Elijah is a highly intelligent young man with a great sense of humor. He believes it's important to find reasons to laugh, as pain is a feeling he knows all too well. Elijah has spent most of his life in the foster care system. As he prepares to transition into adulthood, he has leaned on the support of his mentors and peers. Elijah has participated in independent living courses with his mentor, focusing on emotional regulation in response to his struggles with depression and anxiety. He takes pride in his recent efforts in public speaking and advocacy, working to promote systems change that will improve the foster care system and foster equity.