I applied for this scholarship because of the family as well as the financial situation I’m in. I learned the definition of foster care at the age of five. It was something I was always afraid of. I’ve been in foster care on and off for the past decade. With this, financial stability wasn’t a realistic expectation. I wouldn’t know when and if I’d have access to a home, food, water, education, a bed, a parent, or hygienic utilities I needed growing up. I unfortunately believed throughout all my childhood those were considered a privilege to have. I felt constant fear. I knew my life didn’t feel normal, it didn’t match with the stories I would read. I found it strange how countless people haven’t experienced what I have and don’t know what DHS stands for—not having to live in a world where you’re constantly worried about security and safety, having to be thrown back into abusive and neglectful environments repeatedly, and not knowing if you would even live to see another day. I’m now almost seventeen years old. Twelve years have passed, with me being in and out of different homes throughout Oregon. I’m not afraid of my experiences anymore. My primary goal is to succeed in college and earn my bachelor’s degree in social work. I want to use my life journey and incorporate it to help the future of other foster kids like me, help them succeed and overcome their fears, as I have. I want to break my family’s cycle and help others who don’t know how to get out of it or where to begin. I made it out for a reason, and I plan to use my experiences and knowledge for the better. With my sociology degree, I will continue to be a foster care success story. I’m so excited and grateful to have this opportunity.