wtnh.com/on-air/connecticut-families/you-are-now-us-teen-finds-forever-home-with-60-year-old-adopted-parents-in-new-milford/ I spent over 5,000 days in foster care. None of my bio-family ever attended college; most did not even finish high school. When I found my forever family (originally my last set of foster parents who became my adoptive parents), I was so angry, confused, and shut down. Through a lot of therapy and much love from my forever parents, I learned to trust, love, and see the possibilities of what I could achieve. Because they believed in and loved me, I was able to heal and believe in myself. Going to college and getting a degree means the world to me. It will not only help assure my financial stability, provide me opportunities I never even dreamed of before, but it will also allow me to give back to children like myself. I am currently in college, Arcadia University in Glenside, PA. I am studying psychology to become a psychologist or licensed social worker who works with long-term foster children. I wish to continue to pursue my psychology degree to obtain not only a BS but eventually an MS in psychology. My long-term goal is to become a therapist or licensed social worker specializing in helping long-term foster children. Eventually, I hope to rise in the field and be able to make an impact on the institutional and government levels to help improve laws, conditions, and experiences of foster children nationwide. Most of all, I will be ending the cycle of trauma, abuse, and neglect that I come from and my bio-family has experienced for generations. College, along with the love, support, and all the mental health support my forever family provided me, is key to being able to break this cycle. I hope you will help me and award me this scholarship. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship.

I come from a very, very poor family that was highly dysfunctional, with mental health challenges, alcohol, and drug addictions. I was first put into foster care at age 10 months due mostly to neglect. I was back and forth between my bio-parents and the foster care system until 5 years old. At age 5, I was permanently removed from my family along with my two brothers and one sister. By age 7, my siblings and I had all been separated, and my bio-parents' parental rights were terminated. My siblings were all adopted out separately within one year of the parental rights being terminated. I was not as fortunate; I was in foster care until age 17.5 years of age. I was in 14 different families and 3 group homes before finding my forever family at age 14. I was adopted by a loving older couple at age 17.5. Here is a link to an article about my adoption. https://www.newstimes.com/local/article/We-are-you-and-you-are-now-us-How-a-16005641.php, and here is a TV interview about it. https://www.wtnh.com/on-air/connecticut-families/you-are-now-us-teen-finds-forever-home-with-60-year-old-adopted-parents-in-new-milford/ I spent over 5,000 days in foster care. None of my bio-family ever attended college; most did not even finish high school. When I found my forever family (originally my last set of foster parents who became my adoptive parents), I was so angry, confused, and shut down. Through a lot of therapy and much love from my forever parents, I learned to trust, love, and see the possibilities of what I could achieve. Because they believed in and loved me, I was able to heal and believe in myself. Going to college and getting a degree means the world to me. It will not only help assure my financial stability, provide me opportunities I never even dreamed of before, but it will also allow me to give back to children like myself. I am currently in college, Arcadia University in Glenside, PA. I am studying psychology to become a psychologist or licensed social worker who works with long-term foster children. I wish to continue to pursue my psychology degree to obtain not only a BS but eventually an MS in psychology. My long-term goal is to become a therapist or licensed social worker specializing in helping long-term foster children. Eventually, I hope to rise in the field and be able to make an impact on the institutional and government levels to help improve laws, conditions, and experiences of foster children nationwide. Most of all, I will be ending the cycle of trauma, abuse, and neglect that I come from and my bio-family has experienced for generations. College, along with the love, support, and all the mental health support my forever family provided me, is key to being able to break this cycle. I hope you will help me and award me this scholarship. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship.

