The Odds Against Me

Did you know that only 50% of foster youth finish high school and of that, only 3% graduate college nationwide (1). I am one of the few foster youth that overcame systemic and cultural barriers to graduate college. I’m proud to say, I successfully paved my way to a brighter future.

As I reflect on events that ultimately led me to my role as a University Recruiter, I am reminded of my family’s struggle when they arrived to the United States in the 1970s.  Just as many immigrants experience today, the culture shock from being in a new country was overwhelming.  Even though it can be an opportunity to change one’s life for the better, that was not the case for me. I experienced neglect and spent most of my childhood in foster homes without proper nurturing and care.

At the time, it seemed the cycle would be never ending.  I truly believed there was no escape from the path laid before me. I lost my faith in the system. Later, the birth of my first child strengthened my desire to escape the negativity around me. I fought to find the light at the end of the tunnel.  I knew that I had to accept who I was, without allowing my circumstances to define who I would become. 

As I sought to build myself, I turned toward education. I eased myself back into school and completed my GED, followed by community college.  Staying the course was not easy and I began to struggle with insecurities I had developed as an underprivileged minority. I started to feel like I wasn’t good enough as a person, a student, and most importantly, as a mother. I became overwhelmed with the responsibilities of being a single mother, studying through college, and working demanding jobs just to make ends meet. I felt it was me against the world.  I was afraid that my child would end up with the same life I had endured.   

Amid challenges, I persevered.  I became a foster youth ambassador, to help guide the next generation in foster care. My failures honed my adaptability and flexibility. I share my story to encourage others, that with resilience and self-sacrifice, they can also accomplish their goals. Against all odds, I became a first-generation college graduate.

Along the way, I learned the importance of not giving up and developed a passion for helping others who need support.  I am proud that my accomplishments have led me to be part of a Fortune 500 company, NortonLifeLock. I now work with others who also push through life’s challenges to support their families, while pursuing higher education.

I believe in empowering one another, embracing diversity, and welcoming individuality.  Regardless of where we come from and the disadvantages we’ve faced, I believe small efforts can become life changing. I hope my story inspires others to be an ally, care, and support those who seek opportunities to grow. I’m proud to be a member of team NortonLifeLock and glad to work for a company that invests in me as a young professional. 

 If you are interested in knowing more about Foster Care:

1. https://calyouthconn.org/

2. https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-welfare-protection/policies

3. https://www.pivotalnow.org

4. https://ecstaffing.sccgov.org/services/county-santa-clara-intern-earn

5. https://www.sccgov.org/sites/ssa/other-services/rfa/Pages/rfa_faq.aspx

6. https://m.wic.ca.gov/About.aspx

7. https://www.californiacasa.org/become-a-casa

8. https://www.billwilsoncenter.org/about/who.html
    
9. https://edsource.org/2020/california-foster-youth-face-even-more-challenges-amid-pandemic/633904
    
10. https://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/college-resource-center/foster-care-to-college 

(1) Source: https://nfyi.org/issues/education/