“As I was growing up, I was never great at advocating for myself. My experience in foster care instilled the false notion that I was insignificant into my mind; accompanied by loads of childhood trauma, I bounded myself to a reality where I thought my voice should not be heard, let alone considered. That self declaration of unworthiness created an avenue of missed opportunities, and oppression in my life.
A prime way to more effectively serve adolescents and young adults is to emphasize the fact that they matter.
After years of just taking the punches I finally realized that I could punch back. It was not until I recognized my own importance that I began to perform everything in my life with excellence.
Life in the foster care system puts an individual at a blatant disadvantage, and the youth who are taken advantage of but don’t stick up for themselves goes without mention; however, teaching youth to not be frightened of speaking up and out for themselves will grant them the quality of self preservation.
Foster youth deserve to love, care, respect, and most of all recognize themselves. Promoting self advocacy can improve the lifestyle of foster youth across the nation.”
– Eric D. Morals
I’m pleased to share today’s blog by Eric, one of the board members for our new Educational Foundation. Eric was a student of mine in High School and it is such a joy to see him grow into such a self confident young man. He truly embodies what YOU Life Skills and Leadership stands for.