Foster Youth Education
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Hi everyone! I truly need your support to fund my education for my Master's in Social Work. If you can't contribute to donations, please share this post! Thank you.
I am a Salvadoran immigrant and former foster youth. I came to the United States at the age of 10 from El Salvador to pursue the American Dream but I continued to struggle in school while experiencing domestic violence; I witnessed and endured years of abuse as a child and teenager. I eventually ended in foster care. My drug addiction led me to being kicked out of foster homes and group homes. I was put on probation, bounced in and out of juvenile hall, and ultimately was sent to a juvenile camp. When I aged out of camp, I relied on my friends for a place to live because I was not eligible for most transitional living programs without a social security number. I finally received my social security number at the age of 19. When I was in the system, no one told me about the possibility of obtaining legal documents. I am receiving help from a lawyer who works at Loyola Law School so I can obtain my U-Visa, work towards my residency, and, ultimately, towards citizenship. I finally went to live at a transitional living house while attending Pierce College. Later, I transferred to UC Riverside where I recently graduated with a B.A. in Sociology. Education has become a saving grace and a tool of transformation. With no one to lead by example in education, I had to fight to create my own path. I was accepted at USC for my master’s in social work but I had to defer because I couldn't afford tuition. My plan is to attend a different university this upcoming year. I will utilize my MSW to ensure healthy development for all youth, stop family violence, end homelessness, promote smart decarceration, and achieve equal opportunity and justice for all. Education has saved my life. It has liberated me and empowered me to believe in myself and fight for those around me and those who will come after me. I want students never to second guess their academic potential. Anyone, no matter sexual orientation, gender, race, age, class, or origin, can succeed.
Thank you all!
I am a Salvadoran immigrant and former foster youth. I came to the United States at the age of 10 from El Salvador to pursue the American Dream but I continued to struggle in school while experiencing domestic violence; I witnessed and endured years of abuse as a child and teenager. I eventually ended in foster care. My drug addiction led me to being kicked out of foster homes and group homes. I was put on probation, bounced in and out of juvenile hall, and ultimately was sent to a juvenile camp. When I aged out of camp, I relied on my friends for a place to live because I was not eligible for most transitional living programs without a social security number. I finally received my social security number at the age of 19. When I was in the system, no one told me about the possibility of obtaining legal documents. I am receiving help from a lawyer who works at Loyola Law School so I can obtain my U-Visa, work towards my residency, and, ultimately, towards citizenship. I finally went to live at a transitional living house while attending Pierce College. Later, I transferred to UC Riverside where I recently graduated with a B.A. in Sociology. Education has become a saving grace and a tool of transformation. With no one to lead by example in education, I had to fight to create my own path. I was accepted at USC for my master’s in social work but I had to defer because I couldn't afford tuition. My plan is to attend a different university this upcoming year. I will utilize my MSW to ensure healthy development for all youth, stop family violence, end homelessness, promote smart decarceration, and achieve equal opportunity and justice for all. Education has saved my life. It has liberated me and empowered me to believe in myself and fight for those around me and those who will come after me. I want students never to second guess their academic potential. Anyone, no matter sexual orientation, gender, race, age, class, or origin, can succeed.
Thank you all!
Organizer
Patty Flores
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA
