My name is Olivia-Elyse, and I am one of the many faces of foster youth alumni in Texas. Once a ward of the state, subject to the uncertainty of even having a home or a healthy bond with anyone, let alone the possibility of having a dream to start or finish what I really wanted to do. A struggling mother wanting to show her children that you can do what you love, if you only work for it, really pushed me into taking the final step and changing careers, from Supervising Customer service agencies and Managing staff at resorts, to become an automotive technician. I have always loved cars, driving and working on them, but I, unfortunately, succumbed to societal norms at the time that women weren't meant to be technicians. Foster Youth are still a very important part of my life, and I try and engage and help as many alumni as possible, as while I was in care I was the head of our foster youth-led group that gathered from all regions of Texas to bring issues to the state to make lives of the 6,510,210 foster youth in Texas better, more fulfilling, and well normal. One way we were able to make changes pertaining to bettering the odds of life success for foster youth by extending the age of the waiver from 21 to 23, because when in foster care, you don't always graduate on time due to the instability of homes. With Texas still having major issues with the foster youth system, and with me now being in school, my goal is to help the foster youth that are aging out, which I will be able to do as a mechanic in my own way. While advocating and voting helps, actually physically helping youth in need that are aging out is my ultimate goal, with car repairs. If you are fortunate enough to have been in a home where you were able to get a job and afford a vehicle, or better yet if the foster parents could let you borrow or got you a car for work, you automatically had a better chance of being able to move out and start life. But if anything were to happen to the vehicle, the repairs could derail everything that the foster kid is trying to achieve. Can't get to school, can't get to work, and things just start slowly falling apart. Yes, there are programs here and there, but they aren't easily accessible and are usually overwhelmed with the amount of needs that they are presented with. There are thousands of foster youth in Texas today, and aging out is never an easy task. My ultimate goal once I finish school, and achieve my ASE's completion, over the next 2-3 years I will start the process to start my own shop, that will not only offer discounted repair to foster youth, but will assist groups homes and foster youth in the search and evaluation of good used cars for youth aging out of foster care. Children are our future, and turning 18 definitely doesn't mean you have it all figured out or won't need help. I am personally glad to even be considered and am grateful for the opportunity to get help to achieve my dream, to help others.

My name is O.-E., and I am one of the many faces of foster youth alumni in Texas. Once a ward of the state, subject to the uncertainty of even having a home or a healthy bond with anyone, let alone the possibility of having a dream to start or finish what I really wanted to do. A struggling mother wanting to show her children that you can do what you love, if you only work for it, really pushed me into taking the final step and changing careers, from Supervising Concierge service agencies and Managing staff at resorts, to become an automotive technician. I have always loved cars, driving and working on them, but I, unfortunately, succumbed to societal norms at the time that women weren't meant to be technicians. Foster Youth are still a very important part of my life, and I try and engage and help as many alumni as possible, as while I was in care I was the head of our foster youth-led group that gathered from all regions of Texas to bring issues to the state to make lives of the 6,510,210 foster youth in Texas better, more fulfilling, and well normal. One way we were able to make changes pertaining to bettering the odds of life success for foster youth by extending the age of the waiver from 21 to 23, because when in foster care, you don't always graduate on time due to the instability of homes. With Texas still having major issues with the foster youth system, and with me now being in school, my goal is to help the foster youth that are aging out, which I will be able to do as a mechanic in my own way. While advocating and voting helps, actually physically helping youth in need that are aging out is my ultimate goal, with car repairs. If you are fortunate enough to have been in a home where you were able to get a job and afford a vehicle, or better yet if the foster parents could let you borrow or got you a car for work, you automatically had a better chance of being able to move out and start life. But if anything were to happen to the vehicle, the repairs could derail everything that the foster kid is trying to achieve. Can't get to school, can't get to work, and things just start slowly falling apart. My ultimate goal once I finish school, and achieve my ASE's completion, over the next 2-3 years I will start the process to start my own shop, that will not only offer discounted repair to foster youth, but will assist groups homes and foster youth in the search and evaluation of good used cars for youth aging out of foster care. Recently I had multiple tools/books and things stolen from me at my place of work, and have just stayed positive and kept going, finding other ways to get the job done. I am still chugging along, knowing I am so close to the finish! I am personally glad to even be considered and am grateful for the opportunity to get help to achieve my dream, to help others. This is something very close to my heart, and anything helps.