I come from a very, very poor family that was highly dysfunctional, with mental health challenges, alcohol, and drug addictions. I was first put into foster care at age 10 months due mostly to neglect. I was back and forth between my bio-parents and the foster care system until 5 years old. At age 5, I was permanently removed from my family along with my two brothers and one sister. By age 7, my siblings and I had all been separated, and my bio-parents' parental rights were terminated. My siblings were all adopted out separately within one year of the parental rights being terminated. I was not as fortunate; I was in foster care until age 17.5 years of age. I was in 14 different families and 3 group homes before finding my forever family at age 14. I was adopted by a loving older couple at age 17.5. Here is a link to an article about my adoption. https://www.newstimes.com/local/article/We-are-you-and-you-are-now-us-How-a-16005641.php, and here is a TV interview about it. https://www.wtnh.com/on-air/connecticut-families/you-are-now-us-teen-finds-forever-home-with-60-year-old-adopted-parents-in-new-milford/ I spent over 5,000 days in foster care. None of my bio-family ever attended college; most did not even finish high school. When I found my forever family (originally my last set of foster parents who became my adoptive parents), I was so angry, confused, and shut down. Through a lot of therapy and much love from my forever parents, I learned to trust, love, and see the possibilities of what I could achieve. Because they believed in and loved me, I was able to heal and believe in myself. Going to college and getting a degree means the world to me. It will not only help assure my financial stability, provide me opportunities I never even dreamed of before, but it will also allow me to give back to children like myself. I am currently in college, Arcadia University in Glenside, PA. I am studying psychology to become a psychologist or licensed social worker who works with long-term foster children. I wish to continue to pursue my psychology degree to obtain not only a BS but eventually an MS in psychology. My long-term goal is to become a therapist or licensed social worker specializing in helping long-term foster children. Eventually, I hope to rise in the field and be able to make an impact on the institutional and government levels to help improve laws, conditions, and experiences of foster children nationwide. Most of all, I will be ending the cycle of trauma, abuse, and neglect that I come from and my bio-family has experienced for generations. College, along with the love, support, and all the mental health support my forever family provided me, is key to being able to break this cycle. I hope you will help me and award me this scholarship. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship.

I come from a very, very poor family that was highly dysfunctional, with mental health challenges, alcohol, and drug addictions. I was first put into foster care at age 10 months due mostly to neglect. I was back and forth between my bio-parents and the foster care system until 5 years old. At age 5, I was permanently removed from my family along with my two brothers and one sister. By age 7, my siblings and I had all been separated, and my bio-parents' parental rights were terminated. My siblings were all adopted out separately within one year of the parental rights being terminated. I was not as fortunate; I was in foster care until age 17.5 years of age. I was in 14 different families and 3 group homes before finding my forever family at age 14. I was adopted by a loving older couple at age 17.5. Here is a link to an article about my adoption. https://www.newstimes.com/local/article/We-are-you-and-you-are-now-us-How-a-16005641.php, and here is a TV interview about it. https://www.wtnh.com/on-air/connecticut-families/you-are-now-us-teen-finds-forever-home-with-60-year-old-adopted-parents-in-new-milford/ I spent over 5,000 days in foster care. None of my bio-family ever attended college; most did not even finish high school. When I found my forever family (originally my last set of foster parents who became my adoptive parents), I was so angry, confused, and shut down. Through a lot of therapy and much love from my forever parents, I learned to trust, love, and see the possibilities of what I could achieve. Because they believed in and loved me, I was able to heal and believe in myself. Going to college and getting a degree means the world to me. It will not only help assure my financial stability, provide me opportunities I never even dreamed of before, but it will also allow me to give back to children like myself. I am currently in college, Arcadia University in Glenside, PA. I am studying psychology to become a psychologist or licensed social worker who works with long-term foster children. I wish to continue to pursue my psychology degree to obtain not only a BS but eventually an MS in psychology. My long-term goal is to become a therapist or licensed social worker specializing in helping long-term foster children. Eventually, I hope to rise in the field and be able to make an impact on the institutional and government levels to help improve laws, conditions, and experiences of foster children nationwide. Most of all, I will be ending the cycle of trauma, abuse, and neglect that I come from and my bio-family has experienced for generations. College, along with the love, support, and all the mental health support my forever family provided me, is key to being able to break this cycle. I hope you will help me and award me this scholarship. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship.