AFFCF is currently funding 73 college students who aged out of foster care and are attending universities and community colleges statewide. This month, we’re pleased to introduce Cheyenne, who tells her story in her own words.
Growing up in the foster system, I always felt like I had to hide this part of me. I wondered how someone would react or if they would treat me differently if they knew this about me. Being embarrassed about my own identity because of others’ lack of knowledge and exposure to the term, I felt like I couldn’t be my true self.
Failure Isn’t Fixed into Our Destiny
The media has always portrayed foster youth negatively or that we are helpless. We’re either disadvantaged kids with a crippling struggle, or we’re miracles because we achieved some kind of success. This has a negative impact on us as we do not see ourselves being reflected positively in society.
We are victims of neglect, abuse, and a loss of childhood, but we have the choice to either remain victims or grow from our past. Failure isn’t fixed into our destiny. We are driven and talented, and we are capable of making smart decisions and taking the right path in life. We have goals and are ambitious. We have dreams and want to be successful.
Dreams of a Bright Future
I have achieved my dream of going to college to study nursing. I am currently a freshman in my second semester at ASU. I am a first-generation college student. I also dream of traveling the world and having a family someday. With a degree in Nursing, I plan to be a traveling nurse where I will travel the U.S. and help those in need. I give great thanks to AFFCF donors for your generosity and contribution toward my success.
Change the story for a youth aging out of foster care by making your Foster Care Tax Credit Donation to AFFCF. You can get a dollar-for-dollar credit on your Arizona state taxes, up to $500 for individuals and up to $1,000 for couples. Plus, you can claim your gift on your 2019 state taxes.