Graduates
Share your story….
You can serve as a source of inspiration to the many children facing the adversities of living in the system while at the same time help change the negative public perception surrounding foster care children. Society needs a wake up call, they need to hear about those of us who despite the challenges and adversities of our childhoods grew up to become productive members of society. Many of us were raised to keep silent, a result of shame or for fear of being judged. I believe that keeping quiet is the last thing we should do, overcoming the adversities of being in foster care is something that should be celebrated, respected and featured!
The Face of a Foster Care Graduate Campaign:
This campaign will offer a series of postings that will feature stories written by former foster care children. Each posting will feature a different graduate’s story and photo. Share your story and give these foster care children the hope that so many of us didn’t have. Let them see your face and read about the success stories of people who have walked in their shoes. No one understands what they are going through better than a foster care graduate. Submit your inspirational story and photograph to jennifer@fostercareinamerica.com.
Below is a list of questions and answers that will help you get started writing your story:
What is a graduate?
The term graduate refers to former foster care youth. A former foster care youth is someone that spent time in the system as a child and is now an adult. Time spent in the system may be a month, a year, or a lifetime.
What should I write about?
As a general rule, speak about what you are most proud of accomplishing in your life. Talk about whatever forms of inspiration you tapped into to get yourself to where you are today. Include recommendations on sources of inspirational content that you really found helpful. Is there a book or movie that inspired you to believe in yourself? If yes, what about it inspired you and what was it called?
How much should I talk about my time and experience in foster care?
You are free to share as much or as little detail as you are comfortable with. In order to relate to these children we need to tell them about our past. Please keep in mind that our goal is to offer these children hope and inspiration so it is important that the overall message of your story be positive, with strong focus on what you have accomplished in spite of your experience in the system.
What is considered a success, is there some set criteria that has to be met to qualify?
There is no set criteria. Success comes in all shapes and sizes and we each have our own very unique definition of what we consider success to mean.
If you could offer any kind of advice or encouragement to a foster care child, something that you have learned that would benefit them or lift their spirits, what would it be?
Imagine yourself speaking to a room full of foster care children, what would you say to them?
