Youth and Young Adult Stories that Inspire

Youth and young adults across Virginia speak out about their stories of hope and resilience despite great challenges. Facing their fears, they turned experience to action and sought community and connection in programs like SPEAKOUT and Project LIFE. They found kindness, friendship, mentorship and instruction that supported them from foster care to adulthood.

Cynthia's Testimonial

"Being in foster care, I often felt like I had to hold everything together and never let it show when I was struggling. But when I started practicing self-care, I realized it’s okay to put myself first instead of always trying to please others. It’s helped me heal in major ways and start uncovering the real me that was hidden under survival mode."

- Cynthia

Josiah's Testimonial

"I went into an Independent Living Program after aging out of foster care which I had gone into at the age of fifteen. When I started IL, I had no concern for self-care which greatly impaired my life. Once I finally started caring, I noticed my life improving. My confidence improved and that opened new doors, such as SPEAKOUT. SPEAKOUT helped me by giving me a purpose and a voice that helped me continue life to this day."

- Josiah

Michael's Testimonial

"Being born in Egypt, growing up non-traditionally, and attending a community college before transitioning to a four-year institution have all played an integral role in how I interact with and interpret the world around me. My name is Michael Mason, but I go by my name assigned at birth, Arsany. I am currently a junior at Amherst College studying Biology. As I begin my professional journey, I relish the wisdom passed down to me from my mentors, advisors, and professors. My long-term goals include earning an M.D., influencing policy related to health disparities faced by foster youth, and working in international public healthcare."

- Michael

Melissa's Testimonial

Melissa is a driven and creative young leader whose journey through foster care has shaped her passion for advocacy and self-expression. She entered care at 16 and, despite early challenges with placements, persevered to graduate with an Associate’s Degree of Arts and Sciences, earning a spot on her community college’s Vice President’s List with a 3.4 GPA. She is now living independently through YouthQuest and preparing to pursue a Kinetic Imaging and Animation degree this fall, aiming to turn her artistic talents into a career as an animator.

Melissa has been deeply involved in foster youth advocacy, serving as a Youth Leader with Project LIFE and currently as Secretary for SPEAKOUT. She has participated on panels, helped organize events like the Summer Bash focused on self-care, and won multiple t-shirt design contests to inspire other youth in care.

In addition to her advocacy, Melissa is launching her business, Bubble Bright Logos, to use her creativity to spread positivity. Her long-term vision includes growing her leadership in SPEAKOUT, continuing her work with Project LIFE, and mentoring foster youth—ensuring that others can see the possibilities that persistence, creativity, and advocacy can create.