I am one of the many faces of foster youth alumni in Texas. Once a ward of the state, subject to the uncertainty of even having a home or a healthy bond with anyone, let alone the possibility of having a dream to start or finish what I really wanted to do. A struggling mother wanting to show her children that you can do what you love, if you only work for it, really pushed me into taking the final step and changing careers, from Supervising Customer service agencies and Managing staff at resorts, to become an Automotive Technician. I have always loved cars, driving and working on them, but I, unfortunately, succumbed to societal norms at the time that women weren't meant to be technicians. There are thousands of foster youth in Texas today, and aging out of care is never an easy task. My ultimate goal once I finish school, and achieve my ASE's completion, over the next 2-3 years I will start the process to start my own shop, that will not only offer discounted repair to foster youth, but will assist groups homes and foster youth in the search and evaluation of good used cars for youth aging out of foster care. Children are our future, and turning 18 definitely doesn't mean you have it all figured out or won't need help. I am personally glad to even be considered and am grateful for the opportunity to get help to achieve my dream, to help others.

I am one of the many faces of foster youth alumni in Texas. Once a ward of the state, subject to the uncertainty of even having a home or a healthy bond with anyone, let alone the possibility of having a dream to start or finish what I really wanted to do. A struggling mother wanting to show her children that you can do what you love, if you only work for it, really pushed me into taking the final step and changing careers, from Supervising Customer service agencies and Managing staff at resorts, to become an automotive technician. I have always loved cars, driving and working on them, but I, unfortunately, succumbed to societal norms at the time that women weren't meant to be technicians. Foster Youth are still a very important part of my life, and I try and engage and help as many alumni as possible, as while I was in care I was the head of our foster youth-led group that gathered from all regions of Texas to bring issues to the state to make lives of the 6,510,210 foster youth in Texas better, more fulfilling, and well normal. One way we were able to make changes pertaining to bettering the odds of life success for foster youth by extending the age of the waiver from 21 to 23, because when in foster care, you don't always graduate on time due to the instability of homes. With Texas still having major issues with the foster youth system, and with me now being in school, my goal is to help the foster youth that are aging out, which I will be able to do as a mechanic in my own way. While advocating and voting helps, actually physically helping youth in need that are aging out is my ultimate goal, with car repairs. If you are fortunate enough to have been in a home where you were able to get a job and afford a vehicle, or better yet if the foster parents could let you borrow or got you a car for work, you automatically had a better chance of being able to move out and start life. But if anything were to happen to the vehicle, the repairs could derail everything that the foster kid is trying to achieve. Can't get to school, can't get to work, and things just start slowly falling apart. Yes, there are programs here and there, but they aren't easily accessible and are usually overwhelmed with the amount of needs that they are presented with. There are thousands of foster youth in Texas today, and aging out is never an easy task. My ultimate goal once I finish school, and achieve my ASE's completion, over the next 2-3 years I will start the process to start my own shop, that will not only offer discounted repair to foster youth, but will assist groups homes and foster youth in the search and evaluation of good used cars for youth aging out of foster care. Children are our future, and turning 18 definitely doesn't mean you have it all figured out or won't need help. I am personally glad to even be considered and am grateful for the opportunity to get help to achieve my dream, to help others, and to keep going no matter what.

