After interning for FosterClub this summer, I made a promise to myself that I would continue my advocacy work with foster youth once I returned to Michigan. When I got back I spent two rigorous weeks lobbying on behalf of a Foster Children’s Bill of Rights at the Michigan House of Representatives. I am proud to announce that on October 13th that legislation was introduced. I was honestly surprised at the reaction I received from Congress who was more than willing to hear me out and take my opinions into consideration when drafting the bill.

As a foster youth alumni, I realized that my pain had a purpose. When I was in the system, I felt oppressed and that no matter how loud I raised my voice . . . no one heard me. Now I am determined to give every foster child a voice and the first step to ensure that this happens is to get this bill passed, this bill is the key to empowerment. I encourage anyone who is dissatisfied with the system to raise their voice because one voice can make a differences and that difference could change thousands of lives. You may be only one, but you are one.