My name is Yaquelin Ayala. At the age of 14, my life changed dramatically as my sisters and I were placed in a foster care non-profit called Orangewood. This experience had a significant impact on me as I faced frequent relocations at an early age and being placed in the system. This constant change and relocation made forming long-term connections with friends difficult. After aging out of the system, I was left confused and alone, but I came to realize that forgiveness is a crucial aspect of healing and growth. Although I had to temporarily pause my studies due to financial setbacks, my thirst for knowledge never left me. With renewed determination, I am back to achieving my academic goals. As a former foster child, the odds of obtaining a bachelor's degree after 26 have plummeted to less than 3%. However, today, I am not a statistic but a transfer student from Orange Coast College, fueled by my determination to build a stable future for myself and my son. This determination drives me to pursue a bachelor's degree at California State University Fullerton, where I can expand on the foundation I have established at Orange Coast College.