I am one of the many faces of foster youth alumni in Texas. Once a ward of the state, subject to the uncertainty of even having a home or a healthy bond with anyone, let alone the possibility of having a dream to start or finish what I really wanted to do. A struggling mother wanting to show her children that you can do what you love, if you only work for it, really pushed me into taking the final step and changing careers, from Supervising Customer service agencies and Managing staff at resorts, to become an automotive technician. I have always loved cars, driving and working on them, but I, unfortunately, succumbed to societal norms at the time that women weren't meant to be technicians. Foster Youth are still a very important part of my life, and I try and engage and help as many alumni as possible, as while I was in care I was the head of our foster youth-led group that gathered from all regions of Texas to bring issues to the state to make lives of the 6,510,210 foster youth in Texas better, more fulfilling, and well normal. One way we were able to make changes pertaining to bettering the odds of life success for foster youth by extending the age of the waiver from 21 to 23, because when in foster care, you don't always graduate on time due to the instability of homes. With Texas still having major issues with the foster youth system, and with me now being in school, my goal is to help the foster youth that are aging out, which I will be able to do as a mechanic in my own way. While advocating and voting helps, actually physically helping youth in need that are aging out is my ultimate goal, with car repairs. If you are fortunate enough to have been in a home where you were able to get a job and afford a vehicle, or better yet if the foster parents could let you borrow or got you a car for work, you automatically had a better chance of being able to move out and start life. But if anything were to happen to the vehicle, the repairs could derail everything that the foster kid is trying to achieve. Can't get to school, can't get to work, and things just start slowly falling apart. Yes, there are programs here and there, but they aren't easily accessible and are usually overwhelmed with the amount of needs that they are presented with. There are thousands of foster youth in Texas today, and aging out is never an easy task. My ultimate goal once I finish school, and achieve my ASE's completion, over the next 2-3 years I will start the process to start my own shop, that will not only offer discounted repair to foster youth, but will assist groups homes and foster youth in the search and evaluation of good used cars for youth aging out of foster care. Children are our future, and turning 18 definitely doesn't mean you have it all figured out or won't need help. I am personally glad to even be considered and am grateful for the opportunity to get help to achieve my dream, to help others. This is something very close to my heart, and anything helps.

I am one of the many faces of foster youth alumni in Texas. Once a ward of the state, subject to the uncertainty of even having a home or a healthy bond with anyone, let alone the possibility of having a dream to start or finish what I really wanted to do. A struggling mother wanting to show her children that you can do what you love, if you only work for it, really pushed me into taking the final step and changing careers, from Supervising Customer service agencies and Managing staff at resorts, to become an automotive technician. I have always loved cars, driving and working on them, but I, unfortunately, succumbed to societal norms at the time that women weren't meant to be technicians. Foster Youth are still a very important part of my life, and I try and engage and help as many alumni as possible, as while I was in care I was the head of our foster youth-led group that gathered from all regions of Texas to bring issues to the state to make lives of the 6,510,210 foster youth in Texas better, more fulfilling, and well normal. One way we were able to make changes pertaining to bettering the odds of life success for foster youth by extending the age of the waiver from 21 to 23, because when in foster care, you don't always graduate on time due to the instability of homes. With Texas still having major issues with the foster youth system, and with me now being in school, my goal is to help the foster youth that are aging out, which I will be able to do as a mechanic in my own way. While advocating and voting helps, actually physically helping youth in need that are aging out is my ultimate goal, with car repairs. If you are fortunate enough to have been in a home where you were able to get a job and afford a vehicle, or better yet if the foster parents could let you borrow or got you a car for work, you automatically had a better chance of being able to move out and start life. But if anything were to happen to the vehicle, the repairs could derail everything that the foster kid is trying to achieve. Can't get to school, can't get to work, and things just start slowly falling apart. Yes, there are programs here and there, but they aren't easily accessible and are usually overwhelmed with the amount of needs that they are presented with. There are thousands of foster youth in Texas today, and aging out is never an easy task. My ultimate goal once I finish school, and achieve my ASE's completion, over the next 2-3 years I will start the process to start my own shop, that will not only offer discounted repair to foster youth, but will assist groups homes and foster youth in the search and evaluation of good used cars for youth aging out of foster care. Children are our future, and turning 18 definitely doesn't mean you have it all figured out or won't need help. I am personally glad to even be considered and am grateful for the opportunity to get help to achieve my dream, to help others. This is something very close to my heart, and anything helps.

