Over the past 20 years, the number of children in the United States who enter the foster care system due to parental drug use has increased 147%. It is estimated that, as of 2019, 36% of the 440,000 children in the foster care system are removed from their homes as a result of one or both parents' struggle with opioid addiction. Once placed in the foster care system, children are three times as likely to drop out of high school, and less than three percent graduate from college. Without the intervention of my supportive grandparents and having the opportunity to escape through academics the reality created by my drug-addicted parents, it could have been me: I could have been part of those statistics. My earliest memories are of my parents fighting, and now that I am older, I recognize what I was witnessing was my father losing control of his life to drugs and leaving me with a single mother who had a hard time making ends meet. She then also turned to drugs, and my childhood was left in shambles. Constantly moving from apartment to apartment, house to house, my mother struggled to maintain gainful employment, pay for our expenses and also support her drug addiction, and we were never in the same spot for long. I lived in a zero-parent household, and despite my pleas for my mother to create a better life for us, her personal struggles consumed her, and I never felt more alone and hopeless. Early on, I was more interested in school than most other kids my age, but the feelings of despair and need to act as a parent to my struggling mother made it seem impossible to pursue my once-vivid childhood aspirations. My goals started to fade away. I was completely lost; it seemed like even the sunlight that used to strike my face and warm my body was gone and replaced with darkness. When the disparity created by my then-sole parent’s drug use became too much to bear, my loving grandparents stepped in to help my mother sort through her troubles and welcomed me into their home. It was after I made this transition to living in their home that I learned time, hope and stability would help resolve what seemed to be never-ending nihility. I was finally able to focus on what mattered and take pride in my academic achievements, and school quickly became a place where I could go to escape the lingering feelings of desperation. Thus, what started as a desire to get more involved in extracurricular activities turned into a goal for my future and opened my eyes to opportunities to one day address the needs of children whose childhoods started off like mine; I know that if I work hard in college, pursue a law degree, and work towards a career in public service, I can advocate for children who are fighting the battles I have fought. I've already started this journey by working with the AACF, an organization that gave me, and THOUSANDS of other Arkansas Children health insurance. Without them, I wouldn't be able to go to the doctor's office or get my teeth cleaned! With your help, I will be able to accomplish and continue this ever-long dream of fighting for children who need it.

Over the past 20 years, the number of children in the United States who enter the foster care system due to parental drug use has increased 147%. It is estimated that, as of 2019, 36% of the 440,000 children in the foster care system are removed from their homes as a result of one or both parents' struggle with opioid addiction. Once placed in the foster care system, children are three times as likely to drop out of high school, and less than three percent graduate from college. Without the intervention of my supportive grandparents and having the opportunity to escape through academics the reality created by my drug-addicted parents, it could have been me: I could have been part of those statistics. My earliest memories are of my parents fighting, and now that I am older, I recognize what I was witnessing was my father losing control of his life to drugs and leaving me with a single mother who had a hard time making ends meet. She then also turned to drugs, and my childhood was left in shambles. Constantly moving from apartment to apartment, house to house, my mother struggled to maintain gainful employment, pay for our expenses, and also support her drug addiction, and we were never in the same spot for long. I lived in a zero-parent household, and despite my pleas for my mother to create a better life for us, her personal struggles consumed her, and I never felt more alone and hopeless. Early on, I was more interested in school than most other kids my age, but the feelings of despair and need to act as a parent to my struggling mother made it seem impossible to pursue my once-vivid childhood aspirations. My goals started to fade away. I was completely lost; it seemed like even the sunlight that used to strike my face and warm my body was gone and replaced with darkness. When the disparity created by my then-sole parent’s drug use became too much to bear, my loving grandparents stepped in to help my mother sort through her troubles and welcomed me into their home. It was after I made this transition to living in their home that I learned time, hope and stability would help resolve what seemed to be never-ending nihility. I was finally able to focus on what mattered and take pride in my academic achievements, and school quickly became a place where I could go to escape the lingering feelings of desperation. What started as a desire to get more involved in extracurricular activities turned into a goal for my future and opened my eyes to opportunities to one day address the needs of children whose childhoods started off like mine; I know that if I work hard in college, pursue a law degree, and work towards a career in public service, I can advocate for children who are fighting the battles I have fought. I've already started this journey by working with the AACF, an organization that gave me, and THOUSANDS of other Arkansas Children health insurance. Without them, I wouldn't be able to go to the doctor's office or get my teeth cleaned! I thought this would be my story forever: low-income, and misfortunate. Through school and education, I was to change that. Though, with your help, I will be able to accomplish and continue this ever-long dream of fighting for children who need it and giving back to those who were in the same situation as me.

