Ready to Make Him Pay
Names have been changed. Even at 8, I knew what was going on wasn’t right. But only later did I understand that I was a victim of sexual abuse by my stepfather. And now, at 17, I want him in prison. My biological dad died on my first birthday, so I never knew him. I […]
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I Started a Peer Tutoring Program Just for Foster Youth
My family has always emphasized the importance of education. All three of my aunts are teachers, and my father has helped me with my schoolwork throughout my life. My dad enrolled me in a prep course for Hunter College High School, one of New York City’s specialized schools for students in grades 7-12. When I […]
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Foster Youth Deserve a Seat at the Table
I have been in foster care since I was 16. In that time, I have served as a “youth voice” on youth advisory boards (YABs) for among others, my agency, Heartshare St. Vincent’s Services; Fair Futures; New Yorkers for Children; and the Dorm Project. I’ve spoken up because I didn’t have anyone to stand up […]
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Bringing My Attacker to Justice
Names have been changed. During my sophomore year in high school I downloaded an app for making friends in my area. Whenever I met someone, I told them right away that I was 15. When I first connected with Tom, he told me he was “around my age,” but I found out later he was […]
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