I was born to military parents. Second born to a high-functioning alcoholic. My brother died before I was 2 years old, and my father went into a rage, that terrified my mother into leaving. He burned every baby photo, every memory she had of us, of my brother. He then proceeded to harass her and eventually stole me right off her patio to take me back overseas when I was about 4. I did not see or hear from my mother until I was about 11/12 years old when I returned to the states because my stepmother was divorcing my father due to his mental and physical abuse due to alcoholism and her son (my stepbrother) sexually abusing me and one of my step-sisters. However, since she was not my guardian after the divorce, she found my mother and I returned to the states to go to her. My mother had been searching for me, but no longer being in the military and my father's family not helping her at all, her resources had run dry as she was trying to get help from the VA hospital. My father had stolen all her money, jewelry and assets to support his vices. My mother was struggling mentally, and financially, and ended up being admitted into the hospital. We had no other family here, so I ended up in foster care. Foster care as a whole was a huge obstacle. Constantly moving schools, never knowing where I would end up, was very difficult in my developing years. But I remained consistent and optimistic, graduated high school, and even though I had some bumps along the way, finally made it full circle to finish. I am working to become a master mechanic. On the way being able to provide a one-of-a-kind service, from issue to repair, or dream car to reality. It was frowned upon at the time I was in high school, & a foster student when I tried to get into mechanics. The girls were always being pushed into nursing and concierge type of education, due to our gender and prejudgment of ability. There have been many times that my knowledge of vehicles has saved me or someone I know thousands of dollars in repairs due to inaccurate diagnosis, or overcharging. I want to own a shop where any repair can be done professionally at a fair price, but if you want something custom or something old turned new, we'd be able to do that too. In my entire program, I am one of the only women, and I am the ONLY Black woman, and a motivated to be one of the best despite the odds. I want to hire/train more black female technicians and have flexible scheduling so for example that mom that recently got away from her abuser needs her car worked on but works nights can keep going, to help that mom that just doesn't know what she is going to do, or how she is going to leave. I want to give back to and help women like the women that helped me. BW deserve to be loved and to live without fear, without being abused. I want the foster youth of today (especially the young black girls)to know that aging out is not the end, you have options, and even if you make mistakes, even if you stumble and fall, even if it takes longer than you feel like it should, even when it feels like it'll never get better, IT CAN, and IT WILL. Keep going, and never be afraid to ask for help.

Simply Don't. That honestly is the solution. If people just WOULD NOT drink and then drive, it could all be so easy. DUIs can tear people away early from their families and ruin futures. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, one person in Texas dies every eight hours and 31 minutes in an alcohol-related traffic crash. Mothers, brothers, sisters and sons, die needlessly when there are so many other options instead of drinking and driving. Take a designated driver, BE the designated driver, take a Lyft/Uber, plan to drink at home, plan to stay where you are drinking, rent a hotel/Airbnb within walking distance. I mean honestly, there are so many other options rather than getting behind the wheel intoxicated. I also have been personally touched by tragedy when it comes to drunk driving, my foster sister, taken too soon by a drunk driver while I was in high school, and my best friend's father, a police officer, was nearly killed in his "parked" cruiser, and slammed into by a drunk driver. At the end of the day, it is about choosing not to be selfish, choosing to be smart, and thinking about harming others or yourself by drinking and driving. It only takes one time, to get in an accident that can change yours and someone elses lives forever, or end them.

I should be a statistic. I should be homeless, or in jail, according to the history of so many foster youth in Texas. Foster care as a whole was a huge obstacle and ruled my life for many many years. Constantly moving schools, never knowing where I would end up, was very difficult in my developing times. However, despite the odds I remained consistent and optimistic, graduated high school, and even though I had some bumps along the way, finally made it full circle to finish. Raising children while in college in pre-med at the beginning was hard, and I wasn't happy and dropped out to work to make sure my family was staying afloat. I worked up until the day before the birth of both my children and moved back to Texas so I could return to school. I am working to become a master mechanic, with a slight specialization in restoring older cars. On the way being able to provide a one-of-a-kind service, from issue to repair, or dream car to reality. I have loved cars since I was very small, and am the daughter of a military aircraft mechanic/engineer. It was very frowned upon at the time I was in high school, and a foster student when I tried to get into auto mechanics. The girls were always being pushed into nursing and concierge type of education, due to our gender and prejudgment of ability. When in foster care, you do not get a choice over your life, or get to choose to be in special programs because there isn't funding for it, or it is not easily accessible. There have been many times that my knowledge of vehicles has saved me or someone I know thousands of dollars in repairs due to inaccurate diagnosis, or overcharging. I want to own a shop where anyone is welcome, any repair can be done professionally at a fair price, but also, if you want something custom or something old turned new, we'd be able to do that too. In my entire program, I am one of the only women, and the ONLY black woman, and I am determined to be one of the best despite the odds. I want to make my children know that hard work pays off and that you CAN do what you love. I want the foster youth of today to know that aging out is not the end, you have options, and even if you make mistakes, even if you stumble and fall, even if it takes longer than you feel like it should, even when it feels like it'll never get better, IT CAN, and IT WILL. Keep going!

