Foster kids are suspended and expelled from school three times more often than other children. Nationwide, only about half of youth raised in foster care end up finishing high school. Less than 5% graduate from a four-year college and 2-6% complete a degree from a two-year college. I don’t want this statistic to tell my story. I want my story to be one of success. For years, I wondered, “Why did this have to happen to me? Why did my parents choose drugs, crime, and violence to gain satisfaction?” They said they would come back for me. I was naive to believe their promises. I’ll never understand why I'm the one who suffered for their actions. Ultimately, being placed in the foster care system was a gift because it helped me find a life better than my previous lifestyle. In foster care, I was also lonely, angry, sad, and bitter that my biological parents chose not to care for me. I’d often sit and ask myself “Why me? Why wasn't I worthy?" It has taken years to realize my worth and to accept that it wasn't my fault. Due to my trauma, I found it very difficult to open up to people. Deep down, all I wanted was to be nurtured and have someone to prove to me that there was more to life. My life changed when, in fourth grade, I walked through the doors of Silvia Elementary in Fall River. I instantly bonded with Vice Principal, Melissa Homol. She was always sympathetic, loving, and nurturing. I loved her instantly. I feared, though, that she would be another loved one who left me. Unexpectedly, on graduation day at Silvia, Melissa surprised me and became my visiting resource. Eventually, she broke down my walls and became my mom. Joining the Homol family taught me the value of education. I was given a home, love, and a family. I've learned throughout my journey that "family isn't always blood. It's the people in your life who want you in theirs; the ones who accept you for who you are." The Homols did that for me. Before them, I struggled to think about my future.  Now, I have a clear vision. I know that I am worth more, and that I can have an amazing success story. I will be one of the 5% of foster kids who completes a college degree.  I will be the first one in my biological family to attend college. Educational Neglect. That’s what my DCF file says. I changed schools countless times in my formative years and missed a lot of learning. I was often absent from school, either because I wasn’t sent,  refused to go, or was suspended. As a result, I entered high school with many gaps in my education. Being accepted into Diman Regional High School truly helped me find my purpose.  Through the vocational program, I participated in hands-on learning and developed a love of woodworking and design. I took pride in my education and became an honor roll student. I developed a clear vision for my future. I realized that I had skills in carpentry. Learning this about myself made me realize that I could have a future doing something I love. I now want to pursue a career in Architecture or Interior Design. When I look back, I see the irony that I'm going from homelessness to wanting to build and design homes for others. A home is more than a structure made of wood, plaster, and nails. It is a place where you feel love and a sense of belonging.