My earliest memories are of my parents fighting, and now that I am older, I recognize what I was witnessing was my father losing control of his life to drugs and leaving me with a single mother who had a hard time making ends meet. She then also turned to drugs, and my childhood was left in shambles. Constantly moving from apartment to apartment, house to house, my mother struggled to maintain gainful employment, pay for our expenses and also support her drug addiction, and we were never in the same spot for long. I lived in a zero-parent household, and despite my pleas for my mother to create a better life for us, her personal struggles consumed her, and I never felt more alone and hopeless. Early on, I was more interested in school than most other kids my age, but the feelings of despair and need to act as a parent to my struggling mother made it seem impossible to pursue my once-vivid childhood aspirations. My goals started to fade away. I was completely lost; it seemed like even the sunlight that used to strike my face and warm my body was gone and replaced with darkness. When the disparity created by my then-sole parent’s drug use became too much to bear, my loving grandparents stepped in to help my mother sort through her troubles and welcomed me into their home. It was after I made this transition to living in their home that I learned time, hope and stability would help resolve what seemed to be never-ending nihility. I was finally able to focus on what mattered and take pride in my academic achievements, and school quickly became a place where I could go to escape the lingering feelings of desperation. I realized doing well in school was a way to control my future, in spite of my past, as I know that nobody can ever take away my education. It was with this new-found sense of accomplishment and passion for the life ahead of me that I was able to start to believe in myself. I had the confidence to apply for and was selected to attend Boys State, Governors School, and The Academy of Public Service at the Arkansas State Capitol. These experiences instantly sparked an interest in public service and law. After having the opportunity to present mock bills to state senators and other legislators while at The Academy of Public Service, I realized I may have discovered a new passion and path forward, and I decided to try out for Central High’s debate team. Much to my delight, I made the team, and I now attend competitions with my classmates and present arguments for congressional bills. What started as a desire to get more involved in extracurricular activities turned into a goal for my future and opened my eyes to opportunities to one day address the needs of children whose childhoods started off like mine; I know that if I work hard in college, pursue a law degree, and work towards a career in public service, I can advocate for children who are fighting the battles I have fought. I've already started this journey by working with the AACF, an organization that gave me, and THOUSANDS of other Arkansas Children health insurance. Without them, I wouldn't be able to go to the doctor's office or get my teeth cleaned! With your help, I will be able to accomplish and continue this ever-long dream of fighting for children who need it.