I wish to become a master mechanic, with a specialization in restoring older cars. On the way being able to provide a one-of-a-kind service, from issue to repair, or dream car to reality. I have loved cars since I was very small, and am the daughter of a military aircraft mechanic/engineer. It was very frowned upon at the time I was in high school and a foster child when I tried to get into auto mechanics. The girls were always being pushed into nursing and concierge type of education, due to our gender and prejudgment of ability. When in foster care, you do not get a choice over your life, or get to choose to be in special programs because there isn't funding for it, or it is not easily accessible. There have been many times that my knowledge of vehicles has saved me or someone I know thousands of dollars in repairs due to inaccurate diagnosis, or overcharging. I want to own a shop where anyone is welcome, any repair can be done professionally at a fair price, but also, if you want something custom or something old turned new, we'd be able to do that too. In my entire program, I am one of the only women, and a motivated to be one of the best despite the odds. What finally inspired me to go for it all, was not only my unhappiness in the jobs I was currently doing, but I wanted to enjoy my job! When I left my last job before deciding to enroll, I spent the next 8 weeks in and out of every pick and pull and part yard in the Austin/Belton area, repairing my car, repairing other people's cars with someone very dear to me that I lost. Before I lost them, they told me "Never let your fear get in the way of what we all know you can do.". I was worried about fixing cars, but I'd been doing it, and I loved it. I finally signed up for the classes and was sought out by my current professor and offered admission into the Honda Pact program. On a leap of faith, I passed the first and second semesters with flying colors. I am more determined now than ever to finish. I want to show my children that hard work pays off and that you CAN do what you love. I want the foster youth of today to know that aging out is not the end, you have options, and even if you make mistakes, even if you stumble and fall, even if it takes longer than you feel like it should, even when it feels like it'll never get better, IT CAN, and IT WILL. Keep going!

I am a female mechanic. I have such a passion for cars and all things automotive and have since I was a little girl. Born to a senior military aircraft mechanic with a flair for IT, I was exposed to so many repairs growing up that it nearly became second nature to help. Moving back to America where the norms do not usually include women in the automotive industry was a hard change for me, and I did try to conform to a more woman-based industry, but I was never really happy. I do have some hobbies that do include FX makeup and costuming, (I do full costumes for the Renaissance Festivals in Texas)but automotive is really where my heart lies. My goal once I am finished with all my certifications to give back to my community is to build a shop that caters to ALL, no matter the gender, or background, where people will feel safe and confident taking their cars, and where the prices will be fair. There have been several times when I have had to have my car serviced and have been quoted outrageous prices, or there have been attempts to charge me for something unneeded. I want to combat that part of the industry, and be someone that my community can depend on. I am also Foster Youth Alumni of the state of Texas, so being able to help out seniors that are aging out of care, obtaining a car, or fixing a car would also be in my plans, as we are not given a lot of tools to start out life coming out of the system. Having a car could be the difference between someone aging out of care and being able to maintain the job they may have already had, being able to commute from the very few housing locations the state offers to foster youth to live in after aging out if they have no family that they may stay with, or actually being able to afford housing on their own. Not having a car, especially in Austin and the surrounding areas is extremely difficult with the cost of living. One may not always be fortunate enough to be able to work very close to where they live are required to live. Anything helps, and I aim to make a difference in as many lives as I can. I appreciate the consideration, and hope I am chosen!