Arsany (Michael Mason)
He/Him
9 Years in Care in Virginia
Michael Mason, born in Egypt under the name Arsany, entered foster care at age five and faced significant challenges throughout his childhood. After re-entering foster care at 17, he found stability with a supportive foster family, which helped him improve his academics and pursue higher education. He later excelled at Richard Bland College, earning a 3.96 GPA, founding student organizations, and graduating with honors and accolades, culminating in his commencement speech. Further, he became a finalist for the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship and the Foster Love Family Fellowship Scholarship, resources he used to support his transfer to Amherst College, where he will be graduating debt-free.
Currently studying Biology, Arsany aims to become a physician and advocate for foster youth. He’s already made an impact on campus by serving as the Transfer Student representative for the student body and helping with programming as the event coordinator for several other student-led organizations. Outside of academics, Arsany dedicates himself to child welfare by serving on the non-profit youth-advisor board for the Virginia Department of Social Services, SPEAKOUT. Throughout his time on SPEAKOUT, he has advocated and worked directly with youth, adult supporters, and social workers, and influenced policy through the Virginia General Assembly with his lived experiences.
Looking ahead, Arsany plans to attend medical school and work with organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières to serve international under-resourced populations. He’s determined to create and support existing nonprofits that support youth in foster care, and work to change the policies that shape their lives, ensuring they have the resources to thrive. For Arsany, giving back is not optional-it's a responsibility.