My earliest memories are of my parents fighting, and now that I am older, I recognize what I was witnessing was my father losing control of his life to drugs and leaving me with a single mother who had a hard time making ends meet. She then also turned to drugs, and my childhood was left in shambles. Constantly moving from apartment to apartment, house to house, my mother struggled to maintain gainful employment, pay for our expenses and also support her drug addiction, and we were never in the same spot for long. I lived in a zero-parent household, and despite my pleas for my mother to create a better life for us, her personal struggles consumed her, and I never felt more alone and hopeless. Early on, I was more interested in school than most other kids my age, but the feelings of despair and need to act as a parent to my struggling mother made it seem impossible to pursue my once-vivid childhood aspirations. My goals started to fade away. I was completely lost; it seemed like even the sunlight that used to strike my face and warm my body was gone and replaced with darkness. When the disparity created by my then-sole parent’s drug use became too much to bear, my loving grandparents stepped in to help my mother sort through her troubles and welcomed me into their home. It was after I made this transition to living in their home that I learned time, hope and stability would help resolve what seemed to be never-ending nihility. I was finally able to focus on what mattered and take pride in my academic achievements, and school quickly became a place where I could go to escape the lingering feelings of desperation. I realized doing well in school was a way to control my future, in spite of my past, as I know that nobody can ever take away my education. It was with this new-found sense of accomplishment and passion for the life ahead of me that I was able to start to believe in myself. I had the confidence to apply for and was selected to attend Boys State, Governors School, and The Academy of Public Service at the Arkansas State Capitol. These experiences instantly sparked an interest in public service and law. After having the opportunity to present mock bills to state senators and other legislators while at The Academy of Public Service, I realized I may have discovered a new passion and path forward, and I decided to try out for Central High’s debate team. Much to my delight, I made the team, and I now attend competitions with my classmates and present arguments for congressional bills. What started as a desire to get more involved in extracurricular activities turned into a goal for my future and opened my eyes to opportunities to one day address the needs of children whose childhoods started off like mine; I know that if I work hard in college, pursue a law degree, and work towards a career in public service, I can advocate for children who are fighting the battles I have fought. I've already started this journey by working with the AACF, an organization that gave me, and THOUSANDS of other Arkansas Children health insurance. Without them, I wouldn't be able to go to the doctor's office or get my teeth cleaned! With your help, I will be able to accomplish and continue this ever-long dream of fighting for children who need it.

My earliest memories are of my parents fighting, and now that I am older, I recognize what I was witnessing was my father losing control of his life to drugs and leaving me with a single mother who had a hard time making ends meet. She then also turned to drugs, and my childhood was left in shambles. Constantly moving from apartment to apartment, house to house, my mother struggled to maintain gainful employment, pay for our expenses and also support her drug addiction, and we were never in the same spot for long. I lived in a zero-parent household, and despite my pleas for my mother to create a better life for us, her personal struggles consumed her, and I never felt more alone and hopeless. Early on, I was more interested in school than most other kids my age, but the feelings of despair and need to act as a parent to my struggling mother made it seem impossible to pursue my once-vivid childhood aspirations. My goals started to fade away. I was completely lost; it seemed like even the sunlight that used to strike my face and warm my body was gone and replaced with darkness. When the disparity created by my then-sole parent’s drug use became too much to bear, my loving grandparents stepped in to help my mother sort through her troubles and welcomed me into their home. It was after I made this transition to living in their home that I learned time, hope and stability would help resolve what seemed to be never-ending nihility. I was finally able to focus on what mattered and take pride in my academic achievements, and school quickly became a place where I could go to escape the lingering feelings of desperation. I realized doing well in school was a way to control my future, in spite of my past, as I know that nobody can ever take away my education. It was with this new-found sense of accomplishment and passion for the life ahead of me that I was able to start to believe in myself. I had the confidence to apply for and was selected to attend Boys State, Governors School, and The Academy of Public Service at the Arkansas State Capitol. These experiences instantly sparked an interest in public service and law. After having the opportunity to present mock bills to state senators and other legislators while at The Academy of Public Service, I realized I may have discovered a new passion and path forward, and I decided to try out for Central High’s debate team. Much to my delight, I made the team, and I now attend competitions with my classmates and present arguments for congressional bills. What started as a desire to get more involved in extracurricular activities turned into a goal for my future and opened my eyes to opportunities to one day address the needs of children whose childhoods started off like mine; I know that if I work hard in college, pursue a law degree, and work towards a career in public service, I can advocate for children who are fighting the battles I have fought. With your help, I will be able to accomplish this dream and fight for those who need it.

My earliest memories are of my parents fighting, and now that I am older, I recognize what I was witnessing was my father losing control of his life to drugs and leaving me with a single mother who had a hard time making ends meet. She then also turned to drugs, and my childhood was left in shambles. Constantly moving from apartment to apartment, house to house, my mother struggled to maintain gainful employment, pay for our expenses and also support her drug addiction, and we were never in the same spot for long. I lived in a zero-parent household, and despite my pleas for my mother to create a better life for us, her personal struggles consumed her, and I never felt more alone and hopeless. Early on, I was more interested in school than most other kids my age, but the feelings of despair and need to act as a parent to my struggling mother made it seem impossible to pursue my once-vivid childhood aspirations. My goals started to fade away. I was completely lost; it seemed like even the sunlight that used to strike my face and warm my body was gone and replaced with darkness. When the disparity created by my then-sole parent’s drug use became too much to bear, my loving grandparents stepped in to help my mother sort through her troubles and welcomed me into their home. It was after I made this transition to living in their home that I learned time, hope and stability would help resolve what seemed to be never-ending nihility. I was finally able to focus on what mattered and take pride in my academic achievements, and school quickly became a place where I could go to escape the lingering feelings of desperation. I realized doing well in school was a way to control my future, in spite of my past, as I know that nobody can ever take away my education. It was with this new-found sense of accomplishment and passion for the life ahead of me that I was able to start to believe in myself. I had the confidence to apply for and was selected to attend Boys State, Governors School, and The Academy of Public Service at the Arkansas State Capitol. These experiences instantly sparked an interest in public service and law. After having the opportunity to present mock bills to state senators and other legislators while at The Academy of Public Service, I realized I may have discovered a new passion and path forward, and I decided to try out for Central High’s debate team. Much to my delight, I made the team, and I now attend competitions with my classmates and present arguments for congressional bills. What started as a desire to get more involved in extracurricular activities turned into a goal for my future and opened my eyes to opportunities to one day address the needs of children whose childhoods started off like mine; I know that if I work hard in college, pursue a law degree, and work towards a career in public service, I can advocate for children who are fighting the battles I have fought. With your help, I will be able to accomplish this dream and fight for those who need it.

My earliest memories are of my parents fighting, and now that I am older, I recognize what I was witnessing was my father losing control of his life to drugs and leaving me with a single mother who had a hard time making ends meet. She then also turned to drugs, and my childhood was left in shambles. Constantly moving from apartment to apartment, house to house, my mother struggled to maintain gainful employment, pay for our expenses and also support her drug addiction, and we were never in the same spot for long. I lived in a zero-parent household, and despite my pleas for my mother to create a better life for us, her personal struggles consumed her, and I never felt more alone and hopeless. Early on, I was more interested in school than most other kids my age, but the feelings of despair and need to act as a parent to my struggling mother made it seem impossible to pursue my once-vivid childhood aspirations. My goals started to fade away. I was completely lost; it seemed like even the sunlight that used to strike my face and warm my body was gone and replaced with darkness. When the disparity created by my then-sole parent’s drug use became too much to bear, my loving grandparents stepped in to help my mother sort through her troubles and welcomed me into their home. It was after I made this transition to living in their home that I learned time, hope and stability would help resolve what seemed to be never-ending nihility. I was finally able to focus on what mattered and take pride in my academic achievements, and school quickly became a place where I could go to escape the lingering feelings of desperation. I realized doing well in school was a way to control my future, in spite of my past, as I know that nobody can ever take away my education. It was with this new-found sense of accomplishment and passion for the life ahead of me that I was able to start to believe in myself. I had the confidence to apply for and was selected to attend Boys State, Governors School, and The Academy of Public Service at the Arkansas State Capitol. These experiences instantly sparked an interest in public service and law. After having the opportunity to present mock bills to state senators and other legislators while at The Academy of Public Service, I realized I may have discovered a new passion and path forward, and I decided to try out for Central High’s debate team. Much to my delight, I made the team, and I now attend competitions with my classmates and present arguments for congressional bills. What started as a desire to get more involved in extracurricular activities turned into a goal for my future and opened my eyes to opportunities to one day address the needs of children whose childhoods started off like mine; I know that if I work hard in college, pursue a law degree, and work towards a career in public service, I can advocate for children who are fighting the battles I